Motte Tilly chateau park

Motte Tilly park is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful historical parks in Champagne-Ardennes. Mostly open to the public, it evokes the style of living at the end of the 18th century and the transition from the regular “formal" French style garden, to the romantic, landscaped, “English” style garden.

Abbot Terray, controller of finances under Louis XV, wanted a house to match the heights of his social position and his fortune. The surrounding garden was intended to extend the architecture and enhance it.

Amongst other things you can see:

- the ha-ha separating the grand avenue from the main courtyard.

- the Orangery whose large windows provided light and warmth for the plants kept there for the winter. Orange trees, but lemon trees, pomegranates, coffee bushes and pineapples... as well, plants that were both decorative and intended to supply Abbot Terray's tables.

- the sunken garden, an edged lawn formerly used for games of boules.

- the terraces, on three successive levels leading the way down to the large pool, the mirror of water.

- Motte Tilly grotto which provided a cool spot for summer use, particularly remarkable for its carved decor.