Intreegue Garden of the Month: A Romantic Journey Through Jardin de Berchigranges
Step into the verdant embrace of Jardin de Berchigranges, where time slows and romance blooms around every corner. Nestled in the heart of the Vosges mountains in France, this enchanting garden has become a favorite of mine, often inspiring my own design work. Join me on a narrated journey through this Romantic Garden, especially fitting for our Intreegue Garden of the Month feature on this Valentine’s Day, and let the magic of Jardin de Berchigranges sweep you off your feet.
As you wander through Jardin de Berchigranges, each path and direction beckons with its own allure. Our first stop takes us to a serene stream and arched stone bridge, where soft turf invites lingering gazes, buzzing bees and the soft chirp of birds provide a tranquil soundtrack.
Crafted by the skilled hands of Monique and Thierry Dronet, the garden’s design exudes romance at every turn. Secluded seating areas invite quiet moments of togetherness, while thoughtfully placed pathways lead to sweeping vistas of the Vosges Mountains and intimate encounters with delicate wildflowers.
The passion of the Dronets for the land is evident in every detail, from the timeless boulder work to the hand-built rock walls with growing moss. Walkways of heavy cobble evoke a sense of wandering through a hobbit’s shire, adding to the garden’s enchanting ambiance.
With its sprawling 25 hectares, Jardin de Berchigranges offers an abundance of breathtaking sights to behold. Blue Himalayan poppies mingle among wildflowers, while hydrangeas with billowy cloud-like flowers invite moments of awe and reflection. The sculptured ‘lady chamber garden’ beckons with fragrant blooms, creating a space where time seems to stand still.
In the bohemian garden, tamed and wildness intertwine seamlessly. I found myself compelled to kick off my shoes and walk hand in hand with my husband, as the saying goes, “What you plant in the garden is yourself”.
For Monique and Thierry, Jardin de Berchigranges is more than just a garden—it’s a living, breathing testament to their love for the land. “We’re not making a garden, we’re living it,” they say, and indeed, their passion shines through in every aspect of this magical place.
Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with a special someone or simply seeking a moment of quiet reflection, Jardin de Berchigranges promises to capture your heart and leave you longing for more. So, for your next visit to France, why not let the enchantment of this fairytale garden sweep you off your feet?!?
We wish you a Valentine’s Day filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments that warm your heart.
Intreegue Design is a licensed landscape architecture firm operating in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Napa Valley, California. We offer the added value of having expert horticulturists, forest conservation planners, Chesapeake Bay Landscape Design professionals and ISA-certified arborists in house.
Learn more about working with Intreegue and our Design Process.
