An Italian feel at Domaine de la Garenne Lemot in Clisson
For a romantic getaway with a Tuscan feel, come to beautiful Clisson, designated a ‘small town of character’. Domaine de la Garenne Lemot is a haven of peace, perfect for a timeless stroll in the Loire-Atlantique.
Close to the Château de Clisson, Domaine de la Garenne Lemot was built at the initiative of François-Frédéric Lemot, a sculptor and great admirer of Italian architecture. On a visit to Clisson, he was enchanted by the landscapes and purchased a portion of the former hunting grounds of the Lords of Clisson.
He began construction work in 1808, quickly relegating the ancient woodland on the site to the past.
Today, you can visit the estate shaped by the sculptor and his son. You can enjoy a guided tour (on reservation) or stroll freely through the grounds, which are open to all throughout the year.
There are two ways to enter the estate: by car, through the main entrance, where you will find a car park, or on foot from the château (cross the bridge with the château behind you, then take the lane to your right).
Stunning architecture and romanticism at Domaine de la Garenne Lemot
Situated on the banks of the Sèvre Nantaise river, the estate features a rustic Italian-style house and a neoclassical villa. These utterly charming buildings lend a unique atmosphere to the estate.
Inspired by Lemot's time in Italy, ornamental follies punctuate your tour of the estate and serve as a common thread to your visit. As you stroll, you’ll meet Ceres, goddess of fertility, a Roman senator or even Roman empress Faustina.
The imposing rock also inspired François-Frédéric Lemot, who inscribed them with a few famous verses and enigmatic quotes.
Take the time to ensconce yourself in the reproduction of the grotto of Héloïse, created as a tribute to Héloïse and Abélard and to thwarted love. The Baths of Diana, the pergolas and the banks of the Sèvre are just some of the bucolic little places that inspire lovers to whisper sweet nothings to one another!
The viewpoints over the Sèvre, the château and the Temple of Friendship are other must-sees!
Explore the grounds with the Baludik app
While it is entirely possible to freely explore the 13 hectares of the estate, you’ll be pleased to do it using the Baludik app if you’re with a child.
Download the Baludik app free on theApp Store or Google Play and come to the estate entrance. Once you have downloaded the app, open it and click on “Sélectionner un parcours” (“Select a route”). You then have the option of two fun routes: “Découverte sonore de la Garenne Lemot (“Discover la Garenne Lemot through sound”) and “L'inquiétant mystère de la Garenne Lemot...” (“The troubling mystery of la Garenne Lemot...”). Now let yourself be guided through the grounds!
Year-round exhibitions
This is not an estate frozen in time; events are organised all year round. In summer, musical and circus performances shine a new light on the estate.
The artist Cornelia Konrads has also designed four new follies, taking inspiration from and giving a new twist to the historic follies and works on display in the grounds to create strange stories and enter into a surreal world. At the entrance to the estate, the statues of Hippomenes and Atalanta play a curious match and set the tone for the works scattered throughout the shaded walkways.
In 2021, the villa will once again host temporary exhibitions.