The farm of Bois Richeux, situated in the heart of the Carnutes’ Forest, is one of the oldest farms in France, dating back to Celtic times. In 1178, it became the Villa Franche of the Chapter of Chartres and hosted the first free farmers.
Throughout the entire Middle Ages, it was an important fortified farm, with manor, chapel, tithebarn (XIIth century) and dovecote (1364). In 1674, the property was purchased by Madame de Maintenon and Louis XIV. The Medieval Gardens of Bois Richeux reflect this very special history.
All around the manor, aromatic, culinary and medicinal plants are laid out in a checkerboard pattern. A secluded courtyard, protected from the Beauce winds by a fine trelliswork of climbing vines and osier, contains the kitchen garden and courtly flowers. The hornbeam cloister, leading from the “Room of love” to the “Room of meditation” is a reminder that the Bois Richeux Gardens are not merely a collection of plants but also a spiritual journey into the symbolism of the Middle Ages.
