Apremont-sur-Allier: A floral delight in the heart of France

The main reason for our return to Apremont-sur-Allier, recognized as one of 'Les Plus Beaux Villages de France',was to visit its enchanting floral gardens,which we missed on our first visit. The Parc Floral d’Apremont is not your typical château garden. It’s a living, breathing mosaic of design and nature, where paths meander through themed spaces that feel more like chapters in a novel than sections of a park.

Created in the 1970s by Gilles de Brissac, the then owner of the chateau, the garden draws from English romanticism, French elegance, and far-flung inspirations from Turkey, Russia, and the East. It is set in the grounds of the chateau and around a lovely set of buildings which includes holiday rental accommodation.

We started our walk in the gardens by walking under the wisteria arched pergola which must be wonderful when they are in full bloom during spring.

As you wander through the garden, each structure tells its own story:

A bright red Chinese bridge, lacquered and bold, arcs over calm water with poetic grace.

A Russian-style Belvedere, whimsically decorated with ceramic murals, peeks out from a hillside like something from a fairytale.

The Turkish Pavilion, complete with intricate tilework and painted ceilings, floats dreamily beside a reflective pond.

A waterfall made with 650 tons of rocks was built in an unused quarry.

One of the most remarkable things about the Floral Park is its ability to feel both grand and intimate. 

There’s a peacefulness here that’s hard to describe. Maybe it’s the sight of the gentle flowing Allier River nearby or the way the garden seems to gently frame the village and its hilltop château. Or maybe it's just its ability to transport you...somewhere else.

Whether you’re a gardener, a photographer, or simply someone who appreciates quiet beauty, Apremont-sur-Allier’s Floral Garden offers a rich, sensory escape. It’s not just a visit, it’s a memory waiting to to have so glad we now have it.