Domaine Chavat
26 Rue Pierre Vincent, 33720 Podensac, France
Gironde
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
On a vast terrace overlooking the Garonne, the wine estate dates back to the end of the 17th century. Abandoned in the 19th century, it was reborn in 1915 with François Thévenot (public works contractor) who made it a place of pleasure. The owner entrusts Charles Bouhana (Parisian landscape architect) with the execution of the landscaped park, while Henri Marmisse (Bordeaux architect) carries out the architectural elements. The team also includes, in 1917, Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, said Le Corbusier, who designs the water tower intended to supply the fountains, the water course and the castle. Off-centered in the composition of the garden, the castle marks the clear boundary between the straight paths of the French garden and the landscaped English park, where beautiful trees are planted bringing shade and freshness to the winding paths furnished with surprises. Thus, numerous statues, copies of Greco-Roman antiquity or the Renaissance, in marble by Ernesto Gazzeri including a sculpted group The Mystery of Life, in bronze from the Nelli Roman foundries, or from Pius Welónski, enliven the premises. To this are added artificial rock caves. Sold in 1934 at the town hall, the estate became a retirement home until 1999, when it was transformed into a public garden.
Tags
Jardin remarquable, Public garden, Monument historique
Domaine Chavat ©CHOPIN Anne
