The garden at le Châtellier
The garden at Le Châtellier is known as the Parc Floral de Haute Bretagne. It covers some fifty acres and was originally constructed around 1830. It is really 16 gardens in one, since it is carefully divided into different themed plantings, the views of each one unfolding as you explore. Once you have entered you are free to wander around, and maps are provided which detail routes suitable for wheelchairs and for the less agile.
Themed areas include, for example, a bamboo grove, a Persian garden, a garden for the four seasons, and an activity garden for children, along with many others.
The garden is situated to the North-West of Fougères on the road to St-James. At 100Km it is a 2-hour drive from Les Hallais; you will need a road map. From Les Hallais go West to Laval then North-West to Ernée and then West to Fougères. St-James is signposted down the D798 out of Fougères, and the Parc Floral de Haute Bretagne is signposted off this road.
You will need to allow at least two hours just to travel the paths; more if you want to take things slowly and pause to sit on the many benches to enjoy the views. There are refreshments available in the main house in the middle of the park, and well-tended plants of the kinds seen in the garden are on sale from the nursery. The Parc Floral de Haute Bretagne is open March through November; afternoons only outside of April - September. There is an admission charge.
There is more information at their website: Click here.