April 25th – Cahors, France – Through the keen eye of proprietor Alain Dominique Perrin (since 1980), Chateau Lagrézette is a testament to his creative and artistic vision. The wine estate represents the intersection of craftsmanship and tradition he is so well-versed in as the man who reinvented modern luxury and as a renowned art collector.
One of the early and joyful challenges at Lagrézette was recreating the splendid gardens that date back to 1503.
Take a Walk Through the Gardens and Time
Much like the Lagrézette estate that was transformed by Alain Dominique, the gardens that it sits on were equally transformed. Under Perrin’s direction, expert landscapers created the enchanting gardens there today. The sound of water is omnipresent, and there are charming discoveries at every turn. Just like the interior of the castle, a clever mix of contemporary art and Haute Époque furniture, the gardens are a delicate harmony of century-old trees and more recent vegetation inspired by monasteries—boxwood, rosemary, Jerusalem sage and medicinal plants. Oleanders, hornbeams, feijoas, cotoneasters, and magnolias complement English gardens with their delicate roses.
A stroll through the gardens begins at a stream feeding into a pond full of wild ducks, where an English clinker-style mahogany boat is on display. Behind the 17th-century water mill, a vast meadow leads to the 18th-century greenhouse, protecting the Anduze pots and mandarin orange trees from the winter cold. Through the ancient forest of boxwood, holly, oak, lime and elms, one might encounter a family of deer or even a few wild boars.
The return to the castle winds through the orchard, where olive trees shade the large tables set up for casual meals with friends. A white Carrara marble sculpture by Ettore Sottsass borders the tennis court. From there, a small bridge overlooking a rare heritage-listed pond with a wisteria arbor leads south to the vegetable garden, redesigned by English landscape architect Michele Osborne. The lush plants and the pool area are the work of Louis Benech, an internationally renowned French gardener. Intertwined chestnut branches, fruit trees, Anduze pots and multicolored flowers are arranged around a central fountain sheltered by an arbor overflowing with roses. A little further on, a pergola of vines shades a table intended for meals in small groups.
Heading north, you will come across a monumental sculpture by the German artist Ulrich Rückriem in the ceremonial garden. Located in front of the castle’s famous dovecote are a stunning labyrinth of yew trees and a vast 17th-century pool with six water jets. The effect is spectacular when the fountains are flowing and the flag with the Lagrézette coat of arms is hoisted! A sculpture by the Swiss artist Gottfried Honneger sits majestically between the pool and an Art Nouveau kiosk from 1880 adorned with copper grape leaves.
The stroll continues eastward, through an avenue of lime trees, to the castle’s large terrace, which offers a magnificent panorama of the green hills of the Lot Valley. The steps that lead down from the terrace are built from 17th-century stone. Michele Osborne sourced many of the old materials from Mâcon, where one of the best French specialists in architectural antiques, the Maison Renoud Grappin, is based.
Please click on the link HERE to experience more about the beauty of the estate’s outdoor wonders and design.
About Alain Dominique Perrin
Known globally as the passionate and dedicated proprietor of Lagrézette, M. Perrin has devoted monumental energy towards the restoration of Chateau Lagrézette. Paramount to this end has been the replanting program, vineyard expansion and exacting maintenance of its spectacular vines. His wines, which are at once powerful, generous, elegant and refined, are the expression of a profound love of the region, of its art of living, culture and traditions.
Alain Dominique Perrin is also an emblematic figure in the world of luxury, notably the man responsible for the renaissance and development of Cartier International. Today he continues to preside over the destiny of the Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art in Paris as President. M. Perrin created the Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art in 1984 with good friend and renowned sculptor César.
In 2004, the French Minister for Culture nominated him President of the Public Establishment of the Jeu de Paume, dedicated to art and photography. M. Perrin is a member of the International Board of the Tate Gallery (London). He is also Commander of the Légion d’Honneur, Commander of the National Order of Merit, Commander of Arts and Letters, and Officer of Agricultural Merit. His five children are all involved in different sectors of his empire — many helping to expand the world of Lagrézette.
