CHATEAU DE MALLE - HISTOTY OF FAMILY - A SUPERB ABODE - ITALIAN GARDENS - VISIT

THE ITALIAN GARDENS

The gardens of Château de Malle have been classified an historic monument in the same way as the Château itself. These gardens extend over 6 hectares and are modelled on the Florentine parks. If Versailles and the royal gardens were undoubtedly the source of inspiration nevertheless the Italian influence is predominant.

The gardens of Château de Malle are laid out with a central alley as starting point and are aligned onto two terraces following the natural inclination of the land. The stone collections which decorate them were sculpted by Italian artists brought to Guyenne at the beginning of the 17th Century by the Duke of Epernon who was at the same time building his own château at Cadillac on the opposite bank of the Garonne. These stone sculptures represent figures taken from various origins. From Greek and Roman mythology, Cephale and Aurora, Cupid or even Zephyr, as well as Flora, the Italic goddess of flowers and gardens. Also Venus regarding her lover Adonis. There are also a group of figures inspired by regional influences, such as the work in the vineyards, the pleasures of hunting and fishing as well as representations of wine themes and of inebriation. To the East of the first terrace, forming part of the surrounding wall, a small Italian theatre is hidden. A gallery of arcades and a belvedere form an ensemble made from ashlar (freestone).

The three different personalities of the “Commedia dell'arte” : Pantaloon, Scaramouche and Harlequin, are to be found in three alcoves. The cut wood silhouettes, dating from the 17th Century and painted “en trompe l'oeil”, now in the entrance hall of the Château, most certainly served as immobile figurines in the comedy plays, which were presented in days gone by in this charming little theatre.
A small staircase on the right hand side of the theatre gives access to the second terrace where the four elements are represented : Fire, Water, Earth and Air.