Welcome to Parc de Lesseps: A Journey Through History and Nature

The Legacy of the de Lesseps Family

Parc de Lesseps is steeped in a rich and fascinating history, closely linked to the de Lesseps family. Ferdinand de Lesseps, the renowned French diplomat and promoter of the Suez and Panama Canals , made his mark on history with his monumental achievements. Although his primary residence was at Château La Chesnaye near Guilly, it was his eldest son, Charles de Lesseps, who left an indelible mark on his grandmother's land in Planches.

Charles de Lesseps with his father, Ferdinand de Lesseps and his mother in law Hélène Autard de Bragard.

The Castle and the Presbytery: Witnesses of the Past

At the end of the 19th century, her eldest son, Charles de Lesseps, had the Château de Planches built on his grandmother's land, on the site of an old church demolished during the years 1897-1899. The church was apparently located a little behind the castle, which would have a common foundation and which owes its East/West orientation to it (churches have the nave to the East and the entrance to the West). We also find on the North facade (terrace side) the central pillar which could come from this church.

The castle's ironwork shows two intersecting Ls, the Lesseps coat of arms.

The presbytery predates the castle, built in 1726, and today houses a gîte. At the time, it operated with a church which

The well, on the south side, is an old column capital.

As a nod to the Suez Canal, which was inaugurated on November 17, 1869, you can discover on the left of the garden a miniature replica of Suez, a canal fed by the spring of the old drinking trough, now a wash house. And at the entrance to the Park is the statue Immortality, a bronze signed by the famous founder Ferdinand Barbedienne. Charles de Lesseps received it as a gift from the Suez Company in 1913.

The outbuildings (parking side) are:

· the caretaker's house (yellow house)

· the hunting lodge (small lodge which has been greatly enlarged more recently)

· the stables (the renovated part of which is my neighbors' house)

· the cellar (long building at my neighbors)

The Park: A Refuge of Biodiversity

The 17-hectare English-style park, planted when the château was built, is home to a variety of tree species, some of which are two hundred years old. Crossed by the Théols River, the park is now a haven for biodiversity. I am now working to preserve nature by allowing the meadows to bloom freely, thus providing a feast of nectar for pollinators.

In spring, visitors can discover wildflower meadows and indulge in wildflower gathering to create wild recipes or ancestral balms. Lesseps Park is not only a place of relaxation, but also a refuge for a variety of plant and animal species, making it an important site for nature conservation.

To conclude

Lesseps Park is a place where history and nature meet. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking tranquility, this park offers a unique and enriching experience. I invite you to explore its trails, discover its hidden treasures, and soak up its peaceful atmosphere.