A complete afternoonin "the Folie" Flaugergues

A complete afternoon in Flaugergues

The Tourist Office advises me to discover one of the most beautiful “Folies” in Montpellier, the Château de Flaugergues and take the opportunity to visit the remarkable gardens and taste the wines of the family estate.

Flaugergues Magnificent and noble residence

After a 5-minute walk from bus stop”Évariste Gallois” (line 9), I reach my goal in the heart of the city, the castle, and I take a ticket for a visit of the gardens followed by a tasting (“Flânerie aux gardens”). By this beautiful sun, I feel that I will have a very pleasant time!

I first discover the terrace with statues and with its simple appearance. I take the time to observe the beautiful residence: construction in freestone, very neat, it offers a monumental picture.

I have an impression of nobility accentuated by the presence of rich sculptures and wrought iron, I have no trouble to imagine the magnificence of the building during the Grand Siècle.

Did you know ?
Flaugergues castle dates from 1696. Etienne de Flaugergues, adviser to the Court of Auditors of Montpellier, acquired the estate to which he gave his name. It has been managed and inhabited for several generations by the Colbert family, descendants of the famous minister of Louis XIV.

Walk in the beautiful gardens

My tour continues with the discovery of the large French parterre, where thousands of box trees have been planted to give an impression of a “green river”, and the discovery of the large alley of olive trees from which I can admire the castle.

I am seduced by the park and its English garden, a real exotic plant setting: a floral decor, varied, exoticism and freshness in this month of May. Everything is carefully described by slates near the remarkable trees.

Here palm trees, there a remarkable collection of citrus fruits and a charming orangery: I feel “out of time” and it feels good in our ultra-connected universe. My “journey” in the park ends up with a real forest of majestic Bamboos: I feel like I’m in Asia and I feel deeply zen, peaceful, I breathe…

For nature lovers :
The green spaces of the castle are classified as ‘Remarkable Gardens’, in particular for the diversity and rarity of species. Just disturbed by the chirping of birds, it is hard to believe that the oldest ‘Folie’ in Montpellier is located in the city, near the Millénaire district.

A family History And fine wines

My senses are awakened, I now head enthusiastically to the cellar for the Wine tasting, the final stage of my journey. I am very lucky because Pierre de Colbert our host and winemaker of the estate offers to join for the tasting. After having kindly greeted me, we start the tasting with a Syrah Pays d’Oc IGP 2016.

At the sight, a beautiful and deep dark red color, on the nose a real intensity: I smell blackcurrant, blackberry…in the mouth, freshness, a silky side.

Then we take the time to appreciate a bit of the Colbert 2014 cuvée, AOP Grés de Montpellier, a remarkable blend with a raspberry color and elegant smoke. I smell a hint of cocoa, this one is more fleshy and would pair, with refinement, beef or game.

Through these beautiful wines, I can appreciate the passionate work of the Colbert family, the love of the castle and the estate.

They welcome you:
Henri and Brigitte de Colbert, Pierre’s parents have been in love with their castle, the Château de Flaugergues, owned by their family for over 300 years. They like to share their passion for the beautiful, the good, the vine and the arts.