Tickets can be purchased online. At reception, we accept cheques, cash, bank cards, physical ANCV holiday vouchers and PassCulture. We do not accept ANCV Connect. Please note that ANCV holiday vouchers can only be used to pay for admission tickets to the gardens.
What are the payment terms for groups?
We accept payment by bank transfer, cheque and credit card.
Are the gardens accessible to people with reduced mobility ?
The gardens are partially wheelchair accessible. The Main Courtyard Garden, the Formal Garden and the Baroque Garden are accessible, but the Moat Garden is not (please refer to theinteractive map).
Is the castle open to visitors?
No, only the exterior of the château and its gardens are open to visitors. However, during events such as European Heritage Days (the third weekend in September), guided tours of the château’s interiors are organised.
Are dogs allowed in the gardens?
Oui, les chiens tenus en laisse sont autorisés dans les jardins.
Are the gardens open on public holidays?
Yes. During the opening season (from mid-March to mid-November), we are open on public holidays at our usual opening times (Easter Sunday and Monday, 1 May, 8 May, Ascension Thursday, Whit Monday, 14 July and 15 August).
Are there any discounts for people over 60?
No, there are no discounts for senior citizens.
Are there any discounts for civil servants and cultural workers?
No, as a private garden, we do not offer discounts to public sector employees.
How long is a ticket purchased online valid for ?
The garden ticket is valid for one year from the date of purchase.
Is the garden ticket valid for the whole day?
Yes, the garden ticket is valid for the whole day.
Is it possible to take a guided tour?
Yes, guided tours are available by booking in advance only; please contact chateau@la-ballue.com. The guided tour is led by the owners or the head gardener.
Can we organise a visit as part of a school trip?
Yes, it’s always a pleasure to show children or students on training courses around the gardens. To arrange a visit with a school group, please contact the owners at the following email address chateau@la-ballue.com.
Is it essential to book in advance for a group of 15 people?
Yes, for organisational reasons, we ask groups of more than 15 people to let us know in advance, specifying the number of people and their arrival time. You can contact us at the following email address chateau@la-ballue.com.
Are the gardens open to the public free of charge during Heritage Days?
No, during Heritage Days, admission to the garden costs the same as usual, but we are offering guided tours of the castle’s interiors throughout the weekend.
When does your cultural season start?
We start our season with the Topiary Weekend in early May.
How big is the garden?
The garden tour covers an area of 2 hectares.
How long does the tour of the gardens take?
The tour lasts an average of 1h30.
Is it allowed to have a picnic in the gardens?
Yes, you are welcome to have a picnic in the tea room, but we do ask our visitors to let us know in advance.
Can we use the swimming pool and spa?
No, access to the spa and swimming pool is restricted to guests staying in the Chateau. You can book a room here.
Come see us
How do I get to the Ballue Gardens?
Coming from Pontorson (Mont-saint-Michel) , take the D975 towards Val-Couesnon. From Val-Couesnon, take the D313 towards Bazouges-la-Pérouse. Halfway along the route, signs point to the Château de la Ballue, a listed historic monument.
Coming from Saint-Malo, follow the D137 then the N176/E401 towards Dol-de-Bretagne. Once you reach Dol-de-Bretagne, take the D155 towards Trans-la-Forêt. Then, at the Villecartier forest, take the D91 and follow the signs to La Ballue.
Coming from Rennes, take the northern ring road, exit 15 ‘Route historique du Mont Saint Michel’ (the D 175). At Sens-de-Bretagne, head towards Combourg via the D794, then at Saint-Rémi-du-Plain, follow signs to Bazouges-la-Pérouse (D90). At the crossroads in Bazouges-la-Pérouse, the castle is signposted 4 km from the village.
Is there any public transport to the gardens?
No, unfortunately. To visit the gardens, you’ll need to come by car or bike.
What is the nearest train station?
The château is a 20-minute drive from Combourg station and a 25-minute drive from Pontorson-Mont-Saint-Michel station.
We’re a group travelling by bus. Where can we park?
There is plenty of space for coaches to park at the side of the road, alongside the castle.
The gardens
Is it allowed to take photos of the gardens?
Yes, there are no restrictions in that regard.
Combien y a-t-il de jardiniers ?
Our team varies throughout the year depending on our needs, but it usually consists of between 2 and 4 gardeners. If you wish, you can contact us by email to submit an unsolicited application, including your CV and covering letter.
When do the gardens come into bloom?
You can visit our page ‘Gardens Through the Seasons’. You can also check out our Instagram account, where photos of the season are posted regularly.
Which plants are used for topiary ?
Topiary can be created using any plant. At La Ballue, the plants mainly used are boxwood, yew and thuja, for small, medium and large specimens respectively.
What birds can be found in gardens?
In the garden, you may spot blackbirds, titmice and song thrushes. In the tea room, you’ll see a very tame robin. We are a LPO (League for the Protection of Birds) sanctuary. We recommend using the MERLIN app to identify birds during your visit.
What animals can be found in gardens?
In the gardens, as well as birds, we have a flock of hens and a few ducks. Depending on the time of year and the time of day, it is not uncommon to spot a roe deer in the fields, wild rabbits or moorhens.
Is there a book about the Ballue Gardens?
Yes, in 2012, MF Mathiot & Y. Monel, in collaboration with Verlhac Publishers, published a book showcasing the gardens throughout the year. You can find it in the shop.
How can I find out about upcoming events?
You can sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about upcoming events. You can also follow us on Facebookand Instagram, where we post updates on upcoming events.
Tea room & shop
What cakes are available at the tea room?
In our tea room, we offer a variety of homemade cakes, such as "pain de Gênes" (almond cake), fruit tarts, fruit cake, lemon cake and chocolate cake…
Do I need to book to visit the tea room?
No, we do not take bookings for the tea room.
Can I access the tea room without buying a garden ticket?
Yes, you can come and enjoy the tea room without buying a ticket for the gardens. The tea room is just past the reception area.
Is there anywhere to get something to eat at the tea room?
In the tea room, we offer a selection of fish rillettes, meat rillettes and vegetable purées, served with toasted bread and salted butter. We also serve homemade cakes and ice cream.
History of the site
When were the gardens created?
The gardens were created in 1973 by C. Arthaud, P. Maymont and F-H. Stevens.
In 2018, the boxwood nursery, which had been painstakingly built up over many years, was awarded the label of the "Conservatoire des Collections Végétales Spécialisées" (CCVS), a non-profit organisation under the 1901 Act. This organisation’s mission is to conserve and promote the various existing botanical varieties.
Do the castle and the gardens belong to a local authority?
No, the Château de la Ballue and its gardens are privately owned.
Are the gardens subsidised?
On a day-to-day basis, there are no specific grants available for the upkeep of the gardens. However, in the event of exceptional circumstances, financial assistance may be granted by the "Directions régionales des affaires culturelles" (DRAC) due to the gardens’ status as a listed monument.
Is the castle inhabited?
Yes, the château is inhabited and also operates as a guesthouse.
Guest rooms & special requests
I’d like to organise a photo shoot or a film shoot – who should I contact?
If you would like to organise a photo shoot or a film shoot, please contact Ms Mathiot at chateau@la-ballue.com.
I’m a journalist and I’m interested in writing an article about gardens. How should I go about it?
No, unfortunately, we do not organise weddings. You will find some exceptional venues in the region that specialise in this.
Find the Association of Wedding Suppliers in Brittany online at mariage-bretagne.net.
Do you organise photography for weddings?
Yes, we can offer to take wedding photos in the gardens. For organisational reasons, we only accept groups comprising the photographer, the bride and groom, the witnesses and close family.
