Hidden in the bocage near Barneville-Carteret lies the most famous garden of the Cotentin: La Maubrairie, the work of Stéphane Marie, the face of the beloved French gardening show “Silence, ça pousse!”. Here, on his native soil, he has spent some thirty years cultivating a dialogue between garden and landscape, nourished by his past as a theatre set designer.
The estate is made up of several gardens — the morning garden, the afternoon garden, the evening garden where the show’s sequences are filmed — explored freely, often in the presence of the master of the house, who is happy to answer questions.
Be aware: the garden is private and opens to the public only a few days a year. Check the opening dates and times on their Instagram before setting out — and if your dates line up, do not hesitate for a second.
Stay at the château
Make the château your base for this and everything else in the guide: four B&B rooms from €95 a night, four self-catering cottages from €100 a night, 35 minutes from the Cherbourg ferry. Best rate when you book direct.