Château de Malle, Historical monument and castle in Preignac, France
Château de Malle is a castle in Preignac with extensive gardens spreading across approximately 6 hectares. The layout features two terraces that follow the natural slope of the land, connected by a central pathway that divides the property.
The gardens were designed between 1717 and 1724 by Alexandre-Eutrope de Lur-Saluces, blending Italian and French garden traditions. His approach drew from both the formal elegance of Versailles and the classical forms of Italian gardens.
Stone statues of mythological figures like Aurora, Cupid, and Flora are scattered throughout the terraces, reflecting the tastes of the era. Walking through the grounds, you encounter these classical characters as part of the garden's design.
The castle and gardens are best visited during weekday mornings when fewer visitors are present. The pathways through the grounds are paved and mostly level, making it comfortable to explore on foot with appropriate footwear.
An Italian-style theater structure is built into the enclosure wall and displays painted wooden figures from the 17th century. These figures represent commedia dell'arte characters and represent one of the less noticed details of the property.
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