Our take
Le Nôtre gardens in the heart of Auvergne, set at the end of a basalt flow, with hornbeam hedges nearly 5 metres high. The château is secondary, the gardens are worth the trip.
Formal French gardens designed by Le Nôtre, in front of a 15th-century château, 5 minutes from the basilica of Orcival. Only the gardens can be visited, a few weeks a year.
A private château at Orcival, built in the 15th century and embellished in the 18th. Formal French gardens designed by André Le Nôtre, classified as a historic monument and awarded the “Jardin remarquable” (remarkable garden) label. Only the gardens can be visited, on an unguided visit: the interior of the château remains private. In 2026, admission costs €5, free for under-6s. The gardens only open for a few weeks a year, between May and September, from 11:00 to 17:00: check the dates before you come. Can be combined with the basilica of Orcival.
Why we love it
- The avenue of hornbeam hedges, nearly 5 metres high, leading to the cour d'honneur (main courtyard)
- The medieval silhouette that appears between the trees as you approach
- The contrast between the 15th-century towers and the classical rigour of the gardens
Top tip
Focus on the gardens (unguided visit, more freedom), the interior of the château cannot be visited. Combine it with the basilica of Notre-Dame d'Orcival, 5 min away (a Romanesque masterpiece). Avoid peak hours in July and August.
Before you go
- No need to book: you can just turn up during opening hours.
- Single rate for 2026: €5 per person, free for under-6s. Bank card or cash.
- Gardens open in 2026 from 14 to 17 May, from 5 to 7 June (Rendez-vous aux jardins, the national open-gardens event), from 25 July to 20 August and from 17 to 23 September (Journées du patrimoine, the European Heritage Days, included), from 11:00 to 17:00, last entry at 16:30. The interior of the château cannot be visited.
- Combine it with the basilica of Orcival, 5 minutes by car
- The gardens can be visited at your own pace, handy if you are short of time
- Check the dates before you come, opening is concentrated in the warmer months
- Gravel paths, with steep slopes in places: bring good shoes. Dogs allowed on a lead.
Practical info
- Address
- Cordes, 63210 Orcival, France
63210 Orcival
Opening hours
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Around Château de Cordès
6 spots in and around Orcival, enough to build your day.
Where to eat close by
Where to stay nearby
Hikes nearby
Waymarked routes within 15 km, GPX track included.
On footFrom Pont des Eaux to Mazayes (stage 2 of the Dômes loop)
Start: Pont des Eaux
- 10.6 km
- +160 m
- 3 h 30 min
On footWorth a read
Articles and guides that mention this place.
Hikes around Château de Cordès
On footFrom Pont des Eaux to Mazayes (stage 2 of the Dômes loop)
Start: Pont des Eaux
- 10.6 km
- +160 m
- 3 h 30 min
On foot
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