The “Norman Versailles” is organizing a magical night this August 9

For lovers of castles, beautiful gardens and gilding, the Château du Champ-de-Bataille in Sainte-Opportune-du-Bosc (Eure) is well worth a detour during this summer period. Built in the 17th century, bought by the architect Jacques Garcia in 1992 , the monument houses furniture and objects from revolutionary sales, such as the salon of Madame de Pompadour, Marie-Antoinette's screen, Louis XV chairs... So many exceptional objects that make up a private collection unique in France.

The château and its grounds were awarded their third Michelin Green Guide star last March, but it's this 45-hectare park that draws the most crowds . Inspired by a plan by André le Nôtre, with its 1.5 km long perspective, it is the largest private garden in Europe. The whole complex can be visited during the day, from April to November. To discover the park at night, you'll have to go there on August 9, during its "candlelit evening."

The discovery begins outside the château, leaving the parking lot to pass in front of the historic, locked entrance, to head towards the terrace designed for the Café Créqui, "in homage to the Count and rebel exiled by Louis XIV, Alexandre de Créqui, who commissioned the château in 1651," explains Sébastien Bagot, head of communications. This tea room and brasserie offers a complete menu in an exceptional setting including Trianon chairs, leopard-print carpeting and mahogany tables.

A little further on, you can purchase your entrance tickets to the boutique, with its spaces dedicated to French luxury artisans such as Trudon candles, perfumes from Maison Oriza L. Legrand, and interior designer La Maison du Roy. In one corner, a screening room shows a film every 15 minutes in which Stéphane Bern describes the main stages of the estate's renovation.

For the rest of the visit, head towards the castle and its collections in the grand apartments, or towards the park and its gardens with varied inspirations.

To discover the place in a different way, the "Candlelit Evening" on August 9 will offer a unique tour of the gardens, "in an intimate and magical atmosphere," promises the castle's communications manager, thanks to braziers and light installations, while the castle's collections will be illuminated by candlelight. A violin concert will also be offered in the Cybele Grotto and the evening will conclude with a "gold and silver" fireworks display.

Practical information: the Château du Champ-de-Bataille is open every day until August 31, from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for the gardens, from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for the château, and from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. for Café Créqui. The candlelit evening on August 9 will last from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Full price for garden tours: €15. Gardens and château: €27. Free for children under 7. Reservations are recommended for the evening of August 9.