The Simples' Garden
Situated within the grounds of Caen Castle, between Saint-Georges Church and the ‘gardener’s tower’, the Jardin des Simples was completely redesigned in the spring of 2025.
It is inspired by early medieval gardens, which traditionally featured:
– the Herbularius or herb garden, containing medicinal, aromatic and culinary plants,
– the Viridarium or orchard, where walnut, apple and medlar trees bear fruit…
– and the Hortus or kitchen garden (not shown here), reserved for vegetables.
It features over 90 labelled plants: medicinal herbs, as well as useful and food crops such as dye plants and cereals, which were cultivated and consumed in the Middle Ages.
A new information panel also provides an overview of the garden as a whole, with a comprehensive list of the plants and their main uses.
Whether for a few minutes or a few hours, come and relax in this little haven of peace.
