DERNIERES VENDANGES (LAST HARVEST)

by Alexis Campagne & Antoine Maréchal (France). Dernières Vendanges pays tribute to the vineyards of the Southern Alps, which almost disappeared after the phylloxera outbreak (end of the 19th century).

© Antoine Marechal

Dernières vendanges (Last Harvest)

by Alexis Campagne & Antoine Maréchal (France)

Dernières Vendanges pays tribute to the vineyards of the Southern Alps, which almost disappeared after the phylloxera outbreak (end of the 19th century).

Yet the vine was inextricably linked to the high-altitude villages. Its cultivation has been part of a centuries-old tradition, since a typically mountainous vineyard in terms of climate and soil had developed.

By using the motifs of the stakes supporting the vines and rearranging them, a pattern has been devised to offer infinite perspectives, as well as multiple plays of light and shadow that will allow the visitor's body to become part of the space as he moves through the garden.

As the vine is without doubt the archetype of nature domesticated by man, this garden has been designed to be very geometric. The multiplicity of viewpoints will create a changing horizon, providing the visitor with all the individuality of the southern Alpine landscape.

Eco-friendly features

Dernières Vendanges is a garden that has been designed with the idea of protecting the setting, the natural area in which it is located, and of course the environment.

Firstly, the suppliers were chosen for the quality of their products, but also because they operate near the town of Cannes. This is why the designers work with the Ste-Marguerite nursery (12 km) and Vivre en bois (35km) to facilitate short delivery routes.

The chosen plant species are perennials (which require little water in the long term) and will enjoy a second life after dismantling, with the intention of recycling. These plants are adapted to the Mediterranean biome in order to maximise their chance of success. Wood represents the largest proportion of the materials used, with the aim of using natural components.

Finally, to have as little impact as possible on the site and its soil, it was decided to make the structure's support points as light as possible. Therefore, each post is driven into the ground without the use of concrete blocks.

The Team

Alexis CAMPAGNE is a landscape designer and graduate of the École Nationale Supérieure de Paysage de Versailles. In early 2022, he met Antoine MARECHAL, a graduate of the École Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Marne-la-Vallée. Accustomed to working freelance, they are now keen to combine their skills on an ad hoc basis, which will be the case for the first time as part of the 2023 Côte d'Azur Garden Festival. 

Brice Devaux, Campus Vert d’Azur apprentice.

Partners

  • Ste-Marguerite’s Nursery
  • Vivre en bois