SURPRENANTES PERSPECTIVES (ASTONISHING VIEWS)

Service Espaces Verts, town of Cap d’Ail. When William Mendel, a British banker who commissioned the Château des Terrasses in the early 1890s, imagined what would make his sojourns in this corner of paradise.

© Commune de Cap d'ail

Great breakaways and new lines

When William Mendel, a British banker who commissioned the Château des Terrasses in the early 1890s, imagined what would make his sojourns in this corner of paradise so delightful, the view of the magnificent panorama of the Mediterranean was one of the first choices he made for the layout of the residence, its windows and its views.

The Château des Terrasses overlooks an extensive park planted with a wide variety of plants. It overlooks beautiful residences, lush gardens and, beyond, the magnificently sculpted shoreline. The large terraces are lined with balusters and planted flowerbeds. Walking in the footsteps of former guests, visitors are encouraged to lose themselves and admire the Mediterranean. While strolling around, they will linger on the lower terrace of the park, which is completed by a tree-lined walkway.

A succession of flowering arches provides rhythm to the view. Comprising a variety of species, each space opens up, on one side, to views of the Château from below.

On the opposite side, openings have been created in the luxuriant climbing vegetation: they catch the eye of the walker and lead him or her to observe little-known, sometimes forgotten, or long-gone elements of the landscape. They offer a different view of the horizon. 

Astonishing views which, in short, seduce the eye of the walker and encourage him to reflect.

Design: Service Espaces Verts, town of Cap d’Ail