Until today, only the heart of Domaine Les Crayères, around a central medallion, had been formally laid out. The area surrounding the Château and Cottage was embellished by almost 10,000 fresh flowers, creating a belt of plant-life, well-structured and welcoming. Landscape-architect Thomas Secondé saw the project for the Brasserie Le Jardin as a turning-point: “For the first time, this project allowed for the initial idea for the park to be resumed. The landscaping respected its wooded layout to create a natural, intimate atmosphere while remaining well-tended. Today, the restaurant asserts its own identity thanks to flowerbeds, hedgerows and trimmed evergreen shrubs, faithfully reflecting the original layout”. Yet real gems remained down below: relics such as a cascade, a grotto, even a trace of the old lake, concealed by ivy. This rich heritage will be honoured in 2026, in a full discovery of the Domaine for the appreciation of both guests and the people of Reims.

These developments aim to reconnect fully with the park’s original character. The landscapearchitect stresses the importance of respecting “Édouard André’s original intentions and layout”. The introduction of new buildings in the purest Mansart style — L’Orangerie, La Folie and the spa — has thus been ordained by the site’s original structure, aiming for a virtually non-existent architectural impact in which gardens provide a connection between each villa. Paths will be laid out to create walkways in classic “landscape” style, unfolding between thickets and clearings. The highlight of the project is the refilling of the lake. This stretch of water of almost 2,000 sqm will become the Domaine’s vibrant heart, from which the spa will draw its inspiration. The Alpine Garden will be recreated as way back when, and L’Orangerie will offer a splendid view of the central medallion. At the edge of the lake, La Folie promises an unprecedented experience in the Coronation City.