Nature & animals

Primard potager was created in 2019 on the site of the Domaine's original vegetable garden. It was modelled on various projects by Jacques Wirtz. Its external structure is composed of hornbeam hedges lined with a row of flowering apple trees in espaliers. To the east, the vegetable garden is enclosed by a climbing vine with a dovecote at its centre. Climbing roses, clematis and wisteria adorn its pillars.

The internal structure is marked by beech cones and rows of apple trees. The north wall, which takes advantage of the sunshine, is home to apple and pear trees.

The vegetable crops are grown in slightly elevated wooden trays. The advantages are numerous: light and aerated soil, excellent quality substrate, efficient drainage, improved productivity and easy maintenance. Agriculture in Primard is organic and the vegetable garden follows the principles of permaculture. All year round, it produces fruit and vegetables for Chef Eric Frechon's restaurants. Along the hedges, beds are planted with various perennials which are used for the bouquets of the Domaine: ranunculus, peonies, yarrow, anemones, delphiniums, etc. Primard vegetable garden was designed with education in mind. The names of the fruit trees, as well as those of the vegetables and plants grown there, are indicated on wooden labels to allow the youngest visitors to enter a world with which they may not be familiar with.

Primard is home to wildlife endemic to the region as well as semi-captivity domestic animals that maintain the meadows. These animals, both domestic and wild, live in peace in Primard. They are part of the landscape and help to define it and bring it to life. They must be respected and not frightened.

To the east, the large plot is the playground of the Highland cows, characterised by their long woolly coats and small size. These animals are very docile and never show aggression. A family of small black Ouessant sheep complete the setting. To the west, three Nez noir du Valais sheeps and two donkeys enjoy the grass of the meadow.

Waterfowl are very present in Primard. On the Eure, pairs of white mute swans guard the Domaine. They are accompanied by different varieties of ducks: Mallards, Eurasian Pintails, Morillon diving ducks and the Whistling Duck whose call is very recognisable in the breeding season. In the moat and on the riverbank, families of Dendrocygnes, Nyroca ducks and various types of teal have found refuge. On the pond, White-fronted Geese live among the reeds.

Among the wild animals, a family of roe deer has settled in the Primard park. It is quite common to see pheasants and foxes crossing the meadows. But in the Eure valley, the water birds are the masters: herons, wild swans, coots, ducks and egrets regularly come to rest on the various water points of the domain.