What to see in France

Oriental interlude in the largest Japanese garden in Europe

La Butte aux azalées
La Butte aux azalées

 

The largest Japanese garden in Europe, the Parc Maulévrier invites you to celebrate the cherry blossom season: Hanami. This event, which is very popular in Japan, invites visitors to the park to picnic under the blossoming trees, as is the Japanese tradition. "Taste the serenity of a place, its landscapes, history and atmosphere are an invitation to travel.

A little history...

Designed at the beginning of the 20th century by the Parisian orientalist architect Alexandre Marcel, it is today the largest garden in Europe and one of the most visited places in Anjou. Overlooked by the Château Colbert, the park extends over 29 hectares and brings together nearly 400 exotic plant species worked according to the codes of Japanese culture, which marks the seasons by their variations in colour throughout the year. The river that runs through it represents the sun's path from sunrise to sunset, and accompanies the visitor throughout his walk. Asian elements brought by Alexandre Marcel, following the 1900 Universal Exhibition, reinforce the orientalism of the garden.

La Butte aux azalées
La Butte aux azalées© Gilles Bassignac

By day and by night...

The Oriental Park of Maulévrier opens its doors to you from 15 March to 15 November, allowing you time to admire and discover all the facets of this garden. Unique in its kind, it surprises by its extraordinary architectural, botanical and symbolic setting and its history. Throughout the year, discover the white and pink blossoms of the cherry trees, then the azaleas in spring, the shades of green in summer, and the blaze of the maple leaves in autumn. Your walk will take you along the river punctuated by numerous structures, including bridges, Khmer statues, Japanese lanterns and a pagoda, some of which are from the 1900 World Fair.

At nightfall, by the light of the lanterns, the park transports you into an enchanting universe. Stroll to the rhythm of the 6 traditional Japanese tales, through a scenography that preserves the magic of the night, points of lighting, and plays of lights will make you live a unique experience in a landscape full of mystery.

Mehdi media
© Mehdi media

An authentic tea room...

Why not end your visit with a cup of tea? The park offers you the opportunity to enjoy a cup of tea prepared in the pure Japanese tradition. The tea room is located in a beautiful building, in a green setting, bordered by a Koi (carp) pond. In the upper part of the park, discover the Plant Pavilion and its incredible collection of bonsais. The gardeners will welcome you and guide you in buying your plants (bamboos, azaleas, aquatic plants, Japanese maples, etc.). In September, the site will host, as it does every year, the National Bonsai Exhibition.

La Corne d'Or
La Corne d'Or© Gilles Bassignac

Calendar of events for the season

Find all the information on the website: https://www.parc-oriental.com/

Where to stay?

To help you organise your camping trip in Maine-et-Loire, as well as your visit to Parc Maulévrier, please consult the list of campsites near Maulévrier.

Practical information:

Openings and times: Enjoy a free walk every day from 15 March to 15 November. A guided tour is offered free of charge every Sunday and public holidays at 2.30 pm (excluding events).

Hanami: 11.30am - 6pm on weekdays / 10.30am - 6.30pm at weekends.

 

Prices 2023:

- Daytime visit :

9.50€ from 18 years old, 8€ PMR, students, young people 12 - 17 years old, job seekers, free for children under 12 years old.

- Night visit :

10€ from 18 years old, 8,50€ PMR, students, young people 12 - 17 years old, job seekers, free for under 12 years old.

- Day and night visit:

€18.50 from 18 years old, €16 for PRM, students, young people aged 12 - 17, jobseekers, free for children under 12.

Website: https://www.parc-oriental.com/horaires-tarifs/

 

 

 

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