A restful place to enjoy nature at its best.

Description: These Japanese gardens are right on the edge of the Loire region, but on a beautiful sunny day are worth the drive just to enjoy the colours and beauty of the site. These are the biggest of their type in Europe, formed from 1899-1913 and then left to deteriorate until 1987 when a large restoration programme was started. The ‘parc’ is centred around a large lake in a very sheltered spot with bridges, Japanese architecture (like the pagoda) and of course shaped trees typical of Japans gardens. Many are yew but there are also varieties of acer giving spectacular colours.

Location: 12 km SE of Cholet on D20 in Maulévrier

General Info*: Parc Oriental, 49360 Maulévrier. Open every afternoon except Monday from March-November and all day (10.30AM – 7.30PM) during July and August. Prices €6.50 and €5.50 for over 12’s and disabled. Under 12s free.

*Dates and prices are for guidance only. Please click on the website for details.

Website: http://www.parc-oriental.com/

Our recommendations: Visit on an evening when the gardens are delightfully and imaginatively lit up. It costs more than a day visit, but is quite enchanting. Details on the evening opening times and costs are available on the website.

For the children: There is a small children’s play area near the Salon de Thé and plenty of space to run around although be careful with younger children as there are lakes and other water features.

 

Here’s more information to make the most of your visit to the Loire Valley: