Arboretum des Grandes Bruyères

Created in 1968 at the heart of the Orléans forest, this modern arboretum in a 24-hectare natural reserve has patiently built itself up over the last 40 years. The park covers 20 hectares, with green avenues and undergrowth inspired by the creations of famous English gardener Gertrude Jekyll. At the entrance is a French garden with clipped box and yew. A pergola covered with fragrant roses and clematis leads the way. A walk in the shade takes the visitor to the discovery of a plant collection holding 4,500 shrub plants from the northern hemisphere’s three temperate climate zones: Europe, Northern America and the Far East. Gently blending in with the forest, the arboretums are organized according to geographical origin as well as shape and flowering of the plants to compose a picture of marvellous harmony. Among the species in this great clearing are many ferns, deploying delicate nuances amidst national collections (CCVS) of magnolias and dogwood, collections of oaks, softwood, stewartia… A kitchen garden completes the complex. A conservatory for rare species, presenting them in their full diversity, this is listed as be one of the five leading conservatories in the Région Centre by Le Guide du Patrimoine Botanique en France (2006). Les Grandes Bruyères is also a place of enjoyment and rest, a haven of peace and colour in the Orléans forest.

Copyright Plan de l'Arboretum des Grandes Bruyères : APJRC