ARBOFOLIA Arboretum National des Barres

The former property of the Vilmorin family, the Arboretum National des Barres has been enriched over the years with the discoveries of many famous botanists. It now keeps one of the largest European collections of trees and shrubs from every corner of the world. Three paths lead the visitor through the 2,500 unusual, rare or surprising species (including the 46-metre sequoia, the Dove trees, the Chinese rubber tree, Scots pine…) gathered in this 35-hectare domain. In the spring, delight in the sweet scents while you look at the rhododendrons, honeysuckle and magnolias of the trees and shrubs collection in bloom. The arboretum keeps 109 different oak varieties and 80 varieties of maple trees (2007). In the summer, you can stroll about under the shade of age old trees, ramble in the park and admire the great thuja with 80 trunks, continuing your reverie in the “Bizaretum” garden with the squirming beech tree, cone spruces, oak leaf hornbeams… In autumn, senses delight in the sweet fragrance released by the Cercidiphyllum Japonicum (“arbre a caramel”) and the flamboyant colour tones spread out by the Asian tree collection, the Persian and American trees, the copper-tone larches. At this time, the undergrowth is like a carpet of white and pink Naples cyclamen. With its event programme running all year round, this leading botanic collection has become a privileged site for families to share quality time immersed in nature.
Every summer day, get on the guided trail to flush out oddities and uncover the strangest information about these trees and shrubs coming from all corners of the world. Families can embark on a fascinating adventure following the tracks of a globetrotter exploring the five continents in the “Travellers of the World” (“Voyageurs du Monde”) programme. For groups, there are special guided tours and theme days: the “Outstanding Gardens’ Day” (“Journée des Jardins Remarquables”), the “Nature and Trekking Day” (“Journée nature & randonnée”), the “Relaxation and Calm Day” (“Journée relaxation & détente”)…

The “Journées de vente d’arbres et arbustes rares”, our rare trees and shrubs sale days, will take place on 10-11th October 2009 and the whole tree nursery will then be open to the public, who will have the opportunity to meet with some of France’s most highly rated nurserymen. This venue has become one of the most valued in France by specialists and garden or botany lovers.

Since 2009 : a new the nursery with sale of plantes
Tea Room, conference room, nature shop, picnic area and the environment information desk are also available on the premises.