Arboretum national des Barres

The Arboretum national des Barres is an extensive garden holding more than 2,500 different plant species and tree varieties from multiple continents. The grounds spread across open landscapes with specialized areas representing different climates and plant types, offering visitors a comprehensive look at global tree diversity.

The site was established in 1873 on land that once belonged to the Vilmorin family, a notable dynasty in plant science and gardening. Over time, botanists and scientists have contributed their research and collections, gradually building this into an important institution for plant knowledge.

The collections here reflect the work of botanists who gathered trees from around the world to study and understand plant diversity. Walking through the different sections, you encounter species arranged by their geographic origins and ecological zones.

Visit during dry weather when the paths are easy to walk and plants are fully visible from all angles. It helps to wear sturdy shoes and allow plenty of time to explore the different areas, as the expanses can feel large and many people prefer to move at a leisurely pace.

The grounds hold an ancient giant sequoia tree that impresses visitors with its size and age. Nearby stands an unusual specimen with multiple trunks sprouting from a single base, creating a botanical curiosity that few visitors expect to encounter.