Murs à pêches, Agricultural heritage site in Montreuil, France
Murs à Pêches is a sprawling orchard complex in Montreuil where rows of historic fruit trees grow against high walls made of stone and clay. The walls create a maze-like network of enclosed growing spaces that has been maintained in much the same way for centuries.
In the 17th century, gardeners in Montreuil began training peach trees against walls to produce fruit for European royalty and nobles. This growing method became legendary and continued to shape the region for hundreds of years afterward.
The walls have shaped the identity of this place for generations and remain central to how locals view their heritage. Walking through the gardens, you can observe how the fruit trees are still trained along the walls in the traditional manner.
This site is accessible by public transport and guided visits are regularly offered to explore the gardens. You will get the most from a visit on a warmer day when you can better understand how the sun warms the walls and helps the fruit grow.
The walls are not merely dividers but function as massive heat banks that absorb sun during the day and release it at night. This ingenious design allows peaches and other delicate fruits to grow in a climate that would otherwise be too cold for them.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
