Parc Oriental de Maulévrier, Japanese botanical garden in Maulévrier, France.
Description
Parc Oriental de Maulévrier is a large botanical garden designed according to Japanese gardening principles, covering 29 hectares (72 acres) in the Loire Valley. It features several ponds, various bridges, stone lanterns, and carefully tended plants arranged in a thoughtful layout that reflects traditional Far Eastern design.
History
Architect Alexandre Marcel, who specialized in Oriental design, created this space between 1899 and 1910, basing it on traditional Japanese landscape concepts. His work emerged during a period when European interest in Eastern artistic forms and design traditions was at its height.
Culture
The garden reflects Japanese design philosophy through its careful arrangement of natural elements and man-made features that work in harmony. Visitors can observe how water, rocks, and plantings are positioned to create a sense of balance and contemplation that mirrors traditional Eastern aesthetics.
Practical
The garden operates seasonally rather than year-round, so check opening times before planning your visit. The grounds are relatively flat for walking, but plan for extended time on your feet since the space covers a large area.
Did you know?
Japanese experts officially validated this as Europe's largest Japanese garden and confirmed its authenticity to Edo period designs. This international recognition makes it a rare example of a European garden judged by Eastern standards.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Maulévrier).
These botanical gardens in France contain rare plant species, historic grounds and Mediterranean landscapes. Collections include the Jardin des Serres d'Auteuil in Paris with its 19th century greenhouses, the Parc Oriental de Maulévrier featuring Japanese garden design and the Jardin Botanique de la...
France has several dozen botanical gardens combining scientific research and plant conservation. The greenhouses of the National Museum of Natural History in Paris host over 4,500 species in climate-controlled zones, while the Lyon Botanical Garden cultivates around 15,000 plants divided between...
Lac du Verdon
5.6 km
Château de la Durbelière
7.7 km
Château de Mauléon
8.9 km
Menhir de la Grande Moinie
5.7 km
Menhir de la Garde
7.6 km
Menhir de la Pochetière
9.1 km
Petit menhir du Champ de la Garde
7.6 km
Église Saint-Aubin de Saint-Aubin-de-Baubigné
8.4 km
Église Saint-Jouin de Mauléon
8.5 km
Église Saint-Pierre de Saint-Pierre-des-Échaubrognes
1.6 km
Église Sainte-Radegonde de Mazières-en-Mauges
6.9 km
Église Notre-Dame de Moulins
6.6 km
Église Notre-Dame de La Chapelle-Largeau
9.1 km
Église de la Trinité de Mauléon
9 km
Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Maulévrier
648 m
Église Saint-André de Loublande
7.4 km
Restaurant Gastronomique Le Stofflet
378 m
Église Notre-Dame-des-Lacs de La Tessoualle
7.7 km
Église Saint-Hilaire d'Yzernay
4 km
Église Saint-Sauveur du Temple
9.8 km
Église Saint-Hilaire de Rorthais
10.2 km
Église Notre-Dame-de-la-Nativité de Toutlemonde
5.8 km
Église de la Décollation-de-Saint-Jean-Baptiste des Cerqueux
8.2 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Secours de Saint-Pierre-des-Échaubrognes
1.7 km
Chapelle Saint-Hubert de Saint-Pierre-des-Échaubrognes
1.6 km
Chapelle Saint-Joseph de la Liodière
6.8 km
Manoir de Saint-Jouin
8.4 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Toutes-Aides de Maulévrier
450 mReal people, real opinions — but not verified.
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
exceptional, well done, SUPERB
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes