Parc Hamelin Oberthür

Parc Hamelin Oberthür is a 3.1-hectare park in Rennes featuring a central pond with a walkway pier, multiple pathways throughout, and designated play areas for children. The grounds contain around 375 different tree species, ranging from local varieties to rare exotic specimens planted over generations.

Landscape architect Denis Bühler designed this park in 1863 as a private garden for François-Charles Oberthür, who began acquiring land from 1858 onward. The composition reflects the botanical interests of this collector from the late 1800s.

The park began as a private botanical collection assembled by someone passionate about rare plants during the 1800s. Visitors can explore the diverse tree species scattered throughout, which function like a living record of horticultural interests from that era.

The park offers four entry points from different streets: rue de Paris, boulevard Jeanne d'Arc, square Roland Garros, and rue René Marcille. Multiple pathways allow you to explore the grounds on foot at a relaxed pace.

The park houses rare tree species including Cedar of Lebanon, Atlas Cedar, and Giant Sequoia, which stand quietly throughout the grounds. The pond itself shelters carp and turtles, forming a small separate ecosystem within the city.