WELCOME

This tree and shrub collection, with specimens from 5 continents, is one of the most prestigious international botanical collections in the world today.

Wether you are a simple nature lover or are passionate about parks and gardens, this surprising site near the natural wealth of the Loire Valley offers you the opportunity for an ideal stay.

Our friendly team will be happy to share a rare and touching moment, in the heart of our “Forest of the 5 Continents”.

Introduction to “les Barres”

We owe this exceptional site to Philippe André de Vilmorin, the famous precursor of forest ecology.
This great French family has marked the history of botany.
In 1873, Philippe André de Vilmorin permitted the creation of the forest school of “les Barres”. He began 3 large botanical collections, then his grand son and finally the State continued his work
Today the 35-hectare site contains 2,500 species and plant varieties (about 8,000 specimens).
It’s one of the most complete European collections and one of the biggest in the world.
The Arboretum at “les Barres” isan important genetic conservatory for threatened species.
By encouraging research, experiments and plant propagation, it contributes to maintaining diversity in the plant world.

The Arboretum at “les Barres” ensures an equally important pedagogical role.
Specialists base their original pedagogical approach on the collections in the conservatory to help make adults and children aware of the extraordinary diversity in the plants kingdom.
The Arboretum at “les Barres” has thus become a reference in environmental education.

Some figures

The Arboretum at “les Barres” contains about 8,000 specimens from 2,500 different species including:
- 109 species of oaks,
- 85 species of maples,
- 57 species of spruces,
- 54 species of pines,
- 44 species of firs,
- 92 species of hawthorns.
This Arboretum has one of the richest tree and shrub collections in Europe and one of first ten in the world.
Today this delightful site is open to the public.

Geographic Collections (established in 1873)

These collections group trees together according to their place of origin.

The predominantly Euro-American collection has the oldest and the most spectacular specimens: American Sequoias 46 m high, the giant Thuya with 80 trunks…

If autumn and spring are the best periods to appreciate the Arboretum, in summer fresh air and cool temperatures can be found in the deep shade of these hundred-year-old trees.
The predominantly Asian collection is particularly noteworthy for the autumn colours its wonderful maples.

Systematic Collections (established in 1894)

These collections group trees and shrubs together according to their botanical classification.

In spring, you will be enchanted by the scents and colours of wisterias, magnolias, azaleas and honeysuckles.
Walking along the path, you will be amazed by the Davidia’s remarkable flowers. This so-called “handkerchief tree” is covered with huge white flowers 15 cm long!

In autumn, sweet scents emanate from the caramel tree and the wayfaring bush, and blossoms cover the late-flowering limes.
This season not only offers the warm autumn colours of the foliage, but also a carpet of flowering Napolitan Cyclamens on the forest floor.

Ornamental Collection (established in 1941)

This part of the Arboretum has varieties with unexpected shapes and foliage.
Among these unusual specimens you will find twisted beeches, hornbeams with oak leaves, weeping cedars and sequoias and creeping varieties of juniper…

An arboretum with the quality label “Remarkable Gardens”

The French Ministry of Culture’s quality label, “Remarkable Gardens”, has been in place since 2003.
points out both public and private gardens whose landscaping, plant specimens and maintenance quality are remarkable.
The “Loire Valley” area that the National Arboretum at “les Barres” belongs to, has the greatest number of “remarkable gardens” in France (24 selected gardens).

Member of the Royal Horticultural Society

The National Arboretum at “les Barres” is an important botanical park in France and contributes to the dynamism of the “Loire Valley” region.
The Loire area wishes to develop stronger links with English nature lovers, to help them to learn about the extraordinary wealth and diversity of France’s parks and gardens.
The National Arboretum at “les Barres” directly participates by maintaining privileged links with RHS members.

A place to discover with your family

The Arboretum is a wonderful place to share discoveries and rare nature-sensitive moments with your family.
Our facilities and the innovative events we propose to visitors have been created with both adults and children in mind.

Dates, opening hours, admission fees

The National Arboretum at “les Barres” is open:
Every day except Monday from April 1st to June 30th and from September 1st to November 1st, and seven days a week in July and August.

From 10 am to nightfall (you must arrive before 6 pm).

Admission not including special events:
Adults: 5.50 € Children (6 to 12 years old): 3 €

Admission during special events :
Adults: 6.50 € Children (6 to 12 years old): 4 €

Situation

A small print gallery

See you soon ...