A peaceful haven in the heart of the Orléans Forest, the Grandes Bruyères Landscaped Arboretum offers both the pleasure of a leisurely stroll and the opportunity to discover exotic trees from temperate climates around the world. In this “Remarkable Garden,” you will stroll through landscaped areas that exude a soothing harmony. The various ponds offer refreshing spots, brought to life by an abundance of dragonflies, butterflies, and cheerfully croaking frogs!
Across 14 hectares, lulled by the sound of birdsong, you can leisurely journey from Europe to America via Asia! 7,000 trees and shrubs, carefully arranged, create unique landscapes that change throughout the seasons. From March to May, heathers and magnolias, followed by ornamental fruit trees, gradually give way to rhododendrons, American and Chinese dogwoods, and roses. Finally, the colours of autumn burst forth in all the park's gardens and arboretums. It's a vibrant and captivating spectacle!
The park has always been maintained using organic methods, and here you can also observe a wonderful variety of birds, insects, and amphibians.
A unique place to travel, explore, and/or relax…
The tour begins in a formally laid out French garden, featuring yew and boxwood topiaries, a fountain, and statues. Here, the walk takes place on a terrace covered with rose- and clematis-laden arbors. At its centre, a pond adorned with water lilies and surrounded by benches invites you to take your first contemplative break.
As you descend the central staircase, you will discover the English Garden, which features islands of shrubs and perennials and is enclosed by a beech hedge. You step onto a natural carpet of short grass. Indulge in the pleasure of walking barefoot on this carpet!
Next, your walk takes you to the Asian section. At its heart lies a lake adorned with a pagoda and a waterfall, from which numerous paths radiate and intertwine. As you meander along these soft grass paths, made of genuine stone or flexible oak mulch, you will discover magnolias, dogwoods, and conifers, alongside Japanese-inspired resting areas. That's it—peace and serenity wash over you!
Next, you will discover the majestic, two-hundred-year-old Grand Oak, which stands majestically in the middle of its clearing. It offers you its generous shade as you continue on your way towards an avenue lined with heather, where your gaze wanders over a carefully curated natural landscape. This area symbolises the Pacific Ocean: you are moving from the Far East to the American continent.
This new area, still lined with heather, is punctuated by long, wide vistas. The banks of the pond are lined with bald cypresses, redwoods, sweetgums, and oaks. A must-see in autumn!
You will end your tour with a visit to the maze of heirloom roses, from which subtle and captivating scents waft, and the organic vegetable garden, whose variety will surely whet your appetite!
