Considered the largest Japanese garden in EuropeThe Oriental Park of Maulévrier, located near Cholet, is one of the pilot projects in Europe for the quality of its restoration and enhancementAt the crossroads of Maine-et-Loire, Deux-Sèvres and Vendée, this 29-hectare natural area is an enchanting place where vegetation communicates with minerals in a flowery and green environment.
More than just a relaxation area, the Parc Oriental offers a unique and exotic experience for a day., by walking the pathways of the 12-hectare Japanese garden, listed as a protected site, while admiring a superb bonsai collection and taking advantage of a charming tea room. A space for meditation and poetry, Maulévrier is reminiscent of the grand Japanese promenade parks of the Edo period, which flourished from the 17th to the 19th centuries. In this culture, the composition of Japanese gardens, their symbolism, is considered a sacred art, an expression of various Eastern religions. The walk follows the course of the river, punctuated by numerous factories.including bridges, Khmer statues, Japanese lanterns and a pagoda, some of which come from the 1900 Universal Exhibition in Paris. The cycle of plants and the staging of water, flowing or still, allow the park to be described as a "garden of transformation".
These gardens, inherently evolving, are also rooted in history. In the 19th century, the the park is part of the Colbert castle, bought at that time by an industrialist from Cholet. His architect and soon-to-be son-in-law, the famous Alexandre Marcel, took care of to restore the estate to its former glory by creating an oriental space with a strong Japanese designHaving fallen in love with the place, he planted numerous exotic plants, had a pond dug, and added magnificent architectural features. After his death in 1928 and his wife's relocation in 1945, successive owners neglected the upkeep of this verdant gem. It wasn't until 1980 that the municipality acquired the park and restoration work began, remaining true to its creator's vision.
The Oriental Park of Maulévrier, which now attracts Attracting over 110,000 visitors each year, it contains no fewer than 300 species of exotic plants.raising him to the rank of third arboretum of the Pays de la LoireFor its visitors, it is a vast discovery center focused on nature, plants, and their care. Following the rhythm of the blooms, several events are organized each year in this expansive open space where serenity reigns at every moment of the day.
- Continue your exploration of the Loire Valley with the circuit Discovering the castles and heritage wonders between Loire-Atlantique, Vendée and Anjou which includes the Maulévrier oriental park.
