The Loire Valley is a gardener’s and nature lover’s paradise. In the 16th century, Royalty, and later the aristocracy ventured to the countryside to build their grand country residences, extensive parks and beautiful gardens. This tradition has continued in the region and the present day owners take pride in restoring these beautiful sites to their former glory. The noble and opulent chateaux will truly take your breath away but the many beautiful gardens that accompany them are quite breathtaking. Formal gardens of Italian and French design alongside ‘English gardens’, orangeries, kitchen and herb gardens and the exquisite selection of botanical gardens ensure that you will never tire. The Loire also boasts some of Frances best National Parks, which make a lovely trip for romantic couples and families alike.
Aboretum de la Petite Loiterie
Situated in Monthodon, this garden is solely open to groups on guided tours and by appointment only. There are over 1200 species of trees and shrubs in a total of 16 acres. The Aboretum de la Martinere, situated in Veigné, works on a similar system and appointments can be made in the Val de l’Indre Tourist Office.
Château de Valmer Park and Gardens
Visits to this Château garden in Chançay, are by appointment only. There is an amazing garden conservatory with a wonderful selection of edible and medicinal plants from the past. You can also get advice about growing techniques, pruning and raising stock.
Rose and Perfume Garden
Situated on the route de Huismes in Chinon, this beautiful garden has fantastic displays of ancient and rare varieties of roses. The scents are just incredible and the surroundings, serene.
Maulévrier Japanese gardens
Located in the village of Maulévrier, which is situated southeast of Cholet, this oriental park is open every afternoon from March to November. They are situated on the outskirts of the Loire valley and are worth a visit just to enjoy the beautiful collections, colours and water features. They are the largest Japanese gardens in Europe and were established between 1899-1913. Unfortunately, they were left to deteriorate and have only recently been restored to their former glory. The fantastic centrepiece is the large lake that is interspersed with ornate bridges and footpaths and the acers and yews surrounding it, provide appreciated shade and colour. There is also a small play area for the children.
Other gardens of interest include (from east to west):
Chaumont-sur-Loire: Chateau de Chaumont-sur-Loire Park
Montrésor: Chateau de Montrésor Garden
Loches: Keep Garden
Chenonceau: Chateau de Chenonceau Park and Garden
Amboise: Royal Chateau Gardens, Chanteloup Park
Vernou-sur-Brenne: Chateau de Jallanges Park and Garden
Montlouis-sur-Loire: La Bourdaiseriere Park and Gardens
Tours: Tours City Gardens
Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire: Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire Public Parks
Azay-le-Rideau: The Nine Terraced Gardens of La Chatonniere
La Riche: Saint Cosme’s Priory Garden
Villandry: Chateau de Villandry Gardens
Cinq-Mars-la-Pile: Chateau de Cinq-Mars Park, La Feriniere Gardens
Chouzé-sur-Loire: Chateau des Reaux Park and Garden
Rigny-Usse: Chateau d’Usse Park and Garden
Lemere: Chateau du Rivau Park and Garden
Richelieu: Richelieu Estate
National Parks
Loire-Anjou-Touraine
This area between Tours and Angers was made a National Park in 1996. The expansive park area straddles the Loire River. It serves to preserve the areas wildlife and heritage and aims to help people appreciate the diversity that the region has to offer. Consequently, there are a superb series of walks, known as Sentiers d’Interpretation, which are circular routes, each with a particular theme, and they have information boards to explaining the sites that you see. The National Parks are a great place to venture on a fine day. They provide a multitude of activities for families and a suitable haven of tranquillity and beauty for walkers, picnickers and nature lovers.
Brennes
The National Park at Brennes was created in 1989. It is primarily wetland and is one the most important areas of conservation and preservation in France. It houses and shelters natural habitats and species of wild plants and animals that are threatened. It is a fragile, living area, that works for the protection of the both the natural areas and the cultural heritage . However, this is a place for the wild and the free in more ways than one. There are numerous sports and activities that take place within this National Park and those sports enthusiasts will never tire of the constant challenges and beautiful scenery. There are 107 marked Short Hikes as well as 2 Long Hikes of 190 and 210 kilometres. Cycling is also a popular option with the area being mostly flat with little traffic and there is a choice of eleven marked circuits. The Creuse and Anglin valleys also have a varied terrain for the more adventurous mountain biker. There are numerous horse-riding centres that organise lessons and courses. Rock climbing is also a popular pastime in this National Park, especially within the Anglin valley, which is lined with limestone cliffs. The area around Le Blanc has many caves and caving is possible throughout the year. Other activities include canoeing on the Creuse and the Anglin and fishing in the parks well stocked lakes and rivers.
