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Maulevrier Oriental Park

  • Maulevrier, Pays de la Loire, France

Last updated: 10 March, 2024

This 29-hectare, Edo-inspired Japanese garden was first created in the early 1900s by the noted Parisian architect and fervent Orientalist Alexandre Marcel, and is an unlikely, but welcome surprise in the Loire Valley.

The largest Japanese garden in Europe, with over 300 species, it’s beautifully laid out with rolling lawns, a large lake, sculpted trees, picturesque red bridges, pagoda and shinto shrines, with numerous plants symbolising the different ages of man. There’s also a compelling permanent exhibition showcasing the ancient Japanese art of bonsai.

On Saturdays and some Wednesdays in summer, visitors, armed with Chinese lanterns, can participate in a captivating 1.5-hour guided night walk of the garden.

The park was originally created for the owner of the grandiose Château Colbert next door – now a hotel and a stylish spot for lunch or dinner.

Logistics

Price from: £5
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The park is at the western end of the Loire Valley, about an hour’s drive south from Angers, and 2 hours’ drive from Tours.

Tickets are available from the website anytime, but you need to book at least 2 weeks ahead for the ‘Garden by Night’ walk. Unfortunately there are guided tours only in French at the present time.

After a wander, stop for refreshments at the lovely Japanese tearoom onsite.

When to do it

The gardens are open from March to November, and daily from May to September. Closed December to February.

The ‘Garden by Night’ walk takes place every Saturday evening from May to September, and every Wednesday in July and August.