Loire Valley
Loire Valley, France
Destination guide
Northern France’s beautiful UNESCO-listed valley, home to heart-stoppingly beautiful historic chateaux, authentic village life, world-class wines and fascinating troglodytes.
Terra Botanica, Europe’s only theme park dedicated to plants
Credit Shutterstock.com/kipgodi
Last updated: 10 March, 2024
This unique theme park – Europe’s first devoted exclusively to plant life – opened its doors in April 2010.
Its multiple attractions and presentations provide an already dazzling display of horticulture: 17 hectares, 275,000 tropical trees and plants from all continents – including 2,000 orchids and giant vegetables – nurtured by 20 full-time gardeners.
Radiating from a central piazza are four themed areas: the Desired (exotic, sought after plants), the Generous (plants that supply us with food, medicines, shelter and so on), the Mysterious (secrets of the plant world) and the Tamed (domestic plants).
There’s a balloon ride, a boat ride and a ride in a nutshell. The 4D film room explains all there is to know about the process of photosynthesis, following the exciting adventure of two drops of water.
The ideal mix of the entertaining and the educational for all ages – and even for those who usually avoid the garden.
Logistics
Price from: £17
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
The park is situated north of Angers, about 2.5 hours’ drive from Paris. There’s a free car park for 650 cars. If you’re coming by train, the nearest station is Angers. There are maps and good signage in both French and English.
When to do it
The garden is open daily from mid-April to August, and from Thursday to Sunday during September and October. Closed November to mid-April.
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