In spring, the flowering season is in full swing! It’s a chance to admire their delicate colors, smell their fragrances, and enjoy the beautiful weather. While it’s true that Paris and its surroundings are fortunate to have remarkable parks and gardens to enjoy in the spring, it’s sometimes a good idea to venture a little further afield to discover some unexpected gems. The Oriental Park in Maulévrier is one such gem! Located about 2.5 hours from the capital by train, this Japanese park is the largest in Europe. And believe us, it will amaze you!
The largest Japanese park in Europe within easy reach of Paris
A true botanical masterpiece, the Oriental Park of Maulévrier covers 12 hectares and offers an atmosphere that is both Zen and completely exotic. Here, every stone, every tree, and every water feature has been designed according to the codes of the Edo period to take your senses on a journey. As you cross its magnificent red bridge, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into the heart of a garden in the Land of the Rising Sun. The park is home to more than 400 species of trees and flowers that change with the seasons like a living painting, including giant bonsai trees and brightly colored azaleas.
March is the perfect season to admire the flowers, especially the cherry blossoms during the Hanami festival. It’s a time full of poetry and contemplation, when the park is beautifully adorned with shades of pink and white. From March 12 to 31, you can picnic under the Japanese cherry trees and enjoy this spectacular landscape.
Beyond this splendid season, the Oriental Park of Maulévrier is absolutely magical in every season. You’ll spend hours admiring the pruned bonsai trees, the magnificent bridges and torii gates, and the koi carp swimming elegantly in the central pond. It’s an absolutely wonderful garden located just outside Nantes. Honestly, for such a change of scenery,it’s definitely worth the detour, don’t you think?
📍 Location: Place de la Mairie, Maulévrier, Pays de la Loire, France (49360)
🚄 Journey: About 2.5 hours from Paris by train to Nantes, then 1 hour to Maulévrier