Paris has no shortage of parks and public squares! Among the largest, we’re all familiar with the Parc de la Villette and its 55 hectares. And yet, just outside Paris lies a fabulous place that’s nearly four times as large: the Versailles-Chèvreloup Arboretum. Designed as a veritable museum of trees,you’ll discover more than 2,000 varieties of tree species from all corners of the world.A stroll that’s both educational and a complete change of scenery, far from the crowds!
The Versailles Arboretum: A Little-Known Park on the Outskirts of Paris
Thisvast 200-hectare green space is a haven of peace nestled in the heart of the Versailles estate, still largely unknown to Parisians. Managed by the National Museum of Natural History, the park is home to a colossal collection of tree species from all over the world…
In all, nearly 2,000 tree species will unfold before your eyes during your stroll—from giant North American sequoias to Japanese cherry trees in full bloom, as well as a selection of the most beautiful specimens found in our forests… As you can see, this global tour oftrees will transport you far away from Paris, without ever really leaving it.
Formerly the nursery ofthe Palace of Versailles, the arboretum’s role today is to preserve various tree species and replace those at the palace as needed! During your stroll, you’ll discover absolutely magnificent species—some of them very rare—that are pampered just as much as the crown jewels! Under the canopy, temperatures are much cooler, which is extremely pleasant in the middle of summer.
Open year-round, the estate offers a stroll far from the hustle and bustle of tourism that will completely transport you to another world! Perfect for a change of scenery without straying too far from the capital.
Location: 30 Rte de Saint-Germain, 78150 Le Chesnay-Rocquencourt
Price: starting at 8 euros per person