When we talk about , most of you immediately think of the magnificent palace of the Sun King, its huge park and perhaps the Petit Trianon, but few people know about the Versailles-Chèvreloup Arboretum. Yet this [trackLink link_url="https://parissecret.com/les-plus-beaux-parcs-et-jardins-par-arrondissement/"]unique park is definitely worth a visit. Designed as a veritable tree museum, you will discover more than 2,000 varieties of trees from all over the world. An educational and completely exotic stroll, far from the crowds!
The Versailles Arboretum: the secret treasure of Versailles
This huge 200-hectare green space is a haven of peace nestled in the heart of the Versailles estate… And yet, few people know of its existence. This is a shame, because the Chèvreloup Arboretum is an absolutely extraordinary place that you should visit at least once in your life. Managed by the National Museum of Natural History, the park is home to a colossal collection of species from all over the world…
You’ll travel to North America, among the giant sequoias and bald cypresses, which are ablaze with color at this time of year… then you’ll pass through Asia, where Japanese cherry trees bloom alongside rarer species from the Himalayas, before ending your stroll in Europe, with a selection of the most beautiful specimens found in our forests… As you can see, this world tour of trees will transport you far from Paris without ever really leaving the city.
Formerly the nursery of the Palace of Versailles, the arboretum now serves to preserve different species. For example, if a tree dies at the palace, the arboretum certainly has its genetic double to replace it. Clever , isn’t it? During your walk, you will discover absolutely magnificent species, some of them very rare, which are pampered like crown jewels! You’ll love examining certain species with their sometimes fantastical shapes and fairy-tale appearance. Special mention goes to the Chèvreloup greenhouses, which are only accessible during guided tours and are home to around 6,000 succulents, orchids, and tropical plants.
Open all year round, the estate offers a stroll away from the tourist hustle and bustle that will completely transport you! Perfect for a change of scenery without straying too far from the capital.
Location: 30 Rte de Saint-Germain, 78150 Le Chesnay-Rocquencourt
Price: from $8 per person