The arboretum holds the French 'Collection Nationale' label for its genus of conifers and certain woody plants.
Gaston Allard, the founder, was a passionate botanist who began planting his collection on this site in 1863.
The park contains a notable collection of Japanese cedars and other exotic evergreens acclimated to the Anjou climate.
The site was historically part of the private estate of the Allard family before being transitioned to municipal control.
It serves as a conservation hub for endangered plant species endemic to the Loire Valley region.
The Arboretum Gaston Allard is a 3-hectare botanical site in Angers containing a significant collection of conifers and woody plants. Originally established by botanist Gaston Allard in the 19th century, it was bequeathed to the city in 1916. The park features an extensive collection of over 2,000 species of trees and shrubs, including rare specimens from Asia and North America. It serves as a living laboratory for the city's horticultural research and biodiversity preservation. The landscape design integrates formal pathways with wilder, arboreal zones. Visitors can explore various themed botanical sections and a small greenhouse collection. It remains one of the primary green spaces managed by the city for public education and environmental conservation.
The central alleyway flanked by the tallest specimen trees during the golden hour.
Bring a magnifying glass to appreciate the intricate details of the smaller plant labels and conifer needles.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the terrain varies between gravel paths and natural forest floor.
Check the city website for guided botanical tour schedules which occur seasonally.
Do not treat the park as a standard recreational playground; it is a scientific site intended for quiet botanical observation.
Closed on certain public holidays; seasonal hours may vary based on maintenance requirements.
Stay on marked paths to protect the fragile root systems of rare trees; do not pick any seeds or plant samples.
