Visit Balzac Park in Angers

Are you looking to enjoy unspoilt nature during your stay in Anjou? Discover Parc Balzac in Angers today! This vast space radically transforms the urban landscape. Take a walk to its wet meadows, situated 4 km from Château des Forges, our hotel in Angers. A wealth of biodiversity awaits you there in the heart of Maine-et-Loire!

Balzac Park in Angers at a glance

• A large natural area on the banks of the Maine, just a few minutes from the centre of Angers.
• A wetland rich in biodiversity: birds, floodplain meadows, pollarded ash trees and preserved marshes.
• Easy nature walks along well-maintained paths, accessible to families and people with reduced mobility
• Eco-grazing with Highland Cattle and Ouessant sheep.
• A stop-off point on major cycle routes such as La Loire à Vélo and La Vélo Francette.
• Conservation orchard, gardens and open-air café for a convivial break in the heart of nature.

Discover the origins and role of this natural area in Angers

Balzac Park, designated a Sensitive Natural Area (ENS), is well worth a visit. This site, covering an area of nearly 50 hectares, borders the banks of the Maine and is home to magnificent areas of marshland and wet meadows. Take a leisurely stroll through these spaces where nature is reclaiming its rightful place. But first, learn about the history of this unique landscape project!

A remarkable ecological transformation

Imagine this vast site before its regeneration! It was an area consisting of low-lying, flood-prone alluvial meadows and former, heavily degraded areas. The local council took a bold environmental decision, completely transforming this park in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Natural protection against flooding

Balzac Park in Angers plays a vital role in regulating winter floods. Its wet meadows and specially designed features absorb water effectively, protecting the adjacent urban area, particularly the Saint-Jacques neighbourhood.

Our view

This urban regeneration is an inspiring example of ecological engineering. The city of Angers is demonstrating its ability to restore degraded land and create a rich and vibrant natural environment thanks to its parks. Admire this remarkable work and breathe in the fresh air of this green lung in the heart of Anjou!
Take photos of the panoramic views and admire the flora

Get your cameras out to capture these unique moments in the heart of the Maine-et-Loire countryside.

Balzac Park is brimming with botanical and wildlife surprises and offers magnificent views. Climb the protective embankments to take in the whole wetland. The local flora is also worth noting. Indeed, many protected and rare species found in alluvial areas thrive within this space.

Walk through the vast oak wood and breathe in the fresh air of the countryside

Take a stroll in the cool shade of the oak and willow grove and enjoy the scent of fresh humus. Pollarded ash trees, symbols of the heritage of the Lower Angers Valleys, line the paths. These woodlands and floodplain meadows provide a true haven for Anjou’s biodiversity.
Keep an eye out for birds in this natural sanctuary

Balzac Park in Angers is a prime spot for birdwatching. Keep an eye out for the European greenfinch and other passerines native to the region. With a little patience, you might also spot grey herons in the marshy areas!

Visitors’ favourite: the heritage orchard and allotments

Depending on the season, you can make the most of the nearby heritage orchard and allotments to admire the variety of plants and enjoy a peaceful moment surrounded by nature. Take a stroll amongst the fruit trees planted by the city!

Enjoy fun and educational outdoor activities at Balzac Park!

Enjoy fun and educational outdoor activities at Balzac Park!

Say hello to the animals on the municipal eco-grazing scheme

The heart of the park is dominated by the eco-grazing scheme! Hardy herbivores, such as Highland Cattle and Ouessant sheep, naturally maintain the wetlands. The site is thus transformed into an educational farm where young and old alike can observe these animals carrying out their ecological role.
Read this article to find out more about eco-grazing at Balzac Park.

Take part in nature-themed activities and workshops

Throughout the year, the city of Angers organises themed activities and family workshops to help visitors understand how Balzac Park works. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn whilst having fun and to raise awareness amongst the whole family about the importance of preserving biodiversity.

Cycle along the major cycle routes

Balzac Park is a key stop for cycle tourists. It is directly connected to routes such as La Loire à Vélo and La Vélo Francette. Are you a fan of long-distance cycle routes or regional loops? Make the most of its safe cycle paths to combine exercise with the great outdoors!

Enjoy a convivial moment at the open-air café

During the summer months, the park and its surroundings come alive. Be sure to stop off at the Nid du Héron open-air café or enjoy the pop-up food stalls. Taste local produce and cool off in this exceptional natural setting by the water’s edge.

Follow Balzac Park’s rules to protect biodiversity

Take the right steps to preserve this fragile environment and make the most of Balzac Park.

• Keep your dogs on a lead on the marked paths so as not to disturb the wildlife.
• Always pick up after your pets.
• Dispose of your picnic waste in the bins provided.
• Do not swim in the internal canals: swimming is prohibited for your safety and that of the ecosystem.

Good to know: this park has been awarded the EcoJardin label, a mark of exemplary ecological management that respects natural cycles and biodiversity.

Practical information

Plan your visit with this information:

• Exact address: Boulevard du Bon-Pasteur, 49000 Angers, France.
• Admission: entry to Balzac Park is free for all visitors.
• Parking: you can park in the free Bon-Pasteur car parks, located at the park entrance, or in the Rochefoucauld car parks, a few minutes’ walk away.

Your seminar in Angers

Book your stay at our hotel in Anjou today to spend your nights near Parc Balzac! Our hotel perfectly complements your experience of unspoilt nature, whilst also being an excellent venue for organising a seminar in Angers.

FAQ

Is Balzac Park in Angers accessible to people with reduced mobility?

Yes, Balzac Park in Angers is accessible to people with reduced mobility. This vast green space is perfectly suited to welcoming people with reduced mobility. You can enjoy a stress-free visit thanks to its stabilised paths and gentle gradients, which make it much easier to get around in a wheelchair or with a pushchair.

Is Balzac Park open all year round?

Access to Balzac Park is free all year round, but its actual accessibility depends on the water level of the River Maine. As it is a flood-prone area, the park may be partially or completely closed during periods of winter flooding. Always check the local weather forecast and municipal alerts before your visit!