Terra Botanica in Angers

How about a getaway into the heart of nature during your stay at the Château des Forges hotel? This hotel in Angers is ideally situated, just 1.5 km from Europe’s leading botanical park: Terra Botanica! This unique park will turn your stay in Anjou into an unforgettable botanical adventure. Book your room at Le Château des Forges and plan your adventure at Terra Botanica in Angers!

Terra Botanica: a botanical park unique in France

Terra Botanica covers 22 hectares in the heart of Anjou, on the Route de l’Épinard in Angers. Since it opened in 2010, this theme park entirely dedicated to the world of plants has attracted thousands of visitors: 587,000 in 2024, according to figures from the Maine-et-Loire department.

Situated to the north of the city of Angers, Terra Botanica is located in the Loire Valley, a region listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This prime location allows you to combine your visit with exploring the famous châteaux of the Loire.

The Terra Botanica botanical park is divided into five distinct themed areas. Each takes you on a different adventure across continents and through the ages. The vegetation, comprising over 500,000 plants and 5,000 botanical varieties, creates a truly exotic atmosphere!

The park’s origins

The story of Terra Botanica in Angers began with a strong political commitment. The Maine-et-Loire General Council wanted to showcase Angers’ horticultural excellence. Anjou boasts 700 years of botanical and horticultural tradition!

Furthermore, Angers is home to Végépolys Valley, the specialised plant-based competitiveness cluster. The Terra Botanica project therefore aimed to create a prestigious showcase for this local expertise.

Jeanne Baret, the first woman to circumnavigate the globe in the 18th century, inspired one of the park’s themed trails. This French botanist, who set sail from Toulon in 1766, perfectly embodies the spirit of botanical discovery that characterises the site. Her maritime journey in search of exotic plants resonates with the park’s educational mission. This themed garden quickly won over French and European visitors thanks to its original concept.

Your tour itinerary: botanical worlds to discover

The experience is organised into five main themed areas, allowing you to plan your day at Terra Botanica.

• ‘The Mysteries of the Forest’ is an area where you can wander amongst the trees. The Giants’ Trail and the Birds’ Canopy are adventures that offer a different perspective on this plant world.

• The Anjou Getaway features the Botanical Odyssey, a peaceful boat trip. It’s a relaxing way to discover the local area.

• ‘The Great Explorations’ and its tropical greenhouses, amongst the largest in Europe. These greenhouses showcase an incredible diversity.

• ‘The Unusual Plant World’: a fun and educational trail that reveals the ingenuity of the plant world, often featuring interactive displays and a touch of humour.

• ‘The Origins of Life’: an invitation to immerse yourself in geological history, showing how plants have conquered terrestrial and aquatic environments over the ages.

The balance between peaceful contemplation (in a rowing boat) and scientific discovery (in the greenhouses) guarantees a wonderful day out at Terra Botanica in Angers.

Activities for all ages

The Terra Botanica experience goes far beyond a simple stroll through the gardens.

• The tethered hot-air balloon: it takes visitors up to a height of 150 metres and offers an exceptional panoramic view of the city of Angers and the Loire region. The balloon’s flight schedule is updated several times a day (9.30 am, 1.30 pm, 7.00 pm). It is important to plan your flight according to the weather conditions.

• Terra Nocta is a night-time sound-and-light walk. Now in its fourth season, this show features five immersive scenes where the plants glow.

• The Autumn Festival celebrates the season’s shimmering colours. Giant pumpkins, autumnal decorations and cookery workshops mark this festive period.

Practical information

To plan your day at Terra Botanica in Angers with complete peace of mind, there are a few essential logistical points to bear in mind.

Address: Parc Terra Botanica, 49300 Route d’Épinard, 49000 Angers, France – a 20-minute walk.

Website: terrabotanica.fr

Opening hours: the park is open from April to November. Opening times vary by month: 10.00–18.00 in April, May and September; 10.00–19.00 in June, July and August. Check the website for exact opening days!

Prices (approximate): booking online is often the best option. A dated adult ticket starts at €21, which is better value than buying at the gate (€25). Children (aged 3–17) also benefit from reduced rates (from €17.50).

Eating and drinking: the park has several restaurants and snack bars to keep you going all day. You can also go out for a picnic and then re-enter the park using a stamp.

Ready for your botanical odyssey? Check availability and book your stay at Château des Forges, the ideal base for exploring Terra Botanica in Angers!