The flowering cherry trees of the Oriental Park of Maulévrier Sunday March 14, 2021. -
V.Ripaud
It is the largest Japanese park in Europe and it is located near Cholet (Maine-et-Loire), one hour from Nantes.
The eastern park of Maulévrier reopened its doors on Saturday, with a reinforced health protocol.
The moment was not chosen at random since it corresponded to Hanami, the traditional Japanese festival which consists of admiring the flowering of cherry trees.
This is the only time of the year when picnicking is allowed in the park.
Hanami runs until April 5.
And for this reopening weekend, nearly 2,000 visitors took advantage of the sun to make the trip, rejoices the management of the private park.
Exotic plants, waterfalls, bridges, statues ...
"In this period of limited travel, especially abroad, the eastern park of Maulévrier offers more than ever a break of serenity and travel", considers Alain Caillé, the director.
More than 130,000 people on average roam the oriental park each year for free or guided tours, sometimes even at night.
This 29-hectare site, designed by the Parisian architect Alexandre Marcel at the start of the 20th century, is chargeable (7 euros entry).
It has dozens of exotic plants (maple trees, azaleas, camellias, magnolias, lotus…) but also waterfalls, bridges, a pagoda, a crest path, lanterns or even Khmer statues.
Society
Coronavirus: In Anjou, tourist accommodation providers welcome lonely students free of charge
Nantes
Holidays near Nantes: On foot or by bike, five hikes in the heart of nature to try out in the Pays-de-la-Loire
Park
Japan
Flowers
Cholet
Planet