Staying in the Loire Valley and looking for a thrill? Visit Terra Botanica in Angers, France's leading plant park! Succeeding brilliantly in making botany the theme of an amusement park, this unusual venue transported us into the mysterious world of plant life. Prepare to be amazed!
In this article, you'll find some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Why visit Terra Botanica Park?
Are Terra Botanica Gardens worth it? Our opinion:
The Terra Botanica Park is definitely worth a visit. We were dazzled by the site's 5 universes, revealing plants in all their diversity. Extraordinary trails, magical site settings and sensational attractions take young and old on a lush journey through plants and landscapes from all over the world. We were captivated by this madness and poetry. Like us, try this adventure and reserve your tickets now!
Why is Terra Botanica Park famous?
The Terra Botanica site is truly unique. It's Europe's first theme park dedicated to plants! This unique space showcases botany and horticulture in a whole new way. We were won over by this extraordinary and surprising place, where you can discover the world of plants in a fun and educational way.
The site is known for its commitment to the environment. The values of transmission and preservation of biodiversity are at the heart of the park's policy. We could feel this desire to raise awareness and think about the future and past of plants.
Covering more than 40 hectares on the outskirts of Angers, the park is also renowned for its geographical location. Visiting the Terra Botanica site has become one of the must-do activities in this emblematic city of the Loire Valley, also recognized as a horticultural hub in France. The site showcases the Anjou region through the prism of plants, and is one of the most beautiful gardens on the Loire. We think it's a must-see!
Our favorite moments
We loved exploring this exceptional site. Of the myriad activities on offer in the park, we liked it best:
- The butterfly greenhouse: the colors of these winged creatures and the exoticism of their habitat took us on a journey to warmer climes!
- The giants' trail: we had a lot of fun wandering through the trees, and enjoyed observing the world from a great height!
- A trip on the river in a gabarre: on this typical local boat, we let ourselves dream along with the current.
>> Book your tickets now and avoid queuing!
History in brief
The fruit of a crazy idea, the Terra Botanica project is marked by a history that seeks to enhance the Anjou region and enchant the public.
- 1998: The Maine-et-Loire General Council first raised the idea of a plant theme park as a means of boosting tourism.
- 2000: the former Angers-Avrillé airfield is chosen as the future site for the park.
- 2004: the project evolves and the aim is to create a park centered around a global approach to plants, promoting the idea of sustainable development. Landscape designer Thierry Huaut and architect Jean de Gastines designed the 40-hectare park, which includes 70,000m2 of gardens and landscaping, 25,000m2 of aquatic areas, 15,000m2 of pathways and 10,000m2 of buildings and greenhouses.
- 2010: the park is inaugurated and opens its doors to the public!
WHERE TO STAY IN Angers
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Downtown, to enjoy the city, its restaurants and beautiful architecture.
Hôtel L'Oisellerie - see photos and availability
Hotel 21, Foch - prices, pictures and availability
In the surrounding countryside, for greater peace and quiet
Hotel Château des Forges - see photos and availability
Access and map: Terra Botanica, Angers
Where is Terra Botanica Park?
- In Angers, to the north of the city
- In the Les Hauts de Saint-Aubin neighborhood
- Driving time from Angers city center: 10min
- Driving time from Tours: 1h20
- Driving time from Nantes: 1h
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
How to get there?
Located to the north of Angers, the park is accessible by car. To reach the site, take exit 16 off the A11 freeway between Paris and Nantes, in the direction of Cantenay Epinard.
You can also get there by public transport. By train, stop at Gare Saint-Laud in Angers. You can book your tickets here. Then, at Hôtel de Ville, take tramway line A which, in 35 minutes, will drop you off just a few steps from the park entrance at the Terra Botanica stop. You can also take bus line 5 and stop at Auriol. More information on times and prices here.
Are you travelling through the Loire Valley by bike and would like to use this means of transport to visit the Parc Terra Botanica? It is possible! It is one of the stages of the Loire à vélo. If you're looking for a few days' itinerary and tips, read our article on the subject!
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Parking
The park has a large, free parking lot for cars, coaches, camper vans and bicycles. Please note that the parking lot is emptied and closed outside opening hours.
Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating...
Best time to visit
A visit to Parc Terra Botanica is a real treat when the warm weather brings out the flowers and leaves. The park is full of flowers and greenery from April to October. However, the summer season is synonymous with high visitor numbers and hot weather. For a more exclusive and slightly cooler visit, opt for spring, or bet on September's Indian summer and October's autumn colors.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow a day to visit the park and enjoy its treasures! There are no particular difficulties to visit, apart from the walking involved in discovering the area. Don't forget good shoes!
The entire park is accessible to people with reduced mobility and strollers. Wheelchair hire is available for €5, paths are level and access to attractions is easy, apart from the Walnut Shell Journey.
Advice on how to visit
There is no imposed direction of visit. Divided into 5 extraordinary universes, the park can be discovered according to your desires! We do, however, recommend that you explore the site from universe to universe, to better immerse yourself in the different themes.
Starting with the beautiful Butterfly Greenhouse, we began our adventure with Les Grandes Explorations. A journey through the world's great plant discoveries and landscapes! Escapade en Anjou then transported us to the singularity of the Loire Valley. At the edge of the park, Les Mystères de la Forêt aroused our curiosity. We also had a lot of fun in the trees. In the world of the origins of life, we learned a great deal about the appearance of vegetation on earth. Finally, our visit ended with an exploration of Végétal Insolite, which celebrates the creativity of nature and man!
A LITTLE MORE patience
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Visiting with children
Terra Botanica is for the whole family! This uniquely themed theme park offers activities for all ages, combining fun and education. Sensational attractions, uplifting shows, games, trails and workshops, animals! It's all about learning, discovering and having fun. We're big kids, and we're happy!
We also noticed that the site provides facilities for children. For €5, you can hire a baby carriage. Toilets are equipped with baby-changing facilities, and all restaurants offer children's menus. You can also organize your child's birthday party in the park!
Schedules and rates
The park rates are:
- Full price: €24
- Children's price: €18
- Reduced rate (students, unemployed, etc.): €20.50
- Family rate (2 adults and at least 2 children): €18
Don't wait! Like us, book your tickets in advance. Rates may vary depending on when you take them. For more information, visit the park's official website here.
The park is closed in winter, from November to March. Opening dates and times:
- July and August: open daily from 10am to 7pm.
- Other months open: 10am-6pm or 10am-7pm depending on the day, closed on certain Wednesdays.
The park sometimes closes for a few days to maintain its facilities and plants. Depending on weather conditions or maintenance issues, the venue may change dates and times. We recommend you visit the official website for more details here.
Guided tours
Terra Botanica Park is free to visit. Everyone can follow their own desires! That's what we've done. You can also take advantage of the entertainment program handed out at the entrance and let yourself be guided by the day's events.
Lodging
Enjoy a unique experience by spending the night at Terra Botanica Park in a charming tiny house. The accommodation package also includes 2 days' access to the site. It's the perfect opportunity to fully explore this exceptional plant park! Find out more here.
The park is also located in the city of Angers, which, like its surroundings, is full of pleasant hotels. Discover our selection here. Here are a few ideas:
- Just a 2-minute drive away, experience life in a château by staying at the Hôtel Château des Forges. Reserve a prestige room today!
- Complete the adventure at the charming Hôtel Domaine du Moulin Cavier, an old mill transformed into a hotel and home to an excellent restaurant! Availability and prices here.
Catering
Venturing into the world of plants makes you hungry! The park's 2 restaurants will tantalize your taste buds:
- Restaurant La Table du Roi René offers family-friendly cuisine in a setting of unusual vegetation, a stretch of water covered with water lilies and lotuses!
- Enjoy traditional French cuisine in a jar at Restaurant La Popotte.
Terra Botanica has 4 snack bars:
- For a quick lunch, head to Snack L'Oasis.
- The Snack Au Coin des Gourmands offers churros and cassolettes, small round containers for dishes in sauce.
- More street food-oriented, Snack Pom' de Terra offers sandwiches, hot dogs and fries!
- Refresh yourself with tempting ice creams from the Glacier Terra Botanica.
Before entering the park, we also spotted picnic tables available for those who prefer to pack their own lunch! You can also eat at one of the good addresses in Angers, as it's possible to leave the park and return later in the day.
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Extraordinary green worlds
The park invites visitors to explore 5 enchanting worlds. We were carried away by this extraordinary variety of themes and colors.
A journey through the world of plants
To visit Terra Botanica is to travel the world and discover the unusual in plants! We walked in the footsteps of great explorers in the dedicated universe located right next to the park entrance. Tropical landscapes, Louisiana bayous and Asian forests dazzled us with their exoticism! The garden inspired by the voyages of the French explorer La Pérouse, blossoming in a large greenhouse, particularly piqued our curiosity.
The park also showcases plants in all their originality in the world of Le Végétal Insolite. To the right of the entrance, this space won us over with its diversity. We wandered through amazingly colorful gardens, green rice paddies, strange carnivorous plants and hundreds of species of orchid. You can also explore this microcosm on the little train, which will take you from surprise to splendour!
Mysteries and secrets
The world of plants holds many mysteries! Lift the veil on the evolution and role of plants in the world of the Origins of Life. That's what we did as we hiked the misty trails of part of the park. We've travelled back in time, deep into the forests of the primary era, where dinosaurs can be seen! Thanks to the many explanatory panels along the way, this escape in time was also rich in lessons for us.
At the far end of the park, nestles the Mysteries of the Forest universe. In search of the giants, we hiked bridges and treetop nets through a circuit full of pitfalls. We came across 3 gigantic woodland creatures who revealed a few secrets to us. A mysterious trail full of sensations that kept us entertained!
A plunge into the Loire Valley
Telling the local story through plants, the Escapade en Anjou universe plunged us into the gentle, romantic landscapes of the Loire Valley. You'll discover plant species brought back by Good King René, Duke of Anjou and monarch of Naples and Sicily, as well as gardens, orchards and vegetable gardens typical of the region!
Along the Allée des Grands-mères, we've noted some tasty recipes for herbal teas and infusions. Our senses were heightened in the Rose Garden, where we smelled and admired hundreds of roses. Finally, aboard a gabarre, the region's traditional river boat, we sailed through the Anjou countryside. You'll love it!
Breathtaking nature trails
Crisscrossed by surprising paths and trails, Terra Botanica offers a wide range of plant discovery trails.
Aerial tours
We loved the Birds Canopy educational tour! Punctuated by giant bird installations, it also offers a variety of games and a circuit with obstacles to overcome. Transformed into true adventurers, we came across several species of colourful birds along the way that brightened up our exploration!
In our opinion, the Giant's Trail is one of the park's most fun! From peak to peak, we walked through a forest inhabited by gentle giants. Nets and metal structures allow young and old alike to have fun in the air and move around in a whole new way! On the ground, we met some strange creatures. Constructed entirely of wood, they come to life as explorers gaze in wonder. An adventure worthy of a fairy tale!
The surprises of Anjou
The Garden of Legends took us on a journey through the history of the region, with the help of stories! Standing in the middle of a verdant, flower-filled garden, an enormous ivy ogre opens its giant maw to mysterious depths. Courageous and curious, after admiring the pretty groves of local plants, we entered the interior of the monster and discovered a small cinema room. On the small screen, a film revealed the tales and legends of Anjou. A real plunge into the imaginary world of the region!
The park also highlights western France and the contributions of the great French explorers from this part of the country. Thanks to the trail dedicated to the Comte de La Pérouse, the famous 18th-century navigator, we followed in his footsteps. A film dedicated to his expeditions took us on board one of his three masts. Like him, we traveled through jungles and tropical forests, discovering new plant species brought back to Europe at the time.
Climatic and nocturnal strolls
We were surprised on the À l'Épreuve des Extrêmes trail! We discovered how plants manage to adapt to even the most difficult environments. Passing through 4 greenhouses, we faced 4 extreme climates. From icy to torrid, we were amazed at the plant's ability to thrive. Like us, you'll be amazed!
When the weather is fine, the park is the perfect place to extend your visit in the evening, with the Terra Nocta event. This night-time sound and light show will give you a whole new Terra Botanica experience. This wonderful walk aroused our curiosity. We've imagined the gardens adorned with magic and hints of gold!
Sensational attractions in the heart of the plant world
The theme park offers a host of thrilling plant-based attractions!
A trip in the air
Why not get a bird's eye view of Terra from the sky? A hot-air balloon took us over 150m above the ground! We admired the superb panorama of Terra Botanica and its colorful world. The view over the gentle valleys of the Maine-et-Loire region is equally breathtaking. We highly recommend this attraction!
The aerial adventure continues with the Voyage en Coquille de Noix attraction. We flew through the trees like squirrels! Sheltered by a large green leaf that protected us from the sun, we enjoyed this rhythmic ride and contemplated life as seen from the branches!
Explorations on water and land
With L'Odyssée Botanique, we boarded a gabarre, a traditional river freight boat. Along the river, we saw a succession of Anjou landscapes, woods and forests, gardens and cultivated fields. You'll love this walk, reminiscent of strolls along the Loire and Maine rivers.
Terra Botanica also has its own little train! Climb aboard for a gentle exploration of the park and its treasures. We enjoyed the tranquility of the route, but also the guide's interesting and entertaining explanations. We also discovered new paths reserved exclusively for the little plant train. Little ones will love it!
Virtual reality experiences
Terra Virtual Reality takes you on a journey into the world of plants, using virtual reality headsets. Aboard the attraction's dedicated bus, we took a pictorial tour of the park. We even thought we were on board the hot-air balloon, even though we were on the ground. Impressive!
L'Aventure 4D is also worth a visit! In a room, facing a screen, sitting on moving seats and wearing 3D glasses, we were literally shaken as we watched the 2 4D films invented by the park. First a drop of water spinning through the world, we then found ourselves behind the wheel of a Jeep, driving through dinosaurs!
Abracadabulous, lush spectacles
Through a variety of shows, the park entertained us while revealing the secrets of plants!
Surprise and thrills
Don't miss Le Potager Explosif. We were amazed by this dazzling, interactive show! With soil, plants, mysterious ingredients and audience participation, anything seems possible. A hair-raising experience!
Expect just as much sparkle with Le Labo Magique. This magic show blew us away! Two mad scientists try amazing experiments in their unusual laboratory. We loved both magicians' acts and their humor. You'll love the show!
Poetry and stories
Travel the world of fairy tales with Le Colporteur de Rêves. This poetic title lives up to its promise. Through a cabinet of plant curiosities and a fairytale show, we marveled at the tales told by the park's peddler. Even more poetry with La Symphonie du chêne. Facing a venerable tree, we sat and listened to music and dreamlike stories.
Located to the left of the park entrance, the butterfly hothouse was a real eye-catcher! We were thrilled by the butterfly release. In the midst of lush tropical flora, we witnessed the delicate flight of hundreds of shimmering powdery wings. A feast for the eyes.
Fun and games with plants
In the midst of a lush, colorful natural setting, games and activities introduced us to the world of botany in a fun way!
Everything for the little ones
At the Île des Lutins village, we saw a whole range of games and facilities dedicated to the very young. Carousel, playground and cabins to explore. Something for every little leprechaun!
Paleobotanists will also appeal to those who enjoy role-playing! Children slip into the shoes of scientists and set off in search of treasures. Stone puzzles and fossil digs with brushes in the sand!
Touching and handling
Set off in search of a mineral in the Amber Rush game. We saw young and old become real amber seekers. Why not take your trowels and sieves and dig into the earth in search of the precious stone?
At Jardin malin, everyone becomes a gardener! Playfully explore this multi-faceted vegetable garden. We were able to admire local flowers and vegetables. Colourful wheelbarrows and gardening equipment for an immersive experience!
Quests and riddles
At Terra Botanica, we're also putting our brains to work! Cabanes à Quizz welcomes connoisseurs and beginners alike. In 3 small houses made of different materials - wood, concrete and stone - we tested our knowledge of the plants in the park.
Scattered throughout the park, fantastic animals populate Terra Botanica. Dressed in green, wood or metal, they enchant the visitor. We set out to find them. A quest that allows you to rediscover the park in a whole new way. Take up the challenge yourself!
Frequently asked questions
What's the best time of year to visit Terra Botanica Park?
The best time to discover Terra Botanica's gardens is when they're in bloom! From April to October, the park is decked out in green and color. To avoid the crowds and the summer heat, we advise you to plan your visit in spring, or from September onwards if you have the opportunity.
How old do you have to be to visit Terra Botanica Park?
The Terra Botanica website is for everyone from 1 to 99 years old! The theme park offers a diverse range of activities, rides and attractions to appeal to all ages. The beauty of plants and the poetry of imagined worlds will captivate young and old alike. We found plenty to enjoy, learn and contemplate!
What is Terra Nocta?
Terra Nocta is an evening stroll organized by the theme park several times a month, and almost every day in July and August. Lights and music let you discover the world of plants, surrounded by the softness of the night. Mystery and poetry on the program. We recommend this dreamlike escape! More information on the official website here.
What tourist attractions are close to Terra Botanica Park?
Located to the north of Angers, the park is close to many places well worth a visit:
- Visit the Château d'Angers in the heart of the city and walk in the footsteps of the Dukes of Anjou! Click here for more info. Get a great deal on a combined ticket for the château and Terra Botanica Park!
- Just a 30-minute drive from the park, continue your adventure and admire the animals at the Bioparc-Zoo de Doué La Fontaine. Get your ticket now, which will also give you priority entry to the Château d'Angers!
- Castle lovers? Angers is surrounded by sumptuous mansions! Read our article here to find out.
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