Arborétum du Planel

France, France

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Arboretum du Planel is a 3-hectare arboretum and nature preserve located near the Château d'Arques in Arques, Aude department, in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France, at coordinates 42°57′00″N 2°22′19″E.

Established in 1933 as a nursery for the Eaux et Forêts (Water and Forests) administration, it has transformed into a nature preserve with excellent hiking trails and is now a peaceful relaxation spot associated with a forest refuge. 

The arboretum is open daily without charge and features mature specimens of diverse tree species including American red oak, Atlas Cedar, Ginkgo biloba, Liriodendron tulipifera (tulip tree), Sequoiadendron (giant sequoia), and other notable plants.

The site is managed by the municipality of Arques and serves both as a botanical collection showcasing interesting tree varieties and as a natural area for outdoor recreation and nature appreciation in the Cathar country region of medieval France.