Jardins de Valloires

Argoules, France

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Jardins de Valloires in Argoules, France, is a botanical garden created in 1989 beneath the historic 12th-century Cistercian Abbey of Valloires.

Designed by landscape gardener Gilles Clément, the garden spans eight hectares and features more than 5,000 plant species and varieties, including rare and unique plants from around the world. The garden is divided into distinct themed areas such as a formal garden reflecting the abbey's architecture, an English-style garden housing the rare plant collection, and a marsh wilderness garden. It celebrates the local natural heritage and includes a section dedicated to naturalist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck.

The gardens are known for their contemporary design that integrates wild elements with the historic abbey setting, offering visitors a rich experience of plant diversity and seasonal beauty. The site also hosts educational and family-friendly areas like the Garden of the Five Senses and is recognized as a remarkable garden destination in France, attracting many visitors yearly.