Arboretum de Balaine

Villeneuve-Sur-Allier, France

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The Arboretum de Balaine in Villeneuve-sur-Allier, France, is the oldest private botanical park in the country, created in 1804 by Aglaé Adanson.

It spans 20 hectares and features an English-style garden surrounding a still-inhabited Bourbonnais château. The arboretum hosts about 2,500 species and varieties of plants, including exotic and centuries-old trees such as giant sequoias, bald cypresses, Japanese maples, magnolias, azaleas, and hydrangeas.

The park is noted for its tranquil setting with a lake and streams, offering a serene walking experience among diverse and mature plant collections. It is recognized as a historic monument and a remarkable garden, open to visitors during the warmer months, with special events like Plant Days in April. The arboretum combines botanical richness with historic charm, making it a unique destination for garden and nature lovers.​