The Arboretum of Versailles-Chèvreloup: a green haven at the gates of the Palace
Right next to the Royal Estate of Versailles lies a little-known natural treasure: the Arboretum of Versailles-Chèvreloup. A true living museum of trees, it has been managed for nearly a century by the French National Museum of Natural History, which has developed here one of the most remarkable dendrological collections in Europe.
Covering more than 200 hectares of preserved natural landscapes, this arboretum—derived from the Latin arbor, meaning “tree”—brings together nearly 2,000 woody species and varieties from temperate or cold regions around the world, carefully acclimated to the Île-de-France climate. More than 200 genera from 70 botanical families are represented here, a unique wealth on the European continent.
A pedagogical and sensory discovery
Two marked trails invite you to stroll: one introduces you to forty remarkable tree species with surprising shapes and foliage; the other familiarizes you with the diversity of regional species of Île-de-France and the art of identifying them. Each stop is punctuated with explanatory panels, making the visit both contemplative and educational.
A refuge for wildlife
The Arboretum is also a privileged site for observing wildlife. Sheltered from urban areas, many species have found refuge in the variety of habitats at Chèvreloup: lawns, meadows, wetlands, and forests host hundreds of insect species and dozens of birds, not to mention mammals such as wild boar, roe deer, hedgehogs, red foxes, squirrels, and more.
Covering more than 200 hectares of preserved natural landscapes, this arboretum—derived from the Latin arbor, meaning “tree”—brings together nearly 2,000 woody species and varieties from temperate or cold regions around the world, carefully acclimated to the Île-de-France climate. More than 200 genera from 70 botanical families are represented here, a unique wealth on the European continent.
A pedagogical and sensory discovery
Two marked trails invite you to stroll: one introduces you to forty remarkable tree species with surprising shapes and foliage; the other familiarizes you with the diversity of regional species of Île-de-France and the art of identifying them. Each stop is punctuated with explanatory panels, making the visit both contemplative and educational.
A refuge for wildlife
The Arboretum is also a privileged site for observing wildlife. Sheltered from urban areas, many species have found refuge in the variety of habitats at Chèvreloup: lawns, meadows, wetlands, and forests host hundreds of insect species and dozens of birds, not to mention mammals such as wild boar, roe deer, hedgehogs, red foxes, squirrels, and more.
