Parc Floral de la Source

What is Parc Floral de la Source?

Parc Floral de la Source covers 35 hectares and is arranged around the natural spring that gives rise to the Loiret river. The garden is divided into sections, including a woodland area with native trees and animal paddocks, and a horticultural zone with themed gardens. Visitors will find collections of irises, roses, perennials, and tropical plants, as well as aviaries and butterfly houses. There are also playgrounds and a small train for families.

The history of Parc Floral de la Source

The land has a long history, first given to monks in the early 6th century and later owned by noble families. Formal gardens were first laid out in the 1700s, with features like terraces and a library gallery. In 1959, the city and département bought the estate, setting aside part for the park and the rest for the university. The garden opened to the public in 1964, designed both for recreation and as a showcase for horticulture.

What there is to see

The park is organized into two main areas: the Sologne plateau, with its oak and hornbeam woods and animal enclosures, and the Loire valley plain, which holds the main flower gardens. Themed gardens include a large iris collection, a rose garden, a dahlia area, and tropical glasshouses. Seasonal plantings ensure flowers bloom throughout the year. Visitors can tour the grounds on foot or by a small train.

When to go

Parc Floral de la Source is open to the public for most of the year, with hours changing by season. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists, attracting over 150,000 visitors in 2007. The park hosts flower shows and exhibitions, and offers educational and family activities. Entry is ticketed, with reduced rates for children and groups.

Parts and collections

The garden is known for its national iris collection, with around 900 varieties. Other notable collections include roses, dahlias, ferns, and rhododendrons. The park also features tropical and rock gardens, and regularly hosts exhibitions highlighting different plant groups, such as chrysanthemums and orchids.

Why Parc Floral de la Source matters

Parc Floral de la Source holds the 'Jardin remarquable' label from the French Ministry of Culture, recognizing its horticultural and cultural value. In 1967, it hosted the Floralies internationales d'Orléans, drawing millions of visitors and exhibitors from around the world. The garden continues to be a major attraction in the Loiret region.

The flowers of Parc Floral de la Source

RoseWoody perennial plants with showy, often fragrant flowers in many coloursOrchidA vast family of colourful, often fragrant flowers found almost everywhere on earthChrysanthemumAutumn-blooming flower with thousands of varieties, cherished in East Asia and beyondDahliaA bushy perennial with tuberous roots and bright, star-shaped bloomsRhododendronA vast group of shrubs and trees with showy blooms in many coloursIrisA large group of perennial flowers with striking, six-lobed bloomsCommon rhododendronA dense evergreen shrub with violet-purple flowers from Europe and the CaucasusIris damascenaA rare white and purple iris found only on a Syrian mountain

Questions people ask about Parc Floral de la Source

Good reading and sources

• Official websiteOfficial site

• Parc Floral de la Source on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data