Where to see autumn colour
Of course, you can enjoy the season’s colour-fest walking or driving around. But if you feel like a day out to relish the season, here are some great places to visit….
CHARENTE
Jean Aubouin Arboretum, Combiers
Ten hectares in the forest of La Mothe-Cledou. There are two circuits to choose from and enjoy cedars and Californian redwoods. It’s open all year.
Jardins de l’Argentor, Nanteuil-en-Vallée
The arboretum is the main focus for colour here, but also enjoy the fountains and other garden attractions. It’s open all year.
Forêt de Braconne, around La Rochefoucauld
This large forest has hornbeams, oaks and other deciduous trees and many trails to follow.
CHARENTE-MARITIME
L’Arboretum du Mail de Seugne, Jonzac
Admire 27 different types of trees including birches, oaks and beeches. It’s open all year.
Bois Servant, Fontaines-d’Ozillac
Follow the marked path with information panels. It’s open all year.
Arboretum sentier des sens at Saint-Georges-des-Agouts
An arboretum that aims to touch all the five senses. It can be accessed from opposite the church in the direction of Saint-Thomas-de-Cônac or after the bridge over the Agoût left towards Saint-Ciers-du-Taillon.
DEUX-SEVRES
Arboretum de la Croix Verte, Bressuire
Discover 2,000 species of trees and shrubs. You can go on your own or take the guided tour. Tel 05 49 72 35 62 for opening hours and tour times.
Arboretum du chemin de la découverte, Melle
This arboretum boasts 1800 trees and shrubs. There are 6km of trails to explore. Groups of five or more can arrange a guided tour. Open all year.
La forêt de Chizé
Surround yourself with colour in this 3,435 hectares of forest which was, in the Middle Ages, the largest forest in the region.
VIENNE
Arboretum Neuville-du-Poitou
Walk along the 3km path that follows a former railway line and see the 400 different types of trees and shrubs. Open all year.
Promenade de Blossac, Luisgnan
From the garden of the chateau, look out over the Vonne river and its forested valley.
Jardins de la Clouère, Usson-du-Poitou
A garden of three zones including a partly wild area planted with many types of tree including oaks, ash and willow.