Arboretum de Chèvreloup - Image 1
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Arboretum de Chèvreloup

4
·303 reviews·Le Chesnay-Rocquencourt, France

A vast arboretum near Versailles, offering a tranquil escape with over 2500 tree and plant species. Perfect for nature lovers and a peaceful day out.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Blossoms and fresh greenery

CrowdLow
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Arboretum de Chèvreloup - Image 1

Arboretum de Chèvreloup

Best Time

Spring mornings

Blossoms and fresh greenery

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vast arboretum near Versailles, offering a tranquil escape with over 2500 tree and plant species. Perfect for nature lovers and a peaceful day out.

4
(303 reviews)

"Excellent location to escape the crowds at le château de Versailles. Calm, quiet and full of lovely paths."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Dog-Friendly Exploration

Bring your furry friends along! The Arboretum de Chèvreloup is a dog-friendly park, perfect for a walk together. :dog:

🚲 Bike or Scooter Friendly

Explore the vast grounds with ease! Biking or scootering is a great way to cover more ground and enjoy the scenery. :scooter:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Arboretum

The Grand Arboretum

Wander through diverse tree collections from around the globe. A serene escape for nature lovers.

Plant-Packed Greenhouses

Plant-Packed Greenhouses

Explore lush greenhouses showcasing a variety of plant species. A vibrant display of botanical wonders.

Peaceful Walking Paths

Peaceful Walking Paths

Enjoy miles of quiet paths perfect for walking, running, or biking. A refreshing natural retreat.

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Planning Your Visit

Escape the Versailles Crowds

Seeking a tranquil escape? The Arboretum de Chèvreloup offers a peaceful alternative to the bustling Palace of Versailles, just a short distance away. Enjoy nature's calm.

Explore Nature's Diversity

Discover over 2500 species of trees and plants in this expansive arboretum. Pack a picnic and enjoy the diverse flora in a soothing, natural environment.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Blossoms and fresh greenery
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Vibrant fall foliage
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer visitors, more tranquility
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Versailles Gardens: botany/gardening tours?

🚶‍♀️ Dog-Friendly Exploration

Bring your furry friends along! The Arboretum de Chèvreloup is a dog-friendly park, perfect for a walk together. :dog:

🚲 Bike or Scooter Friendly

Explore the vast grounds with ease! Biking or scootering is a great way to cover more ground and enjoy the scenery. :scooter:

reddit.com

Staying in Le Chesnay

reddit.com

Versailles Tips

🧺 Picnic Perfect

Pack a lunch and enjoy a peaceful picnic amidst nature. Plenty of scenic spots to relax and refuel. :sandwich:

👟 Comfortable Footwear

You'll be doing a lot of walking! Wear comfortable shoes to make the most of your exploration. :athletic_shoe:

reddit.com

My experience May 2025: do NOT waste your time at Versailles

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Dog-Friendly Exploration

Bring your furry friends along! The Arboretum de Chèvreloup is a dog-friendly park, perfect for a walk together. :dog:

🚲 Bike or Scooter Friendly

Explore the vast grounds with ease! Biking or scootering is a great way to cover more ground and enjoy the scenery. :scooter:

🧺 Picnic Perfect

Pack a lunch and enjoy a peaceful picnic amidst nature. Plenty of scenic spots to relax and refuel. :sandwich:

👟 Comfortable Footwear

You'll be doing a lot of walking! Wear comfortable shoes to make the most of your exploration. :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4
(303 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Arboretum de Chèvreloup as a serene and beautiful escape, especially as an alternative to the crowds at Versailles. Its vast collection of trees and plants, peaceful paths, and dog-friendly nature are frequently highlighted as major positives. Some wish for more clearly marked trails or specific information on certain plant species.

"Excellent location to escape the crowds at le château de Versailles. Calm, quiet and full of lovely paths. You can walk, run, and bike here. Dog friendly ;)"

Cordova Constant

"Amazing park only 15 minutes away from Paris!"

Hugo Raymond

"Next to the straight paths of Versailles Park, the arboretum"

Delphine Lozano

What People Like

Peaceful escape from crowds
Diverse tree and plant collections
Dog-friendly atmosphere

What People Dislike

Occasional lack of clear signage

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Arboretum de Chèvreloup is conveniently located about 15 minutes from Paris. You can reach it by car, offering a quick escape from the city. Public transport options might involve a combination of RER trains and local buses, so check current routes for the most efficient journey. Reddit

Yes, the Arboretum de Chèvreloup is situated right next to the Palace of Versailles, making it an excellent spot to visit before or after exploring the palace grounds. It offers a more natural and less crowded experience. Reddit

Parking is generally available at the Arboretum de Chèvreloup, though it's advisable to check for any specific fees or restrictions, especially during peak seasons. Arriving early can help secure a good spot. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Arboretum de Chèvreloup is typically free, making it an accessible and budget-friendly destination. However, it's always a good idea to verify current admission policies before your visit. Reddit

The opening hours for the Arboretum de Chèvreloup can vary by season. It's recommended to check the official website or local listings for the most up-to-date information on daily opening and closing times. Reddit

The Paris Museum Pass is generally for museums and historical monuments. As the Arboretum de Chèvreloup is a natural park, it's unlikely to be covered by the pass. Admission is usually free. Reddit

🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience

The Arboretum de Chèvreloup boasts an impressive collection of over 2500 species of trees and plants from around the world. You'll find diverse botanical collections, including various types of trees, shrubs, and flora within its greenhouses. Reddit

Absolutely! The Arboretum de Chèvreloup is a fantastic place for children to explore and learn about nature. The open spaces, diverse plant life, and greenhouses offer an engaging experience for young visitors. Reddit

Yes, the Arboretum de Chèvreloup features numerous paths perfect for walking, running, and biking. It's an ideal location for outdoor activities and enjoying the expansive grounds. Reddit

Guided tours are often available at the Arboretum de Chèvreloup, offering deeper insights into the plant collections and the history of the arboretum. Check their schedule for availability and booking information. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Arboretum de Chèvreloup offers numerous picturesque spots for photography. The diverse tree collections, vibrant greenhouses, and serene walking paths provide beautiful backdrops throughout the seasons. Look for interesting light filtering through the trees or unique plant formations. Reddit

Regulations regarding drone usage can be strict in natural parks and near residential areas. It's essential to check the Arboretum de Chèvreloup's specific policies on drone operation before flying one on the premises. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Arboretum de Chèvreloup is a fantastic destination for families looking for an outdoor adventure. Its vast open spaces are perfect for kids to run around and explore freely, offering a welcome change from urban environments. The diverse plant collections and greenhouses provide an engaging and educational experience, sparking curiosity about nature. Reddit

Bring a picnic to enjoy amidst the beautiful scenery, and consider bringing bikes or scooters to cover more ground and add an element of fun to your exploration. The arboretum's dog-friendly policy also means you can bring your family pet along for the outing. It's a wonderful place for children to connect with the natural world in a safe and stimulating environment. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Nature Walkers & Runners

For those who love to walk or run in nature, the Arboretum de Chèvreloup offers miles of peaceful and scenic paths. Unlike the often crowded main paths of Versailles, here you can enjoy a more tranquil experience, surrounded by diverse flora. The varied terrain and beautiful landscapes make it an invigorating spot for your daily exercise or a leisurely stroll. Reddit

Wear comfortable athletic shoes and be prepared to explore a significant area. The arboretum's expansive grounds provide ample opportunity to discover new routes and enjoy the changing seasons. It’s an ideal location for anyone seeking a serene environment to stay active and reconnect with nature. Reddit

🐶 Dog Owners

The Arboretum de Chèvreloup is a haven for dog owners, being a dog-friendly park. You can bring your canine companions along to enjoy the extensive grounds and fresh air. It's a great opportunity for your dog to stretch its legs and explore a beautiful natural setting alongside you. Reddit

Remember to keep your dog on a leash where required and to clean up after them to help maintain the park's pristine condition. The arboretum offers a wonderful, shared outdoor experience for both you and your furry friend. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Natural Sanctuary Near Versailles

The Arboretum de Chèvreloup serves as a remarkable natural counterpoint to the grandeur of the nearby Palace of Versailles. While the palace draws immense crowds, the arboretum offers a calm, quiet, and expansive green space perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle. Visitors often highlight it as an excellent alternative for a more relaxed experience, allowing for leisurely walks, runs, or bike rides amidst diverse flora. Reddit

With over 2500 species of trees and plants, the arboretum is a living museum of botanical diversity. Its grounds are meticulously maintained, featuring distinct collections that showcase flora from various regions of the world. The presence of plant-packed greenhouses adds another layer of botanical exploration, providing a glimpse into more exotic and delicate species. This makes it a fascinating destination for both casual visitors and serious plant enthusiasts alike. Reddit

Whether you're looking for a peaceful stroll, a place to exercise, or simply a beautiful natural setting to unwind, the Arboretum de Chèvreloup delivers. Its dog-friendly policy further enhances its appeal for many visitors, allowing them to share the experience with their pets. The sheer variety of landscapes within the arboretum ensures that each visit can offer something new, especially as the seasons change the appearance of the foliage. Reddit

Exploring the Arboretum's Collections

The heart of the Arboretum de Chèvreloup lies in its extensive and varied collections of trees and plants. Spanning over 2500 species, the arboretum is a testament to botanical research and conservation. Visitors can wander through themed sections, each dedicated to specific genera or geographical origins, offering a unique educational experience. The plant-packed greenhouses are a particular draw, housing a diverse array of species that might not survive the local climate, from tropical plants to rare succulents. Reddit

Beyond the greenhouses, the outdoor collections are equally impressive. You'll find sections dedicated to conifers, deciduous trees, and various ornamental species, all meticulously cataloged and maintained. The sheer scale of the arboretum means that exploring its entirety can take several hours, making it an ideal destination for a full day trip. The straight paths of Versailles Park are often contrasted with the more meandering and naturalistic paths found here, offering a different kind of scenic beauty. Reddit

For those interested in learning more, guided tours are often available, providing expert insights into the plant life, the history of the arboretum, and its conservation efforts. These tours can significantly enhance the visitor's understanding and appreciation of the botanical treasures on display. The arboretum is a place where one can truly connect with nature and learn about the incredible diversity of the plant kingdom. Reddit

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