La Bambouseraie De Prafrance

In the world of plants, bamboo holds the record when it comes to growing. A symbol in many countries, used for multiple purposes, the exotic varied species are honored in the extravagance of the Bambouseraie de Prafrance. Classified as Remarkable Garden and a Historical Monument, the 156 year old park respects nature and opens its doors for the ones who care to dream, meditate or learn more about the art of gardening.

Park's Biography

Situated about 3 kilometers away from Anduze, in the commune Generargues of the French region Languedoc-Rousillon, the first seeds of what is now the Bambouseraie were planted in 1856. The mastermind behind the vivacious oasis of today was Eugene Mazel, who was interested in bringing exotic plants from China, Japan or North America and acclimatizing them in Europe. The bamboo paradise is classified as one of Europe's oldest collections and introduction of more species occurred after the lively gardens were managed by the Negre family.

Satisfy your Desire for Enchantment

The private botanical conservatory was open to the public 100 years after it was created, in 1953. The Bambouserie exposes plants unique in Europe and has been described as a place ''where every kind of sensitivity can satisfy one's desire for enchantment and knowledge''. Among the remarkable trees, one can observe the Indian chestnut, the delicate Magnolia or one of the world's largest trees, the Sequoia. The bamboo takes the crown in these French gardens, which are proud with their mixture of small, medium and giant types.

La Bambouseraie de Prafrance is open 7 days a week between the 1st of March and the 15th of November. From 9:30 AM till 17 PM, visitors can come spend their day outdoors among the numerous green leafed wonders, considered a link between the different cultures. Depending on the time of your travel, you might even attend one of the art expositions organized here since 1977 where artists inspired by vegetation share their remarkable creations.

Fullness of Nothingness

As the fastest growing plant in the world, the bamboo can grow over 1 meter a day in the case of mature plants. Described as the ''essential rhythms of life'' by the Tao philosophy, the plant is commonly associated to spiritual development and as a symbol of the ''fullness of nothingness''. Other interpretations connect bamboos to fertility, altruism or to the image of a happy family. Both ecological and economical, the bamboo is known for over 12,000 different uses. Its hollow stems are exceptionally resistant helping in construction work while its fast growing properties make it an ideal solution for counterbalancing deforestation or preventing erosion.

Breathe in the purity of nature, admire the extravagance of La Bambouseraie de Prafrance, the exceptional gardens of sensitivity and symbolism where the bamboo takes the crown.