Angers and the surrounding area: towns and villages rewarded for their flowers
Winning the Villes et Villages Fleuris (Towns and Villages in Bloom) label requires real commitment from local authorities. Angers, Saint-Mathurin-sur-Loire, Le Plessis-Macé, Cantenay-Épinard and many other towns in Maine-et-Loire rose to the challenge with flying colours!
Villes et villages fleuris, the label for towns in bloom
Since 1959, the label has been awarded to towns and villages that are committed to improving the quality of life of their residents and visitors, through the landscape, plants and flowers. The labels, including 3 and 4 flowers, are awarded after evaluation of the approach to promoting plants and the publicity activities offered, as well as the plant heritage and the flowers themselves. The criteria also consider respect for the environment and biodiversity in the upkeep of green spaces.
83 towns and villages in Anjou awarded the flower label
At present, no fewer than 83 towns and villages in Anjou have been awarded the label. There are seven 4-flower municipalities, the highest distinction, including Angers, but also Trélazé, Sainte-Gemmes-sur-Loire and Avrillé. Twenty municipalities have been awarded a 3-flower label, including Plessis-Grammoire, Verrières-en-Anjou and Les Ponts-de-Cé.
A label with a positive impact for visitors
Through its selection criteria, the Villes et villages fleuris label encourages local authorities to take an interest in the ecological health of their green spaces and to encourage an approach that promotes biodiversity. As well as the positive impact of flowers on urban landscapes, there are also real benefits for the health and well-being of visitors and residents.
Anjou, a long history of plants
In Anjou, natural spaces have long flourished! Gardens in bloom, parks with remarkable trees and lush green promenades provide breathing space for residents and visitors alike.
Flower gardens since the Renaissance
From the 15th century onwards, the famous King René provided the impetus for Anjou's horticultural vocation. Passionate about plants, he had vines cultivated and gardens created at all his châteaux in Angers, Baugé, Saumur and Les Ponts-de-Cé... Five centuries later, this vocation has not aged a day!
Angers, a city of plants, awarded the 4-flower label
In Angers today, nature in the city is not just a concept. Here, visitors and residents alike benefit from much greater plant cover than in most French cities. So it's only natural that the Villes et Villages Fleuris (Towns and Villages in Bloom) label should award 4 flowers to the town that is home to Europe's first plant theme park, Terra Botanica!
Parks in all four corners of Angers
In addition to Terra Botanica, there are a number of parks open to the public that are well worth a visit to discover the city's flower beds. In the city centre, the Jardin du Mail and the garden of the Musée des Beaux-Arts are perfect for a cool break. At the Jardin des Plantes, and a little further on at the Arboretum, the remarkable trees and plants will appeal to botany enthusiasts. And if you fancy a walk or cycle in the countryside, Balzac Park or the Hutreau and Garenne parks are just the place!
Walks to discover the 3 and 4 flower label towns
All over Anjou are walks, theme parks and floral events. Here's a selection of walks to discover the wonderful gardens and parks of Anjou!
Floral walks in the surrounding area
Within the Anjou region, a number of towns are known for their floral displays and invite you to discover their green spaces. In Cantenay-Épinard, why not stop off for a lovely stroll along the banks of the Mayenne? In Le Plessis-Macé, make the most of a visit to the château of the same name and wander through the pretty gardens of the town. On the banks of the Loire, the small island of Béhuard and the charming market town of Les Ponts-de-Cé are well worth a visit.
Plant gardens and their events
Throughout the summer season, Terra Botanica in Angers offers a range of plant-based events for all the family. In neighbouring towns, the Jardin Camifolia in Chemillé-en-Anjou and the Parc Oriental in Maulévrier, Europe's largest Japanese park, also host regular events. In Doué-en-Anjou, the rose is celebrated every spring.
The possibilities are endless... So put it in your diary!
