Arboretum municipal Roger de Vilmorin

“Lost in time,” whispered a visitor to the Arboretum municipal Roger de Vilmorin, captivated by the ancient trees. Indeed, time seems to slow within these historic walls. The Arboretum municipal Roger de Vilmorin, tucked away in Verrières-le-Buisson, whispers tales of horticultural passion and global exploration. Acquired in 1815 by Philippe André de Vilmorin, this site was chosen for its rich soil and proximity to Paris. This wasn’t just a random location. It was once a hunting ground for Louis XIV. The Arboretum municipal Roger de Vilmorin’s four hectares, enclosed by walls designed by André Le Nôtre, became a living laboratory. Philippe-André de Vilmorin transformed it into a haven for trees and shrubs from around the globe. Imagine the scene in the mid-19th century. Newly arrived species from the Far East, the Americas, North Africa, Siberia, and the Caucasus flourish here. These botanical treasures were often brought back by missionaries and explorers commissioned by the Vilmorin family. The Vilmorin family’s legacy is deeply rooted in this land. Nine generations have nurtured the Arboretum municipal Roger de Vilmorin. They maintained and expanded the collections with varieties like Philadelphus, Berberis, Deutzia, Quercus, Acer, Malus, Lonicera, Rhododendrons, and Euonymus. Even Édouard André, a friend of the family, contributed to the Arboretum’s beauty by designing the waterways. Today, a scientific committee of distinguished dendrologists guides new introductions. These additions focus on taxa dedicated to the Vilmorin family and rare genera from China. A vast collection of 800 species, 300 genera, and 5,500 specimens has been meticulously cataloged. Adjacent to the private Arboretum Vilmorin lies the Arboretum municipal Roger de Vilmorin. This 1.5-hectare space, known as “La Maison des Arbres et des Oiseaux,” offers public access to this unique natural heritage. It’s a place where the echoes of history and the rustling leaves of centuries-old trees create an unforgettable experience.