Let’s go see some plants.
Try that on a family holiday and you’ll probably get a groan. But not if your destination is Terra Botanica.
As soon we stepped through the gates we discovered a fantasy land with giant flowerpots, green ogres and magic potions. Because Terra Botanica is a theme park for gardeners and dreamers.
If you’re planning a trip to the Loire, you will find Terra Botanica on the northern outskirts of Angers. Only 3 hours from Paris, it’s Europe’s first theme park dedicated to plant life. Launched in 2010 the site continues to grow and expand with over 275,000 plant species from around the world.
We’ve been twice now, once with children and the second time as an adults only excursion. On both occasions we found plenty to amuse, entertain and educate.
Terra Botanica for children
You won’t find extreme thrill-rides here, so you might think it’s best suited to under 12s.
But our teenagers had fun pedalling their way around the treetop circuit in a half walnut shell, with the added challenge of trying to go fast enough to bump Mum and Dad in the shell in front.
And they secretly enjoyed the educational ethos of the place.
It’s worth queuing at peak times for the 4D film shows.
The morning screening takes you into the heart of a water droplet on its journey from the sky to the heart of the plant, quite a voyage of discovery.
In the afternoon, the show is a jeep ride into a dinosaur reserve, so expect a few jump scares.
Dinosaurs and more
There are more dino delights in the primeval forest area. Keep your eyes and ears open as you walk the trail, for there are surprises around every corner. And be careful, or you might wake the Giant T. Rex.
Budding paleobotanists will enjoy grabbing the brushes and trowels provided to dig for a whole host of ancient plants, or they can join the Amber Rush, looking for traces of the semi-precious stone.
You might even find a dinosaur skeleton if you know where to look.
In the butterfly greenhouse you’ll come close to more than a hundred varieties from around the world and may even catch a live hatching.
Battling the Elements is a mini-show which takes a fascinating but occasionally bizarre look at the plants that can survive extremes of climate.
My French wasn’t up to speed, so I never knew why the mad professor was suddenly hanging from a ladder underneath a balloon above a rainforest. Perhaps someone else who’s been could explain?
If your young ones need to burn off extra energy, there’s an adventure playground on Imp Island with climbing walls and slides – one over 7 metres high.
For little imps, there’s a merry-go-round and a ride-on-a-rabbit monorail.
For an extra 3 euros (in 2018) you can soar above the park in a tethered balloon, giving views of Terra Botanica’s plants and waterways and the nearby Loire valley.
Terra Botanica for adults
This is where Terra Botanica really scores, for anyone who finds trips to regular theme parks a bit of a trial.
I’m a coward who suffers from vertigo, so I’m usually carrying everyone’s bags and coats while they scream and ride the rollercoasters.
Terra Botanica is a gentler alternative.
There’s plenty of variety with sections featuring the paddy fields of Asia, the gardens of the Mediterranean and the Extreme Climate Greenhouses.
The Ice Wall is extraordinary, with tenacious plants clinging to its bleak surface, beautiful cacti thrive in the Desert House and the Mist Greenhouse boasts a glorious array of 2,000 orchids.
When we were last there, the Green Ogre’s head led to a maze filled with nature’s smelliest and scariest flesh-eating plants.
Since then the attraction’s been updated and in 2017 they launched the Gardens of Legends, telling the story of Anjou through its flowers and folklore.
There’s still a maze filled with ancient plants, and Grandmother’s Walk explains how they were used in cooking and medicine.
I’m delighted that the gentle boat ride is still in operation, a scenic and restful trip along a peaceful river through beautiful blooms with a soothing commentary.
Another favourite of mine is the theatre of plants which is also still going strong; a sound-light-and-scent show tracing the history and legends of three beautiful blooms, the tulip, the hydrangea and the rose.
King René’s Trail expands the story of the rose, and in early summer you can breathe in the scents of hundreds of varieties.
For lovers of flowers and plants, explorers of all ages and for those with a whimsical disposition, Terra Botanica is a great day out.
Food at Terra Botanica
Picnickers are welcome, but the restaurant is very good and serves excellent food, most of it locally sourced.
The burgers are really well presented meat with fresh salad accompaniment served in a great tasting bun with freshly cooked piping hot chips (fries) with not a drop of unnecessary grease.
Salad options are excellent and the ice-cream sundae desserts are delicious with a choice of toppings – Pork Belly says go for the salted caramel!
There are other snack stalls dotted around the site serving sandwiches, chips and pastries.
More information
The park is situated just off the A11 Paris – Nantes autoroute north of Angers.
It’s open most days from mid-April to the end of September and parking is free.
You can see the park in one day, although you’ll have to be pretty slick. They do offer the Unmissable Trail, which you can follow to make sure you see the main highlights in the fastest possible time, but we prefer to stroll randomly.
For up-to-date information on opening hours, planned closures and prices see their website
Accessibility at Terra Botanica
The whole park is on one level with wide, even paths. All rides, except the Walnut Shell, are open to people with reduced mobility. Wheelchairs are available to borrow if needed.
Where to stay?
The Loire has many places to stay from camp sites, country gitês to hotels, maybe you fancy a château.
Additional photos ©Terra Botanica/Coralie Pilard
Where next?
• Secret Gardens of London – A History Walk
• The very best of Exmoor
• Les Machines de L’ile, Nantes