It is the jewel of Apremont-sur-Allier, one of the two communes of the Cher classified among the "Most beautiful villages of France". The Floral Park, labelled "Remarkable Garden", offers an astonishing plant diversity with species from all over the world. Here's everything you need to know about this magical place "where the abundance of English gardens and the rigour of French-style parks are combined".
On the site of a former quarry
This park opened its doors in 1976, the municipality says on its website. It was created by globetrotter and botanist Gilles de Brissac on the site of an old disused quarry. This garden required major work, including the development of an aquatic course with ponds and a waterfall that required 650 tons of rocks to create.
As soon as you enter, a border of shrubs and perennials is inspired by the famous "white garden" of Sissinghurst (England). You will then be amazed as you pass under a "fragrant canopy" of wisteria from China and Japan. This pergola of more than 100 meters has been designed to offer visitors the spectacle of their bloom for as long as possible.
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"All of our annuals and perennials are labeled, allowing our visitors to put a name to what they discover at each stage of their journey," the Floral Park said in a statement.
Between Russia, Turkey and China
Throughout the walk, the visitor discovers three "garden factories", these ornamental constructions that were very fashionable in the eighteenth century. Those of the Apremont-sur-Allier Floral Park were designed by the Russian-born painter-architect, Alexandre Sérébriakoff.
A touch of Russian inspiration awaits visitors: the Belvedere, a place adorned with eight panels telling the story of the Polichinelles, characters from traditional Italian comedy. It took more than 10 years to complete. Elsewhere in the park, the Turkish Pavilion offers a real dive into the Ottoman Empire, while the Pagoda Bridge "transports you to China". An Asian presence that can also be found in the plants in spring, with wisteria from China and Japan.
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Finally, each year, the garden offers an event on a new theme. In 2023, the exhibition "Apremont over the generations" allows you to learn more about the history of this medieval village, through a series of scenes. Full price admission is €10 and the ticket also gives access to the Carriage Museum and the walk on the ramparts of the castle.