Parc de la Perraudière

Located on the picturesque right bank of the Loire, Parc de la Perraudière is a magnificent example of landscape art. This 5-hectare public park is situated in the commune of Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire, very close to the city of Tours. The site is famous not only for its greenery but also for the stunning panoramic views of the river and urban districts that open up from its terraces.

Parc de la Perraudière. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

In the heart of the park stands an elegant 17th-century mansion, which today serves as the town hall. This area is unique for a country like France: it harmoniously combines historical architecture, modern art, and a rich arboretum featuring over 120 plant species. The park is officially listed in the register of picturesque sites and is considered the primary "green lung" of its commune.

The rustic, slightly "wild" character of Parc de la Perraudière gives it a special charm. In autumn, you can see carpets of delicate cyclamens in the undergrowth, and throughout the year, guests can admire sculptures set right out in the open air. This is not just a garden, but a living cultural space where nature meets creativity.

To check the latest information regarding events and exhibitions, you can consult the official resources of the Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire municipality.

A walk through the park offers many leisure options. Nature lovers will appreciate the arboretum, where each tree is equipped with an information plaque, and the unique "arbotheque" — a library designed in the form of wooden books that shares gardening secrets. For those who prefer active recreation, there are special fitness trails and play areas.

Families with children will be delighted by the local mini-zoo. Here you can observe alpacas, goats, chickens, and ducks, while a special aviary houses a variety of birds. In summer, the cultural program is complemented by puppet theater performances, which traditionally attract young visitors.

Art enthusiasts should look out for the modern sculptures by artists such as Marine Kasimir and Jean Clareboudt, which are seamlessly integrated into the landscape. The Charles X pavilion regularly hosts exhibitions of local craftspeople, and for those who love puzzles, there is an original orientation quest: by collecting letters on wooden posts throughout the park, you can solve the final mystery of this place.

The park is located at 26-2 Rue de la Petite Perraudière in the commune of Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire, which is effectively a suburb. If you are traveling by car, you can reach the site from the city center in 10–15 minutes. Head toward Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire or use the A10 motorway (exit 20 "Montlouis, Vouvray, Tours Val de Loire"), following signs for the local town hall (Mairie). Free parking is available near the entrance.

For those who prefer public transport, buses run regularly from the Tours Gare railway station. You will need to get off at one of the stops in Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire, after which it is about a 10–15 minute walk to the park. The route is intuitive as the park is situated on a hill and is clearly visible from a distance.

If you value comfort and speed, it is most convenient to order a taxi from the city center. The trip won't take long and will save you from having to look up bus routes. In good weather, walking or cycling across the bridges over the Loire is also an excellent option — this route is very picturesque and runs along the riverbank.

The history of this site dates back to the distant past: since the beginning of the 9th century, the Perraudière territory was owned by the city's archbishops. In the 17th century, the estate was owned by René Buot, whose wife Marie Perrault was a relative of the famous storyteller Charles Perrault and the prominent architect Claude Perrault. At that time, it was a cozy estate that gradually expanded by annexing neighboring lands.

The park's appearance began to change in the 19th century. One of the owners was an American named François H. Melizet, who transformed the area into a true landscape masterpiece in the 1870s. It is thanks to him that exotic plants brought from distant countries appeared here, laying the foundation for the current arboretum. The main mansion, which today houses the town hall, still preserves architectural elements dating back to the 15th century.

A new chapter in the site's history began in 1981, when the commune of Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire purchased the domain. The authorities carried out an extensive restoration and opened the gates to all visitors. The Bretonneau Botanical Conservatory was also established here in memory of the famous physician Pierre-Fidèle Bretonneau, where you can now see a magnificent fruit orchard.

To unhurriedly enjoy the atmosphere of the park, view all the sculptures, and stop by the mini-zoo, it usually takes between 1.5 and 3 hours. If your goal is simply a short walk for the panoramic views of the Loire, you can manage in 45 minutes.

However, if you plan to participate in the orientation quest, study the labels of rare trees in the arboretum, or visit temporary exhibitions in the pavilion, it is better to set aside half a day. It is an ideal spot for a family outing where children can spend plenty of time on the playgrounds.

Parc de la Perraudière is exceptionally accessible to visitors. It is open daily and around the clock (24 hours a day), allowing you to come here for an early morning run or to admire the sunset over the Loire.

The operating schedule remains unchanged from Monday to Sunday, with no breaks or days off, making it a convenient place to relax at any time of year.

Exploring the park's surroundings will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of the Loire Valley. Nearby, on the opposite bank of the river, the region's main historical treasures are concentrated, perfectly complementing your walk through the green alleys.

Many of these sites are within walking distance or a few minutes' drive away, allowing you to plan a full day's itinerary.