Le Mans Parks and Gardens

(Le Mans, Pays de la Loire, France)

The city's green spaces range from small cultivated gardens in the very centre of Le Mans itself, to vast, natural parks which have become valuable wildlife habitats. Some of the parks also house Le Mans' museums and a number of remarkable water features.

Whether you want to just sit back and relax, or don sturdy shoes and head out on a walk, Le Mans certainly has plenty of scope to do either.

Jardin des Plantes and Jardin d'Horticulture

Address: 4 Rue de Sinault, Le Mans, F-72000, France, FR
Tel: +33 0243 47 47 47
Created in the 19th century, this 20-acre / 8-hectare park is made up of two distinct parts, a French garden which features a superb rosary and an English garden with some fine specimens of trees. A bandstand was added to the park in 2004.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Arche de la Nature

Address: D152, Parking du Verger, Le Mans, France, FR
Tel: +33 0243 50 38 45
L'Arche de la Nature is a popular place for families to come and relax at the weekend. Spread over a vast area of natural farm and woodland are paths and trails, where visitors can stroll with the prospect of spotting deer and other wild animals. As well as walks, there are bridle paths, picnic areas, places to fish, and a small farm with some rare and unexpected animals.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Parc de Tesse

The Parc de Tesse is a relatively small garden, but nevertheless provides a beautiful backdrop for the Musée de Tesse, which is situated in its grounds and popular with visitors to the city.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Jardin de la Préfecture

Address: Rue Victor Hugo, Le Mans, France, FR
The Jardin de la Préfecture is a French garden in the classical style. This is the perfect place to relax at the weekend or to take a break from sightseeing, with seating and plenty of peaceful spots suitable for a picnic.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Le Parc Théodore Monod

Address: L'Avenue Gambetta, Le Mans, France, FR
This park is a mixture of green space, planting and water features. Visitors can admire, amongst other things, a fountain with 60 jets of water, a waterfall and a beautiful pergola covered with dozens of varieties of roses.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free