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Parc Pasteur: A Green Oasis in Orléans

Escape to Parc Pasteur in Orléans: A historic green space with stunning sculptures, remarkable trees, and family-friendly attractions, perfect for a relaxing day out.

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Parc Pasteur, a verdant escape in the heart of Orléans, offers a tranquil retreat from the city's bustle. Established in 1927, this 4-hectare park, named in honor of Louis Pasteur, the renowned French scientist, features a blend of formal French garden design and naturalistic landscaping. Visitors can admire remarkable trees, sculptures, and floral displays, or simply relax on the expansive lawns. With a playground, puppet theater, and a miniature train, Parc Pasteur is a delightful destination for families and individuals seeking a peaceful and engaging outdoor experience. The park's historical significance, artistic elements, and recreational amenities make it a cherished landmark in Orléans.

A brief summary to Parc Pasteur

  • Monday 7:30 am-8 pm
  • Tuesday 7:30 am-8 pm
  • Wednesday 7:30 am-8 pm
  • Thursday 7:30 am-8 pm
  • Friday 7:30 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 7:30 am-8 pm
  • Sunday 7:30 am-8 pm

Local tips

  • Check the schedule for the Petit Train Wichita, a miniature train offering free rides, especially enjoyable for children.
  • Explore the park's collection of sculptures, including works on loan from the Louvre Museum, adding an artistic dimension to your visit.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy on the park's expansive lawns, surrounded by beautiful trees and floral displays.
  • Attend one of the park's regular events, such as concerts or festivals, for a lively and engaging experience.
  • Take a stroll around the park to discover the *arbres remarquables*, including a ginkgo biloba and a Himalayan cedar.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Place du Martroi, Orléans' central square, walk north along Rue de la République. Continue onto Rue Royale, then turn left onto Rue Jeanne d'Arc. Turn right onto Rue Eugène Vignat; the park entrance will be on your left. The walk is approximately 15 minutes. Alternatively, from the Orléans train station, walk north on Avenue de la Gare, turn left onto Boulevard Alexandre Martin, then turn right onto Rue Eugène Vignat. The park will be on your right. This walk takes about 10 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    The Parc Pasteur is accessible via the Tram B, Eugène Vignat station. From the train station (Gare d'Orléans), take Tram B towards Saint-Jean-de-Braye and disembark at Eugène Vignat. The park is directly adjacent to the tram stop. A single tram ticket costs €1.60. Several bus lines also stop near the park, including lines 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 25, 40, 41, and O, at the Halmagrand stop. Bus tickets cost the same as tram tickets (€1.60).

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from the Orléans train station (Gare d'Orléans) to Parc Pasteur will cost approximately €8-€12, depending on traffic. The journey typically takes 5-10 minutes. From Place du Martroi, a taxi will cost approximately €6-€10.

  • Driving

    If driving, be aware that parking near Parc Pasteur can be limited. There are approximately 50 parking spaces around the park, but these may fill up quickly, especially during peak hours. Paid parking is available at the Münster car park (Avenue de Münster), a 10-minute walk from the park. Parking rates at Münster are €0.60 per 15 minutes up to 2 hours, with a flat rate of €10 from 8:30 to 24:00. Another option is Tama Duvard's Parking Spot on Boulevard de la Motte Sanguin, costing €10 per day, but it is a small parking spot. Free parking for small vehicles (max 5.40m) can be found at 9 Rue de la Poule, but spaces are limited.

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Discover more about Parc Pasteur

Parc Pasteur, a beloved green space in Orléans, offers a serene escape from the urban environment. Spanning four hectares, this park is more than just a collection of trees and flowers; it's a living testament to the city's history, art, and commitment to providing accessible recreational spaces for all. Conceived in 1913, the park's creation was spearheaded by local architect-landscaper Édouard Gitton, with significant contributions from prominent horticulturalists Eugène Turbat, Léon Chenault, and René Barbier, who carefully selected the initial plant species. Officially opened in 1927 and named in 1929 after Louis Pasteur, the renowned French scientist whose work on fermentation aided Orléans' vinegar industry, the park quickly became a cherished landmark. Parc Pasteur's design seamlessly blends formal French garden elements with more naturalistic landscaping. Visitors can stroll along meticulously maintained paths, admire vibrant flowerbeds arranged in the *mosaïculture* style (a popular floral decoration trend in Orléans at the end of the 19th century), and discover hidden sculptures nestled among the greenery. The park's centerpiece is a charming fountain that flows into a basin, perfectly aligned with the axis of the Sainte-Croix Cathedral, creating a visually stunning connection between nature and architecture. The park is home to a diverse collection of trees, many of which are designated as *arbres remarquables* (remarkable trees). Among these arboreal treasures are weeping beeches, a ginkgo biloba, a blue cedar, and a Himalayan cedar, each adding to the park's unique character and providing shade and shelter for visitors. The park also features several sculptures, including *La Source humaine* by Félix Charpentier and *Le Premier Toit* by Maxime Real del Sarte, both on loan from the Louvre Museum. Other notable sculptures include *Femme nue terrassant l'Aigle de Villeau*, *La Sculpture* by Léon Fagel, and *L'Homme au Loup* by Georges Jacquot. In 2023, a memorial to Jean Zay, created by artists Anne and Patrick Poirier, was installed in the park. Throughout the 20th century, Parc Pasteur has served as a venue for commemorative monuments. A stele dedicated to King Pierre I of Serbia was erected in 1930, followed by a bust of Léon Chenault by Charles Million in 1931. In 1970, the Monument to the Resistance Fighters and Deportees of Loiret, designed by André Bordes, was placed at the northwest corner of the park. Parc Pasteur offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. Children can enjoy the playground, puppet theater, and the *Petit Train Wichita*, a miniature train gifted by Orléans' sister city, Wichita, Kansas, in 1951. The train operates from May to September and offers free rides to passengers. The park also hosts regular events, such as concerts, festivals, and theatrical performances. In late August, the *Un Autre Monde* festival takes place in the park, showcasing diverse musical styles. Additionally, *Le P'tit Manège du Parc Pasteur* organizes its own festival, featuring a variety of activities and entertainment. Beyond its aesthetic and recreational offerings, Parc Pasteur also holds historical significance. Before becoming a park, the land served as a vineyard until the mid-18th century, followed by a cemetery and then family gardens until the end of World War I. The park's creation in the 1920s marked a shift towards providing public green spaces for the growing city of Orléans. Located in the Saint-Vincent district, Parc Pasteur is easily accessible and surrounded by several educational institutions, including the Pothier, Jean Zay, and Benjamin Franklin high schools. The park is bordered by Rue Eugène Vignat, Rue Jules Lemaître, Rue Ferdinand Buisson, and Rue Pierre Ier de Serbie. Whether you're seeking a peaceful stroll, a family outing, or a cultural experience, Parc Pasteur offers something for everyone. Its blend of history, art, nature, and recreation makes it a must-visit destination in Orléans.

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