arboretum de la Foux, Tarn Gorges Travel Guide

Explore a world of trees in the heart of the Cévennes Mountains at Arboretum de la Foux, a historic and tranquil escape.

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arboretum de la Foux

Nestled in the Aigoual forest near Lanuéjols, the Arboretum de la Foux is a living museum of trees. Established in the early 1900s, this free, 10-hectare arboretum showcases a diverse collection of trees from around the world, offering a tranquil escape into nature.

A brief summary to arboretum de la Foux

Lanuéjols, FR

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring arboretum de la Foux.

Wear comfortable shoes for walking the arboretum's shaded trails.
Visit during the week to avoid potential crowds.
Bring a picnic to enjoy amidst the serene natural surroundings.
Pick up a trail map at the Mont Aigoual Tourist Office to enhance your visit.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

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Gorges du Tarn

Explore arboretum de la Foux on the Map

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Getting There

Driving

From Meyrueis, drive on the D986 towards Camprieu. The parking area for the arboretum is 200 meters before the intersection with the D252 (Villemagne). From Camprieu, take the D986 towards Lanuéjols; the parking area is 200 meters past the D252 intersection. Parking is free.
Public Transport

From Le Vigan, take the liO bus route 108 towards Lanuéjols. Check the current schedule for accurate timings. From the Lanuéjols bus stop, it's approximately a 5-minute walk along the D986 to reach the Arboretum de la Foux. A single bus ticket costs around €2.

Discover more about arboretum de la Foux

The Arboretum de la Foux, also known as the Arboretum de Saint-Sauveur-des-Pourcils, is a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts. Located on the southwest slope of Mont Aigoual, within the Forêt de l'Aigoual near Lanuéjols, it stretches across 10 hectares at an altitude of 900 to 1050 meters.Founded between 1900 and 1910, the arboretum was initially established to study the introduction of foreign tree species to France. The project was part of a broader reforestation effort led by Georges Fabre in the late 19th century. Scientific research ceased in 1963, but the Office National des Forêts continues to maintain the site for educational purposes.A shaded trail meanders through a luxuriant forest, showcasing a diverse collection of trees and shrubs. Some trees reach record heights for Europe. Among the collections are various softwoods like fir, larch, spruce, and sequoia, as well as hardwoods like ash, beech, and oak. Once boasting the tallest trees in France, the arboretum's famous Vancouver firs succumbed to an insect infestation and were cut down in 2013, though their trunks remain with interpretive displays.Today, visitors can explore the arboretum's trails free of charge, discovering a remarkable and somewhat hidden gem reminiscent of the forests of the American Rockies.