arboretum de la Foux Travel Guide

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.