Prébendes d'Oé Garden: A Green Escape in Tours

The Jardin des Prébendes d'Oé, located in the heart of Tours, offers a serene escape from the urban environment. Created in 1872 by the renowned landscape architects, the Bühler brothers, the 4.5-hectare garden exemplifies the French interpretation of the English landscape style. Originally a marshy meadow, the land was transformed into a verdant oasis featuring winding paths that invite visitors to explore a variety of vistas and intimate spaces. The garden boasts over 130 species of trees and shrubs, many of which have witnessed over a century of Tours' history. Among the classic chestnut, lime, and plane trees, visitors can discover eye-catching exotic species like cedars and sequoias. The garden's design incorporates a stream that widens into an island adorned with magnificent bald cypresses, planted in odd numbers according to traditional landscape design. Throughout the seasons, the Jardin des Prébendes d'Oé offers a constantly changing display of colors and textures. Spring brings delicate pinks and whites from cherry blossoms and magnolias, while summer showcases lush greenery and vibrant flowering plants. Autumn sees the garden ablaze with golden and crimson foliage, and winter reveals the elegant silhouettes of bare trees against the sky. The garden also features a collection of statues, including a bronze bust of Racan, a poet from Tours in the 17th century, and a contemporary piece by Michel Audiard representing the writer Léopold Sédar Senghor. The Jardin des Prébendes d'Oé is classified as a Remarkable Garden by the Ministry of Culture, a distinction held by only a few gardens in the Touraine region. It's a popular spot for picnics, gatherings, and cultural events, offering a dynamic intersection of nature and culture.