The gardens of Notre-Dame d’Autrey Abbey give a stay in Autrey a distinctive botanical focus: they cover four hectares and comprise around fifteen different gardens. They can be visited from April to November; check the specific visiting dates before your trip. The diversity of plants and the history of the abbey offer two different perspectives on the same stay.
Gardens: size and origins
The gardens have been awarded the “Jardin remarquable” label. Their plants come from Asia, North America, New Zealand and the Himalayas. This extends the botanical perspective beyond a single region of origin. The geographical diversity can offer you a distinct way to explore the gardens: as well as the scale of the grounds, you can see the many different world regions from which the plants originate.
Abbey, Renaissance and pilgrimage history
Notre-Dame d’Autrey Abbey is classified as a historic monument. Its Saint-Hubert Chapel is a Renaissance building. In the past, it was an important pilgrimage site. The architecture and its former religious significance offer two different historical perspectives on the chapel: one focuses on the building, the other on its role as a pilgrimage site in the past.
Comparing botanical collections
Gondremer Botanical Garden has around 3,500 plants from various mountain regions around the world, including around 1,500 rhododendrons and azaleas. It also features a National Collection of Kalmia, as well as recognised collections of Japanese maples and botanical rhododendrons. A walk takes you past around fifty noteworthy trees and shrubs; each plant is described.
The two garden profiles can be considered through different features: the abbey gardens stand out for their size, number of gardens and regions of origin, while Gondremer is defined by its total collection, specialist collections and guided walk with plant descriptions. This comparison can help you identify your botanical interests more precisely, rather than judging the gardens on the basis of a single number.
Plantes en fête and choosing when to visit
Plantes en fête is a plant exhibition and sale. Plant collectors offer gardening advice, while artists and craftspeople present garden ornaments and tools. If you are interested in gardening and design as well as plants, the event offers a dedicated setting for both. Check when the next edition will take place before your trip.
When choosing your dates, treat a garden visit and an event differently: the abbey gardens can be visited seasonally from April to November, while Plantes en fête takes place on specific event dates. If the gardens are the reason for your trip, plan your visit within this period and check the visiting dates. If the event is the deciding factor, check its date before setting your travel dates. You can then look for a holiday rental that suits your planned stay.
Discover more destinations: Luvigny, Morizécourt, Xonrupt-Longemer, Lamarche, Grandrupt, Dombasle-Devant-Darney, Grandrupt-de-Bains, Claudon.
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