Acquisition by Louis XIV 1685–1699 (≈ 1692)
Royal hunting ground, fenced by a wall.
1924
Start of plantations
Start of plantations 1924 (≈ 1924)
Creation of the modern arboretum.
1927
Connection to the Museum
Connection to the Museum 1927 (≈ 1927)
Management by the National Museum of Natural History.
1960
Post-Occupation Renovation
Post-Occupation Renovation 1960 (≈ 1960)
Recreation of systematic and horticultural areas.
1999
Devastating storm
Devastating storm 1999 (≈ 1999)
More than 1,100 trees felled.
2018
Total public opening
Total public opening 2018 (≈ 2018)
200 hectares accessible.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Louis XIV - King of France
Acquire the domain (1685–1699) for hunting.
Bernard de Jussieu - Botanist
Legend related to the Sophora of Japan.
Origin and history
The Arboretum de Versailles-Chèvreloup covers 195 hectares, distributed between Rocquencourt and Versailles (Yvelines). Created in the 20th century, it houses more than 2,500 species of trees, including multicentennial oaks and ash trees, as well as botanical greenhouses. Originally a hunting ground of Louis XIV (acquisé between 1685 and 1699), the estate remained empty before being transformed into an arboretum from 1924. It was attributed to the National Museum of Natural History in 1927, but was damaged during the occupation when food gardens were installed there.
The renovation of the arboretum began in 1960 with the creation of systematic and horticultural zones. In 1977, 50 hectares were opened to the public, and the entire site (200 hectares) was opened in 2018. The storm of 1999 destroyed more than 1,100 trees, including a Japanese Sophora planted around 1850, a rejection of which was replanted. The estate also includes a non-visitable nursery, dedicated to the multiplication of trees for exchanges with other botanical gardens.
A citizen of the Parc du château de Versailles (on the Petit Trianon side), the arboretum is sometimes called Arboretum national de Chèvreloup because of its attachment to the Museum. Its history reflects an evolution between royal use (hunting), abandonment, and then scientific and landscape vocation. Exotic plantations, such as Sophora, demonstrate its role in the conservation and study of plant biodiversity.
