Crédit photo : Georges Seguin (Okki) - Sous licence Creative Commons
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Timeline
Révolution/Empire
XIXe siècle
Époque contemporaine
1900
2000
1855
Foundation by Eugène Mazel
Foundation by Eugène Mazel 1855 (≈ 1855)
Start of the botanical collection.
1865
Creation of the hydraulic network
Creation of the hydraulic network 1865 (≈ 1865)
Canal powered by the Gardon.
1906
Retaken by the Negro family
Retaken by the Negro family 1906 (≈ 1906)
Enrichment of plant collections.
2008
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 2008 (≈ 2008)
Protection of facades and domain.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The facades and roofs of the Prafrance farm and, in total, the entire historical domain of the bamboo grove with its hydraulic system (moulin, canal, gutter, pump machine) including the Mazel garden and the production areas (cad. A 308, 310, 312, 313; C 67 to 69, 92 to 98, 435 to 440, 444, 447, 448, 450 to 463, 464 - Prafrance farm-, 465 to 467, 469 to 490, 492, 589, 590, 704, 744 to 747, 749, 750, 888, cf. plan annexed to the decree): entry by order of 24 July 2008
Key figures
Eugène Mazel - Botanist and founder
Created the bamboo plantation and its irrigation system.
Famille Nègre - Owners and patrons
Developed the site from 1906.
Origin and history
La Bambouseraie de Prafrance is a botanical collection founded in 1855 by botanist Eugène Mazel. The latter implanted rare bamboo species from Asia (India, China), as well as cedars from Lebanon and Atlas, Japanese and Californian species. The site was structured around an innovative hydraulic network, created in 1865 by Mazel: a Gardon-powered canal, equipped with natural and artificial outlets, made it possible to irrigate plantations and feed mills downstream.
From 1906, the Negro family enriched and perpetuated this collection, preserving its scientific and landscape character. The estate, classified as Historic Monument in 2008, includes the Prafrance farm, the original Mazel garden, and a complete hydraulic system (channels, drains, pumps). This heritage reflects both the botanical innovation of the 19th century and the adaptation of local agricultural techniques to exotic species.
The site also illustrates regional industrial history: the milling canals, designed to feed mills and silkworms, reflect the rural economy of the time, mixing agriculture, crafts and water. Today, the Bambouseraie remains a unique example in Europe of a garden dedicated to bamboo, combining historical heritage and biodiversity.
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