Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

Terra Botanica is a theme park located in Angers, in the Hauts de Saint-Aubin district, Maine-et-Loire. Inaugurated in April 2010, it is dedicated to the world of plant and biodiversity, highlighting the horticultural heritage of Anjou. The park occupies the former site of the Angers-Avrillé aerodrome and extends over 40 hectares, 12 of which are open to the public. It offers gardens, greenhouses, aquatic areas and fun and educational attractions to raise awareness of plant protection.

The project was initiated in 1998 by the Maine-et-Loire General Council, which seeks to create a major tourist attraction. After studying and discussing the concept (initially a classical amusement park), the project is moving towards an educational botanical park. Work began in 2008, and the park opened in 2010 at a cost of €83 million. Originally run by a mixed company (SAEML), it has been facing financial difficulties since 2013, with a low-target audience (230 000 visitors in 2013 compared to 280,000 expected).

In 2014, faced with a cumulative deficit of €5.7 million, the park was restructured under the direction of Denis Griffon, who focused on children (3-12 years old) and added attractions such as a captive balloon and playgrounds. The number of admissions is gradually increasing from 130,000 in 2014 to 578,000 in 2024. In 2021, the park inaugurated a new universe, Les Mystères de la Forêt, followed in 2023 by La Canopée des Birdes and in 2024 by La Clairière des Animales and La Galerie aux Butterflies.

Since 2025, the management of the park has been entrusted to the private group Looping Group for a 40-year lease. The park continues to evolve with novelties like Adventure au Bayou (2025), an interactive tour inspired by botanist Jeanne Barret. Terra Botanica is now the first European plant park, combining education, entertainment and biodiversity conservation.

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