While I was thinking about activities to offer to my tribe during the next vacation, the desire to go and meet the rare and original trees sprouted in my mind. What if I took my darling and our two sons in search of these natural treasures?
To help me scout for this adventure, I contacted Vienna Nature which brings together environmental enthusiasts. Volunteers and professionals have contributed for more than 50 years to safeguarding the species and natural environments of the 86.
One of the association's botanists, Sarah Bégoin, kindly agreed to show me her favorite trees in Grand Châtellerault. “It's subjective of course, she says, I can consider that a tree is remarkable because of its age, its size, but also its history or even the emotions it provokes."
Here are his top 5, from Leigné-les-Bois to Cernay via Châtellerault and Mondion…
The most majestic in Antoigné
In this peaceful district to the north-east of Châtellerault, Place Jean Thénault has been built on the grounds of the former presbytery since 1913. Thanks to the vigilance of the priest at the time, a superb giant sequoia has been preserved and still stands today. 'today.
Dimensions: 34,5 meters in height • 8,3 meters in circumference
I loved : Stand at its foot, touch its trunk and raise my head towards its peak... As soothing as it is impressive: a real favorite!
A word from the botanist: At almost 200 years old, this Sequoiadendron giganteum is the second largest in the department.
The oldest in Cernay
A few kilometers from Lencloître, the oldest member of this selection takes root. From the village, after discovering the “fountain of love”, head towards the cemetery: on the way, it is impossible to miss this imposing fruit tree affected by “chestnut blight”.
Dimensions: 15 meters in height • 7,40 meters in circumference
I loved : Photograph him in his environment, alone in the middle of a field. And imagine everything he has witnessed over the centuries...
A word from the botanist: At more than 500 years old, despite its enormous hollow trunk and its disease, this Castanea sativa still produces many small chestnuts.
The most historic in Mondion
Next to the Saint-Martin church, stands a harmonious common ash tree. Locally called “Aiglon ash”, it was planted at the birth of Napoleon 2, in this charming village perched on a hillside.
Dimensions: 23 meters high • 3,39 meters in circumference
I loved : Close your eyes and listen to the wind rustling through its subtle and airy foliage.
A word from the botanist: Napoleon 2 was nicknamed the Eaglet by Victor Hugo, hence the baptismal name of this spectacular fraxinus excelsior.
The most elegant in Leigné-les-Bois
Opposite the town hall installed in the old presbytery, this elm tree with slender branches was saved from graphiosis by perfusion. Its plantation dates from 1849.
Dimensions: 20 meters high • 3,14 meters in circumference
I loved : Take a step back to appreciate its graceful port and the rural aspect it gives to this village square.
A word from the botanist: The flowering of theUlmus minor worth the detour: in March, purple-red stamens and winged fruits appear.
The most symbolic in Châtellerault
In the Minimes district, next to the cultural center, a black mulberry tree recalls the diversity of our fruit growing, which began in the 19th century with the creation of conservative orchards.
Dimensions: 10 meters high • 3,45 meters in circumference
I loved : Plan for summer to take advantage of its abundant fruit production and replace apples with blackberries in my recipe. grimolle poitevine !
A word from the botanist: Boasting the second largest girth of its kind in the department, this morus nigra approximately 150 years old, it is a rare species in Vienna.
So, are you ready for a Nature treasure hunt teeming with moss, bark and roots? The sap of life!
Thanks
A big thank you to my guide, Sarah Bégoin, in charge of naturalist studies at Vienna Nature. This association is launching, until the end of 2022, a census of the department's trees and invites the general public to report remarkable specimens. It's your turn to speak !
Tel: 05 49 88 99 04 or email: [email protected]
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