Maulévrier Oriental Park

What Maulévrier Oriental Park does

The Parc Oriental de Maulévrier is a French non-profit association (loi 1901, SIREN 338 775 273) operating what is recognized as the largest Japanese garden in Europe. The garden was originally designed in the early 20th century by architect Alexandre Marcel, abandoned for approximately four decades after 1945, and restored by the commune of Maulévrier beginning in 1980; an association was formed in 1982 to manage it, and the park opened to the public on June 15, 1985. In 1987, three Japanese professors from Tokyo and Niigata horticultural universities recognized the design as inspired by Edo-period (16th-19th century) Japanese gardens. The park houses 400+ plant species and a notable inherited bonsai collection now in its second generation of in-house cultivation, applying traditional techniques such as niwaki (cloud) pruning.

The core commercial offering consists of day visits (adult €10.80, youth/student/disabled €9.80, children under 12 free) and night walks (adult €10.30, combined day-and-night €20), complemented by an on-site tea room, a Japan-themed souvenir shop, and a specialized plant pavilion selling bamboos, azaleas, Japanese maples, and bonsai. Revenue is diversified across unit-priced tickets, retail, food and beverage, annual memberships (€30-€39.50), and a rich calendar of cultural events including Hanami, Kodomo No Hi, Bonsaï Shō, Kamiplay, Peintres au Jardin, Matsuri, Les Musicales, and Momiji. The park also serves as an educational site, with paid workshops for school groups (€5-€9.50/child), extracurricular/leisure centers, adult groups (guided visits from €199.50 flat rate, €10.50/pax for 20+ guided), horticulture professionals, and accessible circuits for visitors with reduced mobility.

The business operates on a direct-to-consumer go-to-market model with online e-ticketing (QR-code delivery), on-site box office, group reservations, and partnerships with regional tourism offices (Anjou Tourism, Choletais, Loire châteaux network). The association is led by President Jean-Pierre Chavassieux and Director Alain Caill\u00e9, supported by approximately 20 paid professionals (including 8 gardeners) and around 100 volunteers. The site holds multiple designations: French 'Site Classé', 'Jardin Remarquable' (Ministry of Culture, 2004), and 'Qualité Tourisme'. Revenue is not publicly disclosed.

Name

Maulévrier Oriental Park

Legal name

Association Parc Oriental

Website

https://parc-oriental.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1982

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Parc Oriental de Maulévrier is a French non-profit association operating the largest Japanese garden in Europe, offering day and night visits, on-site tea room and shop, plant pavilion, cultural events, and educational workshops to individual tourists, school groups, and adult cultural groups in the Loire Valley.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Botanical Garden & Cultural Tourism

NAICS

Zoos and Botanical Gardens (712130), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219), Landscaping Services (561730)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990), Retail-Building Materials, Hardware, Garden Supply (5200)

akta.pro primary industry

Seasonal Color, Planting & Horticultural Services (BPABADAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Protected Cultivation of Specialty Crops (Orchids, Bonsai, Exotics) (AFAGAHAH), Plants, Seeds & Nursery Retail (Garden Centers) (CRAIAIAB)

Keywords

• Japanese garden tourism
• Cultural heritage park
• Botanical garden services
• Horticultural workshops
• Guided garden tours

Headquarters

HQ city

Maulévrier

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Entrance tickets: Day and night admission tickets for individual and group visitors, with various pricing tiers for adults, children, students, and disabled visitors
2. Tea room and restaurant: On-site tea room offering food and beverages, indoor space and shaded terrace bordering a Koi pond
3. Shop sales: Souvenir shop selling Parc Oriental and Japan-related products including postcards, books, magnets, key rings, natural incense, wind chimes, traditional Japanese items, teas, and tea accessories
4. Plant pavilion sales: Specialized garden centre selling plants (bamboos, azaleas, aquatic plants, Japanese maples), bonsai trees, pots, specialized accessories, soil, and scissors
5. Group visits and workshops: Paid group visits (guided and self-guided), horticultural visits, and discovery workshops including Kokédama, Pre-bonsaï, Bonkei/Saikei, and Haiku writing
6. School and extracurricular activities: Educational workshops for schools and leisure centers with various age-appropriate activities
7. Event catering and picnics: Japanese picnic boxes (bento) sold during Hanami and Momiji events, partnered with external caterers

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Parc Oriental de Maulévrier operates a public Japanese-style garden (described as the largest Japanese garden in Europe), offering self-guided and guided day and night visits, seasonal cultural events (Hanami, Momiji, Kamiplay, Bonsaï Shō, Matsuri, Kodomo No Hi, Peintres au Jardin, Les Musicales), educational workshops for schools and leisure centers, adult group visits, and on-site ancillary services including a tea room, souvenir shop, and a specialized plant/bonsai pavilion. Revenue is generated primarily through admission tickets, on-site retail (food, souvenirs, plants), workshops, and group reservations.

Product overview

The Parc Oriental de Maulévrier is a cultural park offering visitor experiences centered around a Japanese garden. The core offering consists of day and night garden visits, supplemented by on-site services (tea room, souvenir shop, plant pavilion) and a rich calendar of cultural events celebrating Japanese traditions, including Hanami (cherry blossom viewing), Kodomo No Hi (Children's Day), Bonsaï Shō (National Bonsai Fair), Kamiplay (cosplay), Peintres au Jardin (painters), Matsuri (Japanese arts), Les Musicales (music), and Momiji (autumn colors). Educational programs for schools and extracurricular groups, as well as group visits for adults, complement the offering. The park does not offer technology products or digital services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Day Garden Visits Self-guided exploration of the Japanese garden during daylight hours, featuring informational boards, plant identification tags, and access to all garden areas including the pond, bridges, and viewpoints. Available for individual visitors, families, and groups.
• Night Walks Evening lantern-lit strolls through the historic heart of the Japanese garden with subtle lighting, accompanied by six traditional Japanese tales broadcast throughout the garden.
• Tea Room & Restaurant Indoor and shaded outdoor dining area overlooking a koi pond, offering light meals, snacks, Japanese picnic boxes, and beverages.
• Souvenir Shop Retail outlet selling Parc Oriental and Japan-themed products including postcards, books, magnets, key rings, natural incense, wind chimes, Japanese zori and tabi footwear, teas, and tea accessories.
• Plant Pavilion (Jardinerie) Specialized garden center featuring a notable bonsai tree collection, with gardeners providing guidance on purchasing and cultivating plants such as bamboos, azaleas, aquatic plants, Japanese maples, and related pots, soil, scissors, and accessories.
• School Group Programs Educational workshops for school groups (maternelles, primaires, collèges, lycées) including ikebana, origami, haiku writing, bonsaï, bonkei, kokédama, manga drawing, and guided horticultural visits tailored by age group.
• Adult Group Visits & Discovery Workshops Organized group visits for adults including free visits, guided tours, night walks, horticultural visits, and discovery workshops on Japanese arts (kokédama, pre-bonsaï, bonkei/saikei, haiku writing).
• Extracurricular & Leisure Center Programs After-school and vacation center workshops for children aged 3-11+ featuring seasonal activities, Japanese arts initiation (origami, ikebana, manga drawing), and discovery visits.
• Hanami Spring Event Spring cherry blossom viewing celebration featuring picnics under cherry trees, Japanese picnic boxes (bento) from caterers, Furoshiki workshops, and weekend concerts by Duo Nagomi (koto and violin).
• Bonsaï Shō National Bonsai Fair National Bonsai Fair featuring bonsai tree exhibitions, conferences with international bonsai artists, discovery workshops, and a professional village with pottery, ceramics, and bonsai accessories.
• Kamiplay Cosplay Event Cosplay event celebrating manga and anime culture with cosplayers, photographers, live music by Duo Taku, and a professional vendor village.
• Peintres au Jardin Day of artistic creation where professional and amateur painters interpret the garden through their art, featuring a featured artist of sumi-e (Japanese ink painting).
• Matsuri Japanese Arts Festival Japanese arts festival with free demonstrations and initiations including koto, shorinji kempo, aikido, karate, judo jujitsu, origami, bonsai, kamishibaï, taiko drums, kyudo, sumi-e, ikebana, and furoshiki.
• Kodomo No Hi Children's Day Children's Day festival with origami samurai helmet workshops, Kawaii drawing initiation, Japanese calligraphy workshops, and Kamishibaï storytelling sessions.
• Les Musicales (Music Festival) Music festival featuring Japanese artists performing around the pond, including Kumisolo (pop), MOOJIGEN (post-rock/electro), and Rié Furuse duo (jazz/pop/soul).
• Momiji Autumn Event Autumn maple leaf viewing event featuring zero-waste picnics under autumn colors, traditional Japanese dance with Shimehiro Nishikawa, and Furoshiki workshops.

Quantifiable outcome

• Record of 230,000+ visitors in 2024, breaking previous records
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• European Japanese Garden AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022The Parc Oriental was a founding member when the European Association of Japanese Gardens was created in 2022. This association promotes Japanese gardens across Europe and supports cultural exchanges.
• Association Française des Jardins JaponaiscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational association dedicated to Japanese gardens in France, providing networking and cultural exchange opportunities for member gardens.
• Association Régionale des Parcs, Jardins et Paysages des Pays-de-la-LoirecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional association promoting parks, gardens, and landscapes in the Pays de la Loire region, supporting regional garden tourism.
• Association des Amis des Jardins Remarquables EuropéenscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociation connecting remarkable gardens across Europe, supporting the network of classified and recognized gardens.
• Destination AnjoucoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAssociation grouping tourism professionals in Maine-et-Loire department offering various stay packages and promoting Anjou as a destination.
• Activa TourismeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTourism service provider supporting regional tourism promotion and visitor services.
• Château ColbertcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerHistoric hotel-restaurant located on the original estate of the Parc Oriental, featuring a historic kitchen garden restored since 2011. An essential stop when visiting Maulévrier.
• Glassver (Saint-Gobain)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerGlass solutions company and local partner supporting the park's activities.
• Pépinières MinierminorOthersPlant nursery in Beaufort en Vallée supplying plants for the park's collections.
• Premier Tech HorticultureminorOthersHorticultural supplies provider in Vivy supporting the park's gardening activities.
• Pépinières LepageminorOthersPlant nursery in Les Ponts-de-Cé supplying plants for the park's collections.
• Pépinières Roy & RipaudminorOthersPlant nursery in Mortagne sur Sèvre supplying plants for the park's collections.
• Pépinières RipaudminorOthersPlant nursery in Cheffois supplying plants for the park's collections.
• LEFORT ConstructionminorOthersLocal construction company in Maulévrier providing building and maintenance services.
• Brioches PasquierminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal pastry and bakery company in Les Cerqueux, providing catering supplies for events.
• Laboratoire Body NatureminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNatural products laboratory in Nueil les Aubiers supporting the park's activities.
• Domaine de l'EntrelacsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGite and accommodation provider near the park in La Tessoualle for extended stays.
• L'orangeraieminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBar-brasserie-restaurant near the park providing dining options for visitors.
• ESTHUA - Faculté de Tourisme, Culture et HospitalitécoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTourism, culture and hospitality faculty at Angers University supporting educational programs and research.
• Association des Journalistes du Jardin et de l'HorticultureminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAssociation of garden and horticulture journalists supporting media coverage and press relations.
• Association des Châteaux de la LoireminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAssociation promoting chateaux, parks, and gardens along the Loire Valley, cross-promoting regional attractions.
• Union des Commerçants et Artisans de MaulévrierminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal business association in Maulévrier supporting local commerce and tourism.
• Pôle Patrimoine - Pays de la LoirecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional heritage organization supporting cultural heritage preservation and promotion in Pays de la Loire.
• Association de Sauvegarde des Parcs et Jardins d'AnjoucoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociation dedicated to preserving parks and gardens in Anjou, supporting local garden heritage.
• SNA Europe / BahcominorOthersTool manufacturer supplying gardening tools for park maintenance.
• Espace EmeraudeminorOthersEquipment and hardware supplier in St Léger sous Cholet for maintenance supplies.
• VYV équipement médicalminorOthersMedical equipment provider in Cholet, potentially supporting accessibility equipment loans.
• BatiboisminorOthersWood materials supplier supporting construction and maintenance projects.
• Barbeau ATPminorOthersAgricultural services provider for park maintenance needs.
• SARL Lilian CharrierminorOthersLocal professional services provider supporting park operations.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Market position

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Maulévrier Oriental Park