Breathe deeply

The Cardeilhac Arboretum: breathe in nature!

The perfect place for a walk or a hike in the great outdoors.
Let yourself be carried away by the scents of the tree species around you and by the beauty of the site

The Cardeilhac Arboretum was created in 1913. It features more than 150 tree species. Preserved nature to enjoy to the fullest, breathing deeply ♥

It’s a 13-hectare open space.
The Arboretum is nestled in the middle of 187 hectares of state-owned forest and around 1,000 hectares across 5 surrounding communal forests (Larroque, Lodes, Le Cuing, Saint-Plancard and Cardeilhac).

In 1913, the Water and Forestry Administration wanted to test new tree species to replant other parts of forests affected by powdery mildew, a pathogenic fungus that attacks oak trees. Formerly farmland, the site was entirely shaped by people to create an arboretum. It was laid out with wide avenues like French formal gardens. The Cardeilhac Arboretum offers around a hundred tree species from all over the world: red oak from North America, Lawson cypress, a collection of around fifty oaks, bald cypress, and giant sequoias reaching 35 m in height.

Walk and hike ideas

The arboretum’s botanical trail: a gentle, family-friendly 2-hour walk, shaded and very pleasant all year round.

The Serres Trail: for more experienced hikers, a 4.5-hour loop rated difficult, but you can shorten it by going via the village of Cardeilhac. Prick up your ears and listen to the birds—you might come across carrion crows whose calls will give you the motivation to keep going and finish the hike.

Practical information

Free access to the forest site all year round.

The Arboretum House is open from May to October and offers workshops and exhibitions linked to nature.
Check the calendar to find out about events and opening times

Forest walks: from April 15, 2026, you must keep your dog on a leash!