Paris - Ile De France
Orchids nursery 20km south-east of Paris
Orchids nursery near Paris
Orchids are French's favourite flowers (according to recent polls!)
The production cost of these beautiful flowers, however, is so high that few horticulturists still grow them in France.
That said, there is one not far from Paris!
So if you love orchids and are keen to venture off the beaten track, leave Paris for a few hours to discover the wonderful varieties produced by the horticulturists Vacherot & Lecoufle.
We fell under the charm of this family-run nursery located in Boissy-Saint-Léger, a town situated about 20km south-east of Paris and easily accessed with the RER A2 line (and bus or car of course!)
A visit off the beaten track
Not only have they created and selected hundreds of varieties - including many wonderful fragrant varieties - but all their orchids are grown in the open-air.
They've shared their passion and skills from generation to generation for the last 127 years!
The welcome is warm and personalized as you are served by the members of the family, who are obviously keen to help you discover their wonderful orchids!
They display thousands of them in their giant exhibition greenhouse, a beautiful metal structure erected in 1900.
Don't hesitate to treat yourself when stopping at their Espace Boutique, as they'll ship them to you, wherever you live.
Vacherot & Lecoufle is open all year; you can visit on your own or book a guided tour for groups of 15 to 20 people.
They also organize open days in the autumn, when the light enhances the colors of their magnificent flowers, as well as a Christmas Market in December.
Orchids lovers can attend one of the workshops led by Mr. Philippe Lecoufle.
You'll be given advice and useful tips on how to care for your orchids, such as (among others!) the importance of light, watering and fertilizer, the variations in cultivation, maintenance and re-potting, an essential step for their good preservation.
Vacherot & Lecoufle is also present in many annual horticultural events that take place around Paris (Thiais, Chantilly) and in French cities (Vascoeuil, Orléans).
You'll find also find them at the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show and RHS Hampton Court Flower Show where they were awarded a Gold Medal and were deemed the Best Exhibit in the Floral Marquee in 2015.
Directions: Boissy-Saint-Léger - 29 rue de Valenton - 94470
Coordinates: Lat 48.744604 - Long 2.506698
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