This article is designed to be a 20-minute guided walk through the magical Parc Oberthür to admire and learn about some of its majestic trees. I focus on five trees in this article which is largely insufficient given the incredibly diverse flora that makes up this incredible park.

Before moving to Rennes in 2023, I looked at Google Maps and noticed that there was a small park near our future house. When we actually moved to the city, I discovered that this “neighborhood park” was in fact a hidden luscious gem of beauty, solace and greenery - with impressive colossal trees. Many “Rennais” don’t even know about the Parc Oberthür, so shh, it’s our little secret!

A very brief introduction to the park

The park was originally the private garden of François-Charles Oberthür, the owner of a printing press, famous in France for its design stationary and manufacturing La Poste’s annual calendars. In 1863, Oberthür commissioned the landscaper Denis Bühler (who later designed the well-know impressive Thabor park in Rennes) to design his private garden. Bühler transformed the landscape by populating the garden with a rich variety of local and exotic trees — the park is now composed of 375 remarkable trees from around the world.

Almost a decade later in 1960, the city of Rennes took ownership of the park and opened it to the public in 1977. Thank you Oberthür (and his wife Marie Hamelin — the park is officially called Le Parc Hamelin Oberthür) and the city of Rennes!

The orange stars on the map indicate the trees we will be visiting.


The Giants Sequoias

Let’s start at the east entrance of the park, right next to the playground to visit the four imposing Giant Sequoias (#5 of the map).

Of course, this was the first thing that surprised me when I discovered the Parc Oberthür: how in the world are there Sequoia trees in Rennes?

Giant Sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum) are the largest and oldest trees on Earth. Native to the Sierra Nevada mountains of California (think Yosemite), they can live for more than 3,000 years and reach over 90 metres in height (approximately the height of a 25-story building).

How did these colossal Californian trees end up across the world in Europe? Pretty much through people like Oberthür and Bühler: the trees were introduced to Europe in the 19th century and planted mainly in parks and large estates because of their impressive appearance.


The Bald Cypress

Now, walk past our four friendly giants towards the pond in the middle of the park to meet the next tree of this tour: The Bald Cypress (#1 on the map). What struck me the most about this tree beyond its size, were the little gnome-like root projections at the foot of the tree. So strange!

Like its park neighbors, the Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) is native to the United States.

Maybe as an American I am attracted to my compatriot trees?

However unlike the Sequoias, the Bald Cypress comes from the wetlands of the Southeastern states. It is famous for its unusual ability to grow in water and to develop these distinctive “knees” (what I call the “gnomes”).

Why is it called a “bald” cypress? Unlike most cypress trees, this variety is deciduous and thus sheds its soft needles in the autumn leaving its branches “bald” throughout the winter.

Just to clarify the terms conifer/broadleaf and evergreen/deciduous:

  1. Conifers: cone-bearing trees
  2. Broadleaf: flowering trees

Each of these can be either:

  1. Evergreen: keeps leaves year-round
  2. Deciduous: lose leaves each years

Most conifers are evergreen (like sequoias but also pin, fir, cedar…), and most broadleaf trees are deciduous (oak, maple…).

But there are exceptions like the Bald Cypress which is a Deciduous Conifer.


The Blue Atlas Cedar and the Cedar of Lebanon

Next up are the cedars. We have a Blue Atlas Cedar and a Cedar of Lebanon paired next to each other (#s 2 and 4 on the map). They almost look like they are conversing. And boy, are they majestic! However given their great size and age (80-100 years), these sleepy giants require close surveillance and regular maintenance.

The Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica) is native to Northern Africa and grows long sprawling arms, becoming nearly as wide as it is tall. That is definitely true for the Oberthür specimen. Valued for its resilience and elegant form, its blue-leaved variety (Cedrus atlantica ‘Glauca’) is a favorite decorative tree in European parks.

The Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani) is an iconic evergreen conifer native to the mountains of Lebanon and the mediterranean region. It is the national emblem of Lebanon, featured on the Lebanese flag. The majestic tree can reach 40 meters high and can live for more than 1,000 years and is known for its flat, spreading branches, and fragrant and durable wood.


The Willow Oak

Now last but not least, onto a slightly less-imposing but as awe-inspiring tree: the Willow Oak (#15 on the map). I love willow trees. And I often run by this tree and each time, a tingle of serenity seeps throughout my body.

But to be clear, the Willow Oak is not a true Willow Tree.

The Willow Oak (Quercus phellos) is an oak tree that is native to the southeastern United States (another one!). It is named for its unusual long, narrow leaves and drooping branches that resemble those of a willow. The Willow Oak changes colors in the autumn which I can attest to in Oberthür, making it a continuous evolving sight of wonder all year long.


Et voila ! This first instalment exploring and appreciating some of the majestic trees in this incredible park. I hope you enjoy. And soak in the richness and beautiful of these amazing trees.

Don’t forget to — look up.

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Some further reading: