Fruits, plants and know-how: a wonderful encounter with Albanne from Verger des Arômes

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In Chauvé, tucked away along a hiking trail, lies a place where time seems to slow down. An orchard unlike any other, conceived as a space for biodiversity, encounters, and sensory experiences.

Here, Albanne cultivates much more than fruit: she cultivates a connection to life and to others.

We went to meet her so she could tell us about the origins of the Verger des Arômes (Orchard of Aromas), her relationship with plants, and what she hopes to share with those who pass through its gates.

Presentation

What inspired you to create Le Verger des Arômes ?

It's an idea that had been brewing for a very long time. I've always been sensitive to the world around me, to living things, to plants. Long before starting the orchard, I was already participating in botanical outings with professionals and harvesting fruit to process.

More than 10 years ago, a skills assessment highlighted this connection to the plant world, though I didn't yet know how to express it professionally. Then came a pivotal moment: Covid. This period of pause allowed me to reflect deeply on what I wanted to do with my life. The answer became clear: I would go back to school to train myself and bring this project to life.

What deeply moves me is life in its entirety : touching the earth, being in contact with plants, creating a haven of peace and diversity. The fruit, its flavors, what it evokes and what it conveys, is at the heart of this passion.

What, in your opinion, gives the orchard its soul ?

The soul of the orchard comes first and foremost from the place itself. Everything was already there : the hedgerows, the chestnut trees covering 2.5 hectares, the land connected to a natural area. It's a very rich environment, enhanced by the presence of a natural pond that shelters a diverse range of flora and fauna.

I've also installed nests and roosts for birds, owls, and bats. They are invaluable allies, contributing to the orchard's natural balance. The ponds also provide habitat for amphibians and marsh birds.

For me, the soul of Le Verger des Arômes is this balance between fruit, flowers, aromatic plants, and all the living things already present.

A coherent, vibrant, and respected whole.

Fruits to pick, aromas to savor

Starting in spring, I open the orchard for pick-your-own.

Strawberries can be picked at their own pace, on Monday afternoons, Wednesdays, and Saturday mornings, in the peaceful countryside.

As the seasons change, raspberries, blackcurrants, blackberries, blueberries, and redcurrants take over, while pear, plum, quince, and peach trees add structure to the orchard. Surrounding them, aromatic plants release their scents of lavender, rosemary, and thyme.
A future processing workshop will extend these flavors, preserving their memory long after the harvest.

What do you hope visitors will take away from their visit ?

Above all, I would like them to leave with what I wanted to instill in this project : human connection.
Sharing, encounters, shared time. This is truly the heart of the Orchard of Aromas, especially through the pick-your-own experience and the tours.

What touched me most this year was seeing how the orchard fostered connections not only between me and the visitors, but also among the visitors themselves. People chat, exchange ideas, and meet each other. I want everyone to feel welcome here from the moment they arrive.

How would you describe Le Verger des Arômes to someone seeking peace and nature ?

It's an orchard nestled in a haven of biodiversity, bordered by a hiking trail. A place that invites relaxation, reflection, a moment of stillness. You stop there to feel, observe, listen.
When I first discovered this place in May, it was teeming with life: birdsong, blossoming flowers, the stream below, the hiking trail… Everything formed an obvious harmony. I knew immediately that this was my place. And it's exactly this feeling that I want to share.

Why are plants and varieties so important to you ?

The environment matters a great deal to me, but so do people. Many people pass by when the gate is open, some dare to enter, and during the harvests, conversations happen naturally. I have some wonderful encounters there.
I carefully selected each variety, both for the small fruits and the fruit trees : Rubis des Jardins strawberries, Cigaline, Favette, Ciflorette… As for the trees, the Charles Roux pear, for example, was chosen for its flavor and its potential for processing.

The name Verger des Arômes (Orchard of Aromas) takes on its full meaning here. I aim to offer a unique experience with each variety. Aroma isn't just about taste: it's also about the scent of the foliage, like that of the blackcurrant bushes I adore.
I love the idea of rediscovering, in each person, a little Proustian madeleine, whether through tasting or through fragrance.

What would you recommend discovering in and around Chauvé ?

The village circuit is a wonderful way to explore the area: a loop of about 15 km, perfect for walking or cycling. It winds through the countryside, alongside fields, and sometimes reveals hidden gems.

More information about this circuit

I moved to a rural area I didn't know and which I find very beautiful. Chauvé is a vibrant village, with its associations, the Maison du Parc (Park House), the library… There's a real energy here, bringing together young families and older residents alike.

Don't leave our destination without…

…taking the time to meet passionate people, like Florence from Le Pot'aux Fleurs.
It's a place I love, driven by values we share: respect for all living things, patient work, and a love of plants and the seasons. You'll find the same dedication to plants, the same joy in sharing and exchanging knowledge.

Don't miss : the panoramic view of the garden from the stilted terrace.

And then there are those events that bring this place to life throughout the year. I'm thinking in particular of the Christmas craft market, a warm and welcoming gathering, and the La Grande Zizânie Festival, a joyful and family-friendly event, deeply rooted in the spirit of the region.
It's these encounters and highlights that give our destination its richness and humanity.

More info : Le Pot'aux Fleurs

Our tips for discovering Le Verger des Arômes (The Orchard of Aromas)

If you're passing through Chauvé, don't miss a visit to Le Verger des Arômes. Take the time to chat with Albanne, discover the fruits, aromatic plants, and little pockets of biodiversity that she cultivates with passion. You'll always leave with a feeling of calm, a few flavors to remember, and the desire to return to extend the experience.

Le Verger des Arômes, 1 Le Puits des Bois, 44320 Chauvé

Take the opportunity to explore the town and its surroundings: the village circuit, hiking trails, hedged landscapes, and fields that open onto hidden gems. Chauvé and its surroundings are best discovered when you take the time to stroll. Let your desires guide you, observe nature, chat with local people, and savor every moment of this vibrant and welcoming region.