View of the pond and vegetation in the Parc de l'Etang at Battrans - Vesoul-Val de Saône — ©Parc de l'Etang|Office de tourisme du Val de Gray

Le Parc De l'Etang

The Parc de l’Étang, at Battrans in Haute-Saône, extends over 3 hectares around an 80-acre lake, carefully designed as the focal point of the garden. Designated a “Remarkable Garden”, the park is home to almost 350 varieties of trees and shrubs, offering visitors a relaxing experience in a natural setting. The winding paths and flower beds invite you to take a leisurely stroll.

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A garden Constantly evolving

The history of the Parc de l’Étang began in 1969 with the acquisition of a plot of land that was to become a natural amenity area around a house. The land, which initially consisted of wet pastures, was crossed by the Dhuys stream, the source of which is in the Velesmes woods a few kilometres away. The geographical location and natural gradient have allowed the creation of a central pond, the centrepiece of the garden.

Swan on water, at the Parc de l'Etang de Battrans - Vesoul - Val de Saône — ©Parc de l'Etang|Office de Tourisme Val de Gray

The digging of the lake created a large quantity of earth, which was redistributed over the land to form paths, terraces and embankments, thus outlining the first contours of the garden. From the house, gravelled paths lead to winding lawns, inviting visitors to wander among the tall trees and flowerbeds, creating a harmonious and soothing pathway.

A refuge For biodiversity

Designated a “Remarkable Garden”, the park is a sanctuary for biodiversity. Visitors can explore its shady paths and discover a collection of hydrangeas, rare trees such as fagus sylvatica and quercus rubra, and a shady “white” garden. A vast meadow opens up the view of the pond and the countryside, providing a harmonious visual link between the garden and the surrounding landscape.

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Over the years, the park has adapted to the vagaries of the climate and the challenges of biodiversity. The changes made following events such as the storm of 1999 and the heatwave of 2003 have enriched the garden with new species, while preserving its original charm. These challenges have led to redesigns such as the planting of Leyland cypress to provide protection from the wind and the introduction of drought-resistant plants in a new rockery.

The pond, the centrepiece of the garden, is surrounded by terraces and paths that allow you to admire the beauty of the surrounding countryside. As you stroll around the pond, you’ll be able to observe a variety of wildlife and enjoy the natural harmony that reigns here.

The planting, carried out mainly between 1972 and 1975, was carefully chosen for its suitability to the local soil and climate, ensuring that the garden flourishes all year round.