Parc du Thabor (Park of Thabor), Rennes (must see)

Formerly the Garden of a Monastery, Park of Thabor takes its name from Mount Tabor in Israel, where Jesus was transfigured. The Park was built on 25 acres on the highest hill in Rennes. It has rare trees, fountains, French, English, and botanical gardens, aviaries, orangeries, waterfalls, and sculptures.

The monks of Saint-Melaine Abbey started their vegetable gardens here in the 18th century, and that tradition of growing botanicals has persisted since then. The abbey was founded on the site of an ancient Roman necropolis by Saint Melaine, 6th century Bishop of Rennes. Gardens and orchards, tended by monks, surrounded the abbey. It was an attractive refuge for monks only. Unfortunately, it also occasionally was a holiday pillage spa for impulsive Vikings. The French Revolution opened things up.

In the early 19th century, the Park of Thabor was not yet publicly owned, but it was open to all. The planting of the Park and its gardens began in 1868. With the arrival of Napoleon III to the throne, the city built English, French, and botanical gardens on the site. These three important elements are combined in the Park.

The Carre Duguesclin is an English bowling green. Greenhouses and the French gardens face the vast central lawn. Beyond the English garden, at the far end, is a rose garden with over 2,000 varieties and a botanical garden holding 3,200 species from five continents. Classical sculptures by French artist Charles Lenoir liven things up.

Landscaping continued in the twentieth century. Fountain systems were refilled, waterfalls installed, and the Catherinettes garden was created. There were mills and caves, a music stand, and an aviary. There is a carousel, a restaurant, and a bar. Throughout the year there are concerts, festivals, and exhibitions. It is a "park for all seasons."

More than 1.5 million people visit the Park of Thabor each year. They stroll through the gates into one of the most beautiful gardens in France. The Park is open daily at 7:30 am.