For a stay in Dompierre-les-Ormes, you can choose from a range of interests to guide your plans: the Arboretum de Pézanin offers botanical discoveries, while Lab71 explores science, innovation and culture. Other attractions include the 7.5 km-long Balade des rhododendrons and several historic landmarks. If you are looking for accommodation, you might first consider whether nature, a changing educational programme or architectural history will shape your stay.

Arboretum de Pézanin: Plants and Walking Trails

The arboretum covers 26 hectares and includes a 5-hectare pond. It features 400 tree species and rare woody plants. Three marked trails structure your visit, while labelled plants provide an educational introduction to the collection. This combines a walk through the arboretum with a look at its botanical diversity. If you are particularly interested in tree species and woody plants, the plant labels offer a specific point of reference. The arboretum is open year-round, and admission is free. However, check access conditions before setting out.

A Tour to Suit Your Preferred Way of Getting Around

The Balade des rhododendrons is 7.5 km long and can be done on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike. This makes it different from the marked trails in the arboretum: on the Balade, you can choose between three ways of getting around, while the arboretum focuses on plants and their labels. When planning, you can decide whether you are looking for a botanical exploration or a tour suited to a particular way of getting around. Check trail conditions before setting out, as they can change.

Science and Culture at Lab71

Lab71 is a cultural and educational centre run by the Saône-et-Loire Department, in Dompierre-les-Ormes. Its focus is on science, innovation and culture. Each year, the centre presents a new exhibition that offers a playful and accessible introduction to science for children and adults alike. If you are interested in a particular topic, check which exhibition is on during your travel dates, as it changes every year. Lab71 also offers public interactive workshops in small groups, led by facilitators. Workshop dates vary by season. If a workshop is important to your stay, check its availability for your chosen dates. The exhibition and workshop offer different ways to engage: you can explore a changing theme or take part in it interactively as a group.

Buildings and Local History

The present-day Église de Dompierre-les-Ormes is in a purely 13th-century Gothic style and was rebuilt in 1847. The story of Château d’Audour dates back to the 17th century: the de Damas family built the château, which Lamartine visited. The Lavoir de Meulin is part of the local heritage and documents a way of life from the past. Its reconstruction is also part of the building’s history. These three examples offer different ways to explore the past: through church architecture, the history of a château and a record of everyday life.

Discover more destinations: Prissé, Morey, Boyer, Cussy-En-Morvan, Montmelard, Saint-Ythaire, Anost, Bourgvilain

See the wider travel guide: Saône-Et-Loire.