10th Layon Hyrôme Hike
Join the 10th edition of the Layon Hyrôme hike in Chemillé with several routes available.
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Chemillé-Melay
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ℹ️Practical info — Chemillé-Melay
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit the Camifolia botanical garden, the heart of the town's medicinal plant heritage.
- The best time to experience the gardens is late spring or early summer during full bloom.
- Rent a bike to explore the agricultural trails and the beautiful Anjou region.
- Check local listings for the annual herb festivals, which offer a unique local experience.
🍽 Food
🍽
Herbal teas (Tisanes)
Try locally grown chamomile at a cafe near the botanical garden.
🍽
Anjou wines
Enjoy a glass of local Chenin Blanc at a traditional bistro.
🍽
Fouées
Keep an eye out for these traditional stuffed bread pockets at local fairs.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Herb and plant shops
Buy dried herbs and natural cosmetics sourced from the region.
🛍
Market day in Chemillé
First-rate for picking up fresh Anjou agricultural produce.
🧘
Jardin Camifolia
A wonderfully aromatic and peaceful place to wander.
🧘
Banks of the Hyrôme river
A shaded, quiet spot for a relaxing afternoon walk.
Water temperature…
Chemillé-Melay, situated in the Maine-et-Loire department, is a unique French town celebrated as the 'Capital of Medicinal Plants'. Since the 1800s, the region has specialized in the large-scale cultivation of Roman chamomile and hundreds of other aromatic species. This horticultural expertise is showcased at 'Jardin Camifolia', an award-winning botanical garden featuring over 600 species utilized in medicine, cosmetics, and perfumery. The town itself was formed by the merger of Chemillé and Melay in 2013, combining their rich historical legacies. Beyond its floral fame, the area is a vital center for high-quality livestock farming and Anjou wine production. The urban landscape features traditional slate roofs and limestone facades, with the Notre-Dame church standing as a prime example of local religious architecture. Today, Chemillé-Melay serves as a green hub, blending its deep-rooted agricultural traditions with modern scientific research in phytotherapy.
- Location: Pays de la Loire, France
- Top sights: Camifolia Garden · Notre-Dame de Chemillé Church · Foirail Theater
- Nearby: Chalonnes-sur-Loire (16 km)
- Population: ~8.822
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 5 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 14 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 16 | 12 | 8 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 81 | 62 | 68 | 54 | 67 | 53 | 51 | 52 | 45 | 83 | 86 | 89 |
Geography
Facts
- Jardin Camifolia features 600 species of plants.
- The merger of Chemillé and Melay occurred in 2013.
- Hub of French Roman chamomile production.
- Current population is around 8,822 residents.
- Notre-Dame church is a designated historical monument.
- Host of the prominent annual 'Foire d'Anjou' agricultural fair.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Sights in the town Chemillé-Melay (5)
Frequently asked questions
What is Chemillé-en-Anjou famous for?
The town is known as the French capital of medicinal plants, especially for the cultivation of chamomile.
Is there a botanical garden in the town?
Yes, the Camifolia garden showcases over 600 species of medicinal and aromatic plants across several hectares.
Where exactly is the town located?
The town is located in the Maine-et-Loire department, centrally between the cities of Angers and Cholet in the Anjou region.
What architectural attractions can be visited?
Visit the Notre-Dame la Neuve church or the Théâtre Foirail, a significant cultural center in the region.
What event takes place regularly?
The plant market and the chamomile festival are key events that celebrate the town's agricultural traditions.
Chemillé-Melay: where is it located?
Chemillé-Melay is located in Pays de la Loire, France.
Chemillé-Melay: what is there to see?
Highlights include Camifolia Garden, Notre-Dame de Chemillé Church, Foirail Theater.
Chemillé-Melay: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Chemillé-Melay: why is it worth visiting?
Chemillé-Melay, situated in the Maine-et-Loire department, is a unique French town celebrated as the 'Capital of Medicinal Plants'.
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