Anjou, an ideal location in the Loire Valley, both historically and geographically
During the 15th century, the art of gardening was born in the Val de Loire, - a tradition which has been enthusiastically maintained ever since.
Horticulture in Anjou
40,000 producers and companies
20,000 jobs
Specialist research laboratories
300 state funded researchers
Professional organisations
- OCVV (Office Communautaire des Variétés Végétales)
- GEVES (Groupe d’Etude et de Contrôle des Variétés et des Semences)
- CTIFL (Centre Technique Interprofessionnel des Fruits et Légumes)
- BHR (Bureau Horticole Régional)
- ITV (Institut Technique du Vin)
- ITEIPMAI (Institut Technique Interprofessionnel des Plantes Médicinales Aromatiques et Industrielles)
The “Anjou-Loire Plant Specialist” Pole of World Competitiveness
This is a network where companies and institutions of higher education and research combine to underpin innovation, increase competitiveness, attract new companies, and promote their development. In 2005, Anjou had the honour to be ranked by the French state among the top 15 out of 103 candidates applying for the designation “Pole of Competitiveness”.
Our five-point strategy is based on the following: innovation and variety enhancement; the quality and health of seeds and plants; plants as a source of health and well-being; horticulture and the urban landscape; economic intelligence.
Angers, a truly delightful city in which to live, in the heart of the Loire Valley
Angers, the capital of Anjou, is situated in the Val de Loire – a UNESCO world heritage site.
The city offers its inhabitants an exceptional quality of life due to the proximity of natural zones of interest (from the Loire to the low-lying Anjou valleys), the variety and quantity of its open spaces, and the richness of its historical and living cultural heritage.
Angers is a comfortably sized yet dynamic city, with 260,000 inhabitants and 30,000 students. Its 6 major annual festivals (e.g. including the ‘Festival Premiers Plans’, the ‘Festival d’Anjou’, the ‘Accroche-Cœurs’…), its 3 theatres, 21 cinema screens, 6 museums and the ‘Chabada’ (a rock music venue) prove that Angers is a veritable cultural centre catering for all tastes.
