Since 1968, the national Arboretum has regrouped nearly 4,000 trees, bushes and ligneous plants on an agricultural and forest site covering an area of 200 hectares near Aubonne above Rolle. 

Coming from temperate climate zones, these trees are regrouped in copses highlighting their shapes and colours. The Arboretum also develops an ancient orchard that preserves old fruit varieties abandoned today. It has a beautiful collection of apple trees and wild roses. 

The Arboretum also reconstitutes forest biotypes such as in Washington-Oregon or in Japan. 

The trees and plants in the Arboretum are not only planted for research and preservation purposes, but also for public promotion. A visit of the Arboretum represents a 2-hour walk in a landscaped garden, with a stop at the welcome centre and a visit of its exhibitions. On Sunday afternoons, the Arboretum regularly proposes a thematic visit of its ligneous treasures.