Jardin des Plantes is the main botanical garden in Paris, located in the 5th arrondissement on the Left Bank. Established in 1626 as a royal medicinal garden, it was opened to the public in 1640. Today, it is part of the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle and serves both educational and recreational purposes.
The garden covers approximately 28 hectares and is divided into various sections. The Formal Garden features geometric flowerbeds and avenues lined with trees, while the Alpine Garden contains around 2,000 mountain plants arranged to replicate their natural environment. The Rose Garden displays a wide variety of rose species and hybrids, particularly vibrant in early summer.
The Jardin des Plantes also houses several large historic greenhouses, known as the Grandes Serres. These include the Tropical Rainforest Greenhouse, Mexican and Australian Desert Greenhouse, and the New Caledonia Greenhouse, each exhibiting plants from different climates and regions. The greenhouses were originally built in the 19th century and renovated in the early 21st century to maintain their architectural and scientific value.
Another key attraction within the Jardin des Plantes is the Ménagerie, a small zoo established in 1794, making it one of the oldest zoos in the world. It houses various mammals, birds, and reptiles in enclosures integrated with the garden’s layout. Although compact, it remains significant for conservation and education.
The garden is also home to the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution, which presents exhibitions on biodiversity and evolution, along with other natural history galleries focusing on minerals, palaeontology, and botany. Throughout the year, the Jardin des Plantes hosts temporary exhibitions and educational workshops on plant sciences and environmental topics.
Visitors can walk along its shaded avenues, observe diverse plant species, and learn about global flora and conservation efforts. The Jardin des Plantes combines botanical collections, historic architecture, scientific research, and public education, making it an important and varied destination for those interested in nature, science, and history in Paris.
Official website: https://www.jardindesplantesdeparis.fr/en
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