Jardin des Plantes

Open every day of the year

Transmission as a tradition... In the Jardin des Plantes, which has been open to the public for almost 400 years, the exceptional diversity of plants in terms of shape, colour and fragrance allows you to deepen your knowledge of botany and plant conservation. Welcome to a unique haven of beauty in France.

From generation to generation

When you walk through the Jardin des Plantes, think of those who came before you... While scientists and gardeners have shaped this garden, coquettes, dandies, grand ladies and boisterous children have admired the proud and protected nature of the capital's first botanical garden, which is classified as a Monument historique and “Remarkable garden”. But make sure to free up your diary: a single visit is not enough to discover all the secrets of a place that could well become your favourite walk!

Gardens with an ‘s’

Here, everything is diverse, with ten or so different universes constituting as many stages where you can stop for a moment... With, first of all, one of the most iconic attractions of the Park, the perspective squares.

Five in number and rectangular, they offer an unobstructed view of the Gallery of Evolution between two alleys lined with plane trees trimmed in a double canopy. A colourful and changing spectacle, punctuated by opulent blooms, from spring to late autumn. The Lamarck square, near Austerlitz station, illustrates ethno-botany: you can discover the many uses of plants and their history in our various communities.

Happy travels!

École de botanique  - Jardin des Plantes

École de botanique  - Jardin des Plantes

© MNHN - F.-G. Grandin

The School of Botany, in the centre of the garden, combines the discovery of temperate region vegetation with teaching. Nearly 2,500 species are planted there according to their classification, a historical reflection of their evolution. For a complete change of scenery, don't hesitate to visit the Alpine Garden, whose entrance is hidden in the Botanical School. This intimate and charming space offers an exploration of the world's mountain ranges. More than 2,000 plant species adapted to the extreme conditions of these regions grow here.

For your eyes only

Roseraie - Jardin des Plantes

Roseraie - Jardin des Plantes

© MNHN - B. Jay

Flower lovers beware the next space: you may never want to leave! The romantically inspired rose garden offers a sensuous walk through 300 varieties (cultivars) with simple or sophisticated flowers. Born of the work of horticulturists, they tell the story of the evolution of roses. The Dutch-style iris and perennial garden, away from the hustle and bustle, provides a welcome calm.

And so much more...

Jardin écologique - Jardin des Plantes

Jardin écologique - Jardin des Plantes

© MNHN - F.-G. Grandin

If you've made it this far, there are still many sights to discover... In the ecological garden, for example, there is a preserved enclave presenting the diversity of the natural environments of the Paris Basin. You must be on a guided tour to enter this garden. Finally, adventurers can tackle the slopes of the labyrinth, populated by historic trees. As a reward, at the top, Buffon's gazebo, one of the oldest metal constructions in the world.

In the shadow of giants

Grandes Serres du Jardin des Plantes

Grandes Serres du Jardin des Plantes

© MNHN

Created in the 17th century on the initiative of doctors Jean Héroard and Guy de la Brosse, the Jardin des Plantes, the historic heart of the Museum, was first home to species with therapeutic properties.

In the 18th century, under the impetus of Buffon, it became a centre for teaching natural sciences and enriching the collections of the Cabinet du Roy. The decree of 10 June 1793 marked the birth of the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle (National Museum of Natural History), as both a museum and a research centre. The numerous buildings of the Garden, all classified as historical monuments, are the witnesses of this epic story, in particular, the Gallery of Mineralogy and Geology, the Great Gallery of Evolution or the Grandes Serres... A journey through time with the participation of "historical" trees, such as the cedar of Lebanon planted in 1734 by the botanist Bernard de Jussieu, and the statues of the great men who shaped the Garden: Buffon, Lamarck... Will you be able to follow in their footsteps?

Allée de platanes - Jardin des Plantes

© MNHN - F.-G. Grandin
How to find us

57 rue Cuvier
75005 Paris

contact.jdp@mnhn.fr
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