Jardin des Plantes: reviews and practical tips

+32
recs
4.8/5 5 reviews
Rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris, France
Rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris, France
Jardin des Plantes
Paysage fantômatique
Jardin des plantes de Paris

Visiting Jardin des Plantes

Set on the Left Bank of the Seine, close to the Pantheon, Jardin des Plantes combines a historic botanical garden, a zoo, and a university research center. Affiliated with the Muséum national d'histoire naturelle (National Museum of Natural History), it draws thousands of visitors every year.

Established in 1793 from the former medicinal plant garden of Louis XIII, it encompasses over 10,000 plant species across more than 26 hectares divided into 11 distinct sections: the perspective flowerbeds, utility plants, the botany school, the alpine garden, the ecological garden, the large greenhouses, the rose and rock gardens, the peony garden, the bee and bird garden, the labyrinth, and the iris and perennial garden. While the main entrance remains open to the public from sunrise to sunset, 6 areas require paid admission, including the Grande Galerie de l'Évolution (with the children's gallery and virtual reality room), the mineralogy and geology galleries, comparative anatomy and paleontology, botany, the large greenhouses, and the zoo and menagerie.

Much like other historic Paris green spaces, Jardin des Plantes balances formal French gardens focused on geometry and theater with English landscape gardens that mimic natural scenery. At the top of the belvedere, you will find the Gloriette de Buffon, a small bronze pavilion built in 1788. For its time, it was an architectural feat.

Educational events

On the last Sunday of every month at 3:00 PM, the auditorium of the Grande Galerie de l'Évolution hosts talks exploring the various professions at Jardin des Plantes. Twice a month on Thursdays from April through October at 2:00 PM, outdoor guided walks called gardener talks are also available. Check with the botany school for details.

Opening hours

Open daily from 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM during the summer and from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM in the winter. Note that the Garden of Irises and Perennials is closed on weekends.
Hours are indicative and subject to change

Reviews of the Jardin des Plantes

Summary of 5 reviews
4.8/5
Average rating
+32 recs +32 -0 Score weighted by contributor expertise level: a recommendation from a level 3 member counts as 3.
Total recommendations

Ratings by visit type

With family
5
As a couple
4.8
With friends
4.8

Avygeo ranking

#45
in the world
#44
in Europe
#29
in France
#16
in Paris

The most beautiful garden in Paris

It is my favorite place in Paris to get a bit of greenery! I love going there in the spring to admire the rose garden, the irises, and the beautiful Japanese cherry tree, but this garden is magnificent all year round. I often come back to see the splendid cedar of Lebanon and the large greenhouses, and I always discover new corners, like the alpine garden near the botanical school recently. It is a magical and very pleasant place, with plenty of benches to sit on. Take the opportunity to go see the Grande Galerie de l'évolution, located right next door.

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Some greenery in Paris

A break in the middle of nature, with beautiful colorful flowers in the spring. You can even have some magical encounters with birds there.

The only downside, I didn't find it very big. But it is still very beautiful. Especially since there are a lot of things to do nearby, notably the Grande Galerie de l’Evolution.

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Gorgeous garden

I really love the Jardin des Plantes, it feels more intimate than other big parks in Paris. I recommend visiting the greenhouses if you like botany. They are truly impressive and house many different species. You can also spot a few animals. On sunny days, it is very pleasant to stroll through the pathways.

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Small but very rich

The Jardin des Plantes is fairly small and you can get through it quickly. Plant lovers and fans of botanical arrangements will be thrilled to visit, though. There is a huge variety of species, and the setting is really well done.

10
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The lungs of Paris

Just like with the Jardin du Luxembourg, it is a real pleasure to walk around here at the start of spring, when the trees are covered in leaves again. If you are lucky, you might even see a group of high schoolers and their gym teacher (it is very pleasant to watch others work when you are on vacation yourself). You will also see other curiosities, lots of animals, etc. A very pleasant place.

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