Jardin des Plantes Paris
Jardin des Plantes Paris is home to numerous themed gardens and greenhouses, a zoo and the Museum of Natural History
The lovely Jardin des Plantes in Paris is the perfect place to enjoy the simple pleasures that only a beautiful garden can offer. These gardens are free to explore and offer a nice change from the bustle of the city. The gardens are also home to the Museum National D'Histoire Naturelle to which they belong.
The beautiful gardens occupy a total area of about 70 acres on the southbank of the river Seine. The first planting consisted of medicinal herbs way back in 1635. In 1640 the gardens were opened to the public for the first time. In 1739 there were significant additions made to the gardens including the Labyrinth.
Several smaller gardens are located within the overall garden including the Alpine Garden, the Ecological Garden, the Rose Garden, the Garden of Peonies, the Garden of Irises and Perennials, the Labyrinth, the Greenhouses and more.
In addition to the beautiful themed gardens, starting around 1793, the garden inherited the Royal Menagerie from Versailles which in modern terms is a zoo. Of course today the focus has changed from Royalty acquiring exotic animals as a measure of wealth and status to the role of conservation and scientific study. The Menagerie at Jardin des Plantes Paris is filled with a variety of small and medium sized species representative of many different parts of the world. It is the oldest public zoo still in existence.
There are a total of 4 gates located at 57 rue Cuvier, 2 rue Buffon, 36 rue Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire and 75005 Paris place Valhubert.
Nearby attraction: Museum of Natural History
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: The botanical gardens are free with the exception of a nominal charge for the Alpine Garden on weekends and holidays, for Les Grandes Serres (the Greenhouses) and for the Menagerie (Zoo).
Jardin des Plantes Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM
- Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Address: 75005 Paris, France
Phone: 01 40 79 56 01
Official Website: Jardin des Plantes
Jardin des Plantes Reviews
Rated out of 5
Loved this exquisite, tranquil place of botany, learning and wellbeing. We look a leisurely walk and marvelled at the seasonal pumpkin displays, the vast avenues and elegance of this extraordinary Paris garden. A true gem. Unfortunately the greenhouses were closed but reason to return.
Nicola Hawes - a week ago
The Jardin des Plantes is a peaceful escape in the heart of Paris, where nature, history, and science come together beautifully. Strolling through the pathways, you discover themed gardens, centuries-old trees, and vibrant flowerbeds that change with the seasons. The atmosphere is calm yet full of life, with families, students, and travelers all enjoying the same green haven. Don’t miss the historic greenhouses and the Natural History Museum on site, which add depth to the experience. It’s a place to slow down, learn, and be inspired.
Natalia Bonnelye - 2 months ago
Wonderful open natural space with huge old trees, some were planted centuries ago with plaques explaining their provenance. It is almost unbelievable. A combination of historical old buildings and interesting structures add to the wonderment as you wander around. A short walk from the Pantheon, it is worth going to see even if you only have a brief window to visit. No tickets needed.
Eric Songer - 5 months ago
We went on a rainy day, but it was wonderful as crowds were less. But two sections were closed. Alpine forest is beautiful. Central vistas were really grand.
aqua communications - 2 months ago
Jardin des Plantes is a wonderful garden to wander through. If you take interest in plants, flowers, green spaces and breathers from the hustle and bustle of the city, this is the perfect place to visit. Additionally, you can visit the palaeontological museums, the museum of evolution, a botanical museum, a little enclosure with monkeys, several cafés and much more in the garden. In other words, one can come back here again and again for more experiences.
Njål Armin - 2 months ago
Directions
| Metro / RER Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| M7 or M10 | Jussieu Station | 5 minutes |
| M5 | Quai de la Rapée Station | 5 minutes |
How to get to Jardin des Plantes by Metro / RER
By Metro: Exit Metro M7 or M10 at Jussieu Station and go to your left walking straight south along Rue Linne to the entrance gate at the corner of the Jarden des Plantes or exit Metro M5 at Quai de la Rapée Station and go to your right through the plaza and right again across Pont d'Austerlistz (Bridge) to the entrance gate on the far side of the traffic circle.
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Photo Gallery
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Beautiful displays of flowers at Jardin des Plantes with the Musee National D'Histoire Naturelle in the background cc licensed photo by dalbera -
Flamingos in the Menagerie at the Jardin des Plantes -
Photo Credit: conall.. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: tgrauros - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jungle Garden - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: tgrauros - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jungle Garden - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jungle Garden - cc license via Flickr
