The Jardin des Plantes is possibly the most beautiful — and interesting — botanical garden in Paris. However, it offers much more than that. On its elegant, centuries-old grounds, you’ll also find a zoo, a natural history museum featuring awe-inspiring prehistoric bones and colorful displays, outdoor exhibits and much more.
Situated at the edge of the Latin Quarter, the Jardin des Plantes serves as a gateway to a part of the city that all first-time visitors to Paris should explore. It’s an ideal attraction for all sorts of travelers, whether you’re visiting the city solo, looking for a romantic, sunny stroll in the capital, or trying to find a place that entertains and educates the kids. Therefore, keep reading to learn how to make the most of it.
History
The Jardin des Plantes was established around 1635 as a royal medicinal garden under the reign of King Louis XIII. Although it was accessible to the public from approximately 1640, it only became a state-owned institution in 1793, following the French Revolution.
That same year, the botanical gardens, the Natural History Museum, and the zoo all opened under new management, marking a significant transformation in their operations.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, the complex greatly expanded thanks to the efforts of various naturalists, botanists, and paleontologists who created new collections and areas. The Grande Galerie de l’Evolution (Grand Evolution Gallery), Zoology and Paleontology Galleries, and greenhouses housing numerous tropical species were established.
In the 21st century, curators, scientists, and botanists have continued to modernize and expand the collections at the Jardin des Plantes, aiming to keep it relevant and engaging to visitors. New permanent exhibits and galleries continue to open, while others have reopened after significant renovations.
What to See & Do
There are numerous ways to enjoy the Jardin and its adjoining attractions. Even on a rainy or cold day, attractions such as the botanical greenhouses or the Natural History Museum might still be accessible. Here are the highlights you can expect at the gardens, which cover approximately 69 acres.
The Botanic Gardens & Greenhouses
The botanical gardens are lush, beautifully arranged spaces that are divided into various themes and sections. Wander through a few of the 11 thematic areas to learn about the plant species as you leisurely stroll:
- École de botanique (Botanical school)
- Jardin alpin (Alpine garden)
- Perspective Squares (Geometric central beds with lovely views towards the Museum of Natural History at the far end)
- Jardin écologique (Ecological Garden)
- Grandes Serres (Grand Hothouses: featuring rare tropical plants)
- Jardin de roses et de roches (Rose and Rock Garden)
- Jardin des pivoines (Peony Garden)
- Jardin des abeilles et des oiseaux (Bees and Birds Garden)
- Labyrinthe (Maze: This one can be fun with kids)
- Jardin des plantes ressources (Garden of Plants Used as Natural Resources)
- Jardin des iris et des plantes vivaces (Iris and Hybrid Plants Garden)
Different thematic areas showcase approximately 8,500 species and varieties of plants, including hybrids and seasonal blooms. The “Grand” hothouses harbor rare species from regions such as South America and Australia.
Entry to the gardens is generally free, but exceptions may apply for certain greenhouses and temporary exhibits.
The Zoo (Ménagerie)
The gardens are also home to a small zoo, formerly owned by French monarchs and now a state-run park. Known as the Ménagerie, this zoo can be a delightful experience for younger visitors. Kids can interact with and observe around 1,200 animals, spanning from goats and ostriches to monkeys, tree kangaroos, and even leopards. The Ménagerie primarily serves as a refuge for endangered species, with zoologists closely monitoring animal welfare and protecting many fragile species found at the site.
The Natural History Museum
The onsite Natural History Museum (Musée d’Histoire Naturelle) is one of France’s oldest and is most renowned for its enormous “Evolution” Gallery, featuring models and bones of animals from dinosaurs to woolly mammoths, giraffes, and elephants.
While its unusual displays can sometimes feel nostalgic, recent efforts to modernize the exhibits make this museum a must-see for anyone interested in natural history. It also provides an excellent opportunity for educational family outings.
Galleries and displays at the museum include:
- Botany
- Marine Invertebrates
- Terrestrial Arthropods (Insects, Spiders, and Butterflies)
- Paleontology
- Prehistory and Anthropology (the study of early human civilizations and their tools)
- Mineralogy and Geology
- A new “Virtual Reality” cabinet designed for kids exploring evolutionary history
Special Exhibits & Events
The garden and natural history museum regularly hold intriguing temporary exhibits, often in open-air settings. These events are popular with both kids and adults, providing fantastic opportunities for both learning and enjoyment.
How to Visit the Garden
The Jardin des Plantes is easily accessible by Paris metro or bus. Alternatively, it’s a pleasant walk from the Latin Quarter. Entry to the outdoor gardens is free, excluding temporary exhibits.
- Address: Place Valhubert, 75005 Paris
- Metro/RER Stop: Gare d’Austerlitz
- Tel.: +33 (0) 1 40 79 54 79 or +33 (0) 1 40 79 56 01
- Opening Times: The gardens are open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the summer and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the winter. They remain open on most public holidays, but check the official website for any updates.
- Email contact: valhuber@mnhn.fr
- Visit the official website (in English)
The Best Time to Visit
While spring (late March through early June) is by far the most popular time to visit the gardens, autumn is also a wonderful option. There may be fewer bright flowers and exotic species during this time, but witnessing the botanical displays and greenhouses in different seasons will allow you to appreciate the natural cycles underway in the gardens, not to mention the tremendous work done by the horticulturists who tend them.
What to Do Nearby
The Jardin is located at the periphery of the history-laden Latin Quarter (Quartier Latin). Before or after exploring the gardens, consider taking a leisurely stroll through the storied streets of this iconic district.
You might stop for coffee at the leafy, pedestrian-only Place de la Contrescarpe, explore the ancient Roman coliseum at the Arènes de Lutece, or simply enjoy an old movie at one of the charming cinemas near Sorbonne University.
The Gare de Lyon/Bercy Neighborhood
Crossing the Seine River to the right bank allows for easy exploration of the lesser-known neighborhoods around the Gare de Lyon train station and the area known as “Bercy.” Fewer tourists venture into these districts, but this is precisely why they’re worth visiting. Take a walk on the green, above-ground beltway known as the Promenade Plantée, explore some of the best open-air produce markets in Paris, and unwind at a trendy concept café or wine bar favored by locals.
