Jardin des Plantes

The Basics

Located along the Seine in Paris’ 5th arrondissement, the Jardin des Plantes is an oasis-like green space that makes for a perfect urban retreat. Covering a total of 69 acres (28 hectares), it’s the largest botanical garden in France, and it has been a registered Historic Monument since 1993. The Jardin des Plantes comprises numerous individual gardens that showcase both native French species as well as exotic specimens from around the globe. Additionally, it houses several museum spaces (including the Gallery of Evolution, the Gallery of Mineralogy and Geology, the Gallery of Paleontology, and the Gallery of Botany, and the Children’s Gallery), as well as a botanical school and the Ménagerie, a zoo.

You can admire the Jardin des Plantes on a river cruise down the Seine; although it’s free to enter, guided tours provide detailed insight about what’s before you.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Jardin des Plantes is free, although the Ménagerie is ticketed separately.

• The garden’s collection comprises more than 10,000 plant species, and it’s home to one of the oldest and largest herbariums in the world.

• The majority of the garden spaces are wheelchair-accessible; while the Jardin des Plantes doesn’t have its own parking spaces, there are lots nearby.

How to Get There

The nearest station to the Jardin des Plantes is the Gare d’Austerlitz, a major transit hub that’s served by Métro lines 5 and 10, by the RER C, and by numerous SNCF trains. It can also be reached by the 24, 57, 61, 63, 67, 89, and 91 bus lines. As with the majority of Paris’ centrally located attractions, it’s also easily accessible by foot, by car, or by Vélib’.

When to Get There

The Jardin des Plantes is open daily from 7:30am–8pm in summer, and from 8am–5pm in winter. While the majority of its garden spaces are open during that period, some (like the Alpine Garden and the Irises and Perennials Garden) have shorter hours. Depending on your interests, it’s worth researching individual opening times in advance of your visit; the garden complex also hosts temporary exhibitions that change throughout the year.

The Ménagerie

Having opened in 1694, the Ménagerie at the Jardin des Plantes’ is one of the world’s oldest zoos. Following the French Revolution, the first animals were transferred here from the Palace of Versailles, where they had been kept by French royalty. Today, the Ménagerie is still home to thousands of animals, ranging from orangutans and red pandas to snow leopards and crocodiles.

Ways to explore

Located along the Seine, the Jardin des Plantes is an absolute oasis, an urban retreat, and a registered Historic Monument. Beyond themed gardens showcasing both French species and exotic specimens from around the globe, it houses several museum spaces: the Gallery of Evolution, the Gallery of Mineralogy and Geology, the Gallery of Paleontology, and the Gallery of Botany. You’ll also find a botanical school and menagerie within its grounds.

You can admire the Jardin des Plantes on a river cruise down the Seine. And although it’s free to enter, guided tours bring the garden’s history and beauty to light.

Accessibility

The Jardin des Plantes is largely wheelchair accessible, but there are paths and areas that are steep or uneven. Some areas are not accessible, including the Gallery of Mineralogy and Geology and the Gallery of Paleontology.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Water bottle, camera, map of the gardens (available at the entrance), sunscreen

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunglasses, layers

Not allowed

Dogs, picking plants, walking on flower beds

Amenities

Restaurant, food stands, lockers, restrooms, picnic areas, gift shops

Address

The Jardin des Plantes is in Paris’ 5th arrondissement, right on the Seine and not far from the Pantheon. Apart from seeing it from the water on a river cruise, get there via public transit, rideshare, or on your own two feet.

Driving

It’s definitely best to avoid driving in Central Paris, if you can; beyond traffic and traffic regulations, parking is incredibly limited. If you must drive, there are a few paid parking garages within walking distance.

Public transportation

The nearest station to the Jardin des Plantes is Gare d’Austerlitz, a major transit hub that’s served by metro lines 5 and 10, the RER C, and numerous SNCF trains.

Best times to visit

Early mornings are typically more peaceful, with great light, but late afternoons can be nice, too. Avoid the middle of the day, due to the heat and crowds.

Best days to visit

Weekdays tend to be less crowded. Mondays can be convenient as many other Paris attractions are closed, but the garden stays open.

Best months to visit

Late April through September are great for plants, blooms, and color; mid-May through early August is peak for garden vibrancy.

Special events

The first weekend in June is Rendez-vous aux Jardins (Garden Rendezvous) across France, and you might be able to catch special orchid exhibitions in February and March.