In the heart of Paris, the Jardin des Plantes is more than just a green space. It bears witness to a rich history, combining the botanical, the zoological and the museal. Although best known for the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle and the famous Galerie de l'évolution, this garden has many other wonders to offer. Every time you visit, you'll be surprised to discover a detail or treasure you hadn't noticed before.
With four centuries of scientific adventure behind it, this is an invitation to explore. Every day, the curious and the passionate flock here, while researchers and students pursue their quest for knowledge. The walls, the paths, the greenhouses... each element of the garden seems to contain a story, a secret. We'd like to share with you some of our favorite little-known and little-known spots.
Immerse yourself in a rewarding discovery and marvel at these 8 treasures to discover:
The Jardin des Plantes' hidden Alpine garden, a nugget worth discovering
The Jardin des Plantes conceals a magnificent alpine garden. Located between the Grandes Serres and the Menagerie, this garden, which has no entrance doors, is accessible via a hidden underground passage. Here you can discover the rock gardens and wild mountain plants. It's a haven of peace to be (re)discovered all year round. [Read more]
Did you know? The Gloriette de Buffon is the oldest metal structure in Paris.
In the heart of Paris's 5th arrondissement, the Jardin des Plantes is home to the mysterious and historic Gloriette de Buffon, dating from 1786. Discover a hidden treasure. [Read more]
Discover the unusual Lion Fountain in the Jardin des Plantes : History and curiosities
Do you know the Lion Fountain in the Jardin des Plantes? Located near the entrance on rue Geoffroy Saint Hilaire, this work of art dating from 1863 awaits you at the foot of Buffon's labyrinth. We tell you all about it. [Read more]
Did you know? Discover France's oldest cedar of Lebanon in Paris and its unusual history.
In the heart of Paris, the Jardin des Plantes is home to a historical curiosity: the oldest cedar of Lebanon in France. Planted in 1734, its history is a mixture of botany, legend and an incredible journey. Let's take a green walk through Buffon's labyrinth to discover this remarkable 300-year-old tree. [Read more]
The Durfort Mammoth at the Paris Natural History Museum, restored!
(Re)discover at the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris, the newly restored "Mammouth de Durfort", an icon of paleontology on display since 1898. [Read more]
Large greenhouses at the Jardin des Plantes
[Read more]
La Menagerie du Jardin des Plantes, the oldest zoo in Paris
The Menagerie, or rather the zoo of the Jardin des Plantes, belongs to the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle. Located next to the famous Jardin des Plantes, it's not only the oldest zoo in Paris, opened in 1794, it's also an area well worth a visit. Every day, hundreds of animals live in 5.5 hectares of greenery. Come and discover them! [Read more]
In short, the Jardin des Plantes never ceases to surprise. Whether you're a Parisian or a tourist, there's plenty to discover here. How about a visit to the Jardin des Plantes?
Also worth discovering:
Jurassic illumination: the 2024-2025 Festival of Lights at the Jardin des Plantes - photos
This year, the Jardin des Plantes is hosting a new edition of its famous lantern trail, entitled "Jurassique en voie d'Illumination". On view from November 20 to January 19, 2024, this exhibition takes us back in time this year. Monumental creatures come to life through majestic light sculptures, transforming the park into a veritable open-air museum. Explore the mysteries of the Jurassic period, while enjoying a magical stroll under the stars. A not-to-be-missed event at the end of the year. [Read more]
The Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle in Paris takes us to the most extreme corners of the planet, with the "Déserts" exhibition, on view from April 2 to November 30, 2025. [Read more]
A lively exhibition and a journey into the heart of nature: this is the exotic experience offered by the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, in the Grandes Serres of the Jardin des Plantes. From October 17 to November 25, 2024, discover "Tropical Autumn: Drawing Botany", a stroll that plunges us into the discovery of species with astonishing aesthetics. [Read more]
Ready to cross paths with dinosaurs at Bercy Village? From July 6, 2024, we're taking a leap into the past, thanks to an extraordinary immersive virtual reality experience that will take us through the history of the Earth. [Read more]
The Arboretum de Versailles-Chèvreloup awaits you all year round in its remarkable 200-hectare park! Come and stroll, picnic or play sport in complete freedom amidst 10,000 trees of over 2,500 different varieties. [Read more]
You've heard of the Muséum and the Galerie de l'évolution, but what about the Galerie de Paléontologie et d'Anatomie comparée, nestling at the entrance to the Jardin des Plantes on the Gare d'Austerlitz side? From living creatures to extinct dinosaurs, discover the world of bones in this sublime museum, well worth a visit. [Read more]
The Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle de Paris with its Jardin des Plantes is an emblematic institution of the capital, founded in 1793. Accessible all year round, this museum offers an insight into the world's rich natural heritage. From plants and magnets to fossils and experiments, immerse yourself in the fascinating world of nature. [Read more]
If you've ever taken a stroll through the Jardin des Plantes in Paris, you'll no doubt have spotted the grand old buildings that stand along the way: this is the Museum of Natural History, of which the Grande Galerie de l'Evolution is a part. [Read more]
On certain days of the week, the Jardin des Plantes Menagerie invites you to take part in an exceptional experience in the fauverie, in the heart of the Jardin des Plantes Menagerie, by attending a feline meal. [Read more]
In February 2023, an asteroid fell in Normandy. And many people collected these little meteorites to enable science to analyze them! Today, they can be seen at the Muséum national d'histoire naturelle in Paris! [Read more]
Visiting Paris is good, but with animations or devices to entertain the children, it is even better! The Paris Mômes team is now offering six new game trails to discover the capital's emblematic neighborhoods with your family! [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
Starts November 21, 2024
Location
Plant Garden
Place Valhubert
75005 Paris 5
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all
Official website
www.jardindesplantesdeparis.fr
Jurassic illumination: the 2024-2025 Festival of Lights at the Jardin des Plantes - photos
Deserts: the striking exhibition at the Paris Natural History Museum
Tropical Autumn: the plant and design exhibition at the Grandes Serres du Jardin des Plantes
Missing Worlds: get up close to dinosaurs in virtual reality at Bercy Village - our test
The Versailles-Chèvreloup Arboretum and its Remarkable Garden
The Galerie de Paléontologie et d'Anatomie Comparée, the Museum's nugget in the Jardin des Plantes
Discover the treasures of the Paris Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle - program
The Grande Galerie de l'Evolution, the immense museum dedicated to animals from all over the world, in Paris
Unusual: witness the feeding of the felines at the Jardin des Plantes Menagerie
Meteorites from a French asteroid on display at the Muséum national d'histoire naturelle
Visiting Paris with your family: six free game trails for fun walks with children
