Jardin des Plantes Paris
A vast, historic botanical garden in Paris, featuring diverse plant species, stunning 19th-century hothouses, and a charming zoo, offering a tranquil ...

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lush blooms, pleasant weather
Jardin des Plantes Paris
Best Time
Lush blooms, pleasant weather

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast, historic botanical garden in Paris, featuring diverse plant species, stunning 19th-century hothouses, and a charming zoo, offering a tranquil escape and educational experience.
"A beautiful green oasis in the heart of Paris, perfect for a peaceful stroll and discovering unique flora."
🎯 Master Public Transport
Get a Navigo pass for unlimited travel on Paris metro, bus, and RER, including airport transfers .
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
The Jardin des Plantes is vast; expect lots of walking through its diverse gardens and exhibits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Grandes Serres (Great Greenhouses)
Central Gardens
Step into stunning 19th-century hothouses showcasing exotic tropical, desert, and New Caledonian flora, a true botanical marvel.

Ménagerie, the Zoo
Eastern side of the gardens
Discover one of the world's oldest zoos, home to a charming collection of smaller, often endangered species in a historic setting.

Alpine Garden
Hidden within the gardens
Explore a unique microclimate housing over 2,000 species of mountain plants from diverse global regions, a serene botanical escape.
Rose Garden & School of Botany
Near the Grande Galerie de l'Évolution
Wander through a fragrant collection of roses and learn about plant classification in this beautifully curated section of the garden.
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Vast Gardens
Best Transport & Nearby Stays
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Master Public Transport
Get a Navigo pass for unlimited travel on Paris metro, bus, and RER, including airport transfers.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
The Jardin des Plantes is vast; expect lots of walking through its diverse gardens and exhibits.
🗺️ Grab a Map
Navigate the extensive grounds, including the botanical and alpine gardens, to ensure you don't miss any key areas.
📸 Capture the Greenhouses
The historic 19th-century hothouses offer stunning photographic opportunities, especially the tropical plant collections.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Master Public Transport
Get a Navigo pass for unlimited travel on Paris metro, bus, and RER, including airport transfers.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
The Jardin des Plantes is vast; expect lots of walking through its diverse gardens and exhibits.
🗺️ Grab a Map
Navigate the extensive grounds, including the botanical and alpine gardens, to ensure you don't miss any key areas.
📸 Capture the Greenhouses
The historic 19th-century hothouses offer stunning photographic opportunities, especially the tropical plant collections.
🏨 Stay Nearby for Convenience
For easy access, look for hotels near Jardin des Plantes Paris, like Libertel Austerlitz Jardin des Plantes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Jardin des Plantes Paris as a serene and beautiful green oasis, offering a peaceful respite from the city's hustle. Many appreciate its diverse botanical collections and the charm of the historic Ménagerie. While some note that certain areas could benefit from more upkeep, the overall experience is highly valued for its educational content and tranquil atmosphere.
"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
"Lovely outdoor gardens, lots of benches. There's a pretty big menagerie/zoo too, which cost extra but wasn't a lot. Could see the red pandas from outside, though 😍"
Sam OT
"Awesome very large garden area just south of Bastille. Lots of covered walking paths below the square trees. Large open garden area in the middle for many various plants. No shade on a hot day. Park has a zoo area on one side and other museums on the other. Large greenhouse with pay to enter. Very nice rose garden as well. Great place to hang out and to bring the kiddos to see the cave in the greenhouse or the museum of paleontology."
The K Green Show
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Jardin des Plantes is well-served by public transport. You can reach it via Metro Line 5 (Gare d'Austerlitz), Line 7 (Censier-Daubenton), or Line 10 (Jussieu, Gare d'Austerlitz). RER C also stops at Gare d'Austerlitz. Buses 24, 57, 61, 63, 67, 89, and 91 also have stops nearby. For multi-day visits, consider purchasing a Navigo pass for unlimited travel.
Yes, there are several convenient hotels near Jardin des Plantes Paris. Popular options include the Libertel Austerlitz Jardin des Plantes, Timhotel Jardin des Plantes Paris, and Hotel du Jardin des Plantes Paris. These hotels offer easy access to the gardens and the surrounding Latin Quarter.
For tourists planning to use public transportation frequently, the Navigo Découverte pass is highly recommended. It offers unlimited travel on the metro, bus, tram, and RER within Paris and even to destinations like the airport and Versailles. Just remember it runs strictly from Monday to Sunday and requires a passport-sized photo.
Yes, the Jardin des Plantes is easily accessible by RER. The RER C line stops at Gare d'Austerlitz, which is just a short walk from the main entrance of the gardens. This makes it convenient for visitors coming from various parts of Paris or its suburbs.
The Jardin des Plantes is centrally located in the 5th arrondissement. It's a short metro ride to Notre Dame Cathedral, the Latin Quarter, and Île de la Cité. The Louvre Museum and Eiffel Tower are also easily reachable via public transport, typically within 20-30 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to the main botanical gardens and outdoor areas of the Jardin des Plantes is free. However, specific attractions within the garden, such as the Grandes Serres (Great Greenhouses), the Ménagerie (zoo), and the Grande Galerie de l'Évolution, require a paid admission ticket.
The outdoor gardens are generally open daily from early morning (around 7:30 AM) until sunset (between 5:30 PM and 8:00 PM, depending on the season). Individual attractions like the greenhouses and zoo have their own specific opening hours, usually from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM, and may be closed on Tuesdays or certain holidays. Always check the official website for the most current schedule.
Yes, the Grandes Serres are open year-round, offering a warm, tropical escape even in colder months. They are typically closed on Tuesdays and certain public holidays, so it's advisable to check the schedule before your visit to ensure they are open.
The Jardin des Plantes occasionally offers guided tours, often focusing on specific collections, seasonal highlights, or the history of the gardens. These tours may be in French, but English options can sometimes be found. Check the official Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle website for tour schedules and booking information.
While not always strictly necessary, booking tickets in advance online for the Ménagerie or Grandes Serres is highly recommended, especially during peak season, weekends, or school holidays. This helps you avoid queues and guarantees entry, as capacity can sometimes be limited.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Beyond its stunning botanical collections, the Jardin des Plantes is home to the historic Ménagerie (zoo), the Grande Galerie de l'Évolution (Gallery of Evolution), and other natural history museums. You can also find the École de Botanique (School of Botany) and various sculptures and fountains throughout the park.
Absolutely! With its extensive gardens, the Ménagerie, and several museums (like the Grande Galerie de l'Évolution), the Jardin des Plantes Paris can easily fill a full day, especially if you explore all its attractions. Many visitors enjoy packing a picnic to enjoy amidst the greenery.
Yes, there are a few dining options within or immediately adjacent to the Jardin des Plantes. You'll find cafes and kiosks offering snacks, sandwiches, and drinks. For a more substantial meal, there are also restaurants in the surrounding Latin Quarter, just a short walk away.
Don't miss the Grandes Serres (Great Greenhouses) for their exotic plant collections, the serene Alpine Garden with its diverse mountain flora, and the beautiful Rose Garden. The historic Ménagerie is also a highlight, especially for families.
The main pathways and outdoor areas of the Jardin des Plantes are generally wheelchair accessible. However, some older buildings, specific garden sections, or certain paths within the Ménagerie might have limited accessibility. It's always best to check the official website for detailed accessibility information before your visit.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Yes, photography for personal use is generally permitted inside the Grandes Serres. However, flash photography might be restricted to protect the plants and enhance the visitor experience. Always be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways.
The Grandes Serres offer incredible architectural and botanical photo opportunities. The Rose Garden is stunning when in bloom, and the Alpine Garden provides unique textures and colors. Don't forget the picturesque pathways and the historic buildings like the Grande Galerie de l'Évolution for diverse shots.
For personal photography, small, handheld tripods are usually fine. However, large professional tripods or extensive photography setups might require special permission, especially if they could obstruct pathways or disturb other visitors. When in doubt, inquire at the information desk.
Focus on close-ups of unique plant species, play with natural light filtering through leaves, and capture the scale of the greenhouses. Visit during the 'golden hour' (early morning or late afternoon) for soft, warm light. Look for interesting textures, patterns, and vibrant colors.
No, drone photography is generally not permitted within the Jardin des Plantes or any public park in Paris without explicit, special authorization. This is due to safety regulations, privacy concerns, and the protection of the natural environment and visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🌿 Plant Enthusiasts
🚶 Day-Trippers & Short Stays
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit