Jardin Botanique de Tours
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Jardin Botanique de Tours

4.6
·7k reviews·Tours, France

A free, dog-friendly botanical garden in Tours featuring tropical greenhouses, ancient trees, and a mini farm.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Jardin Botanique de Tours

Jardin Botanique de Tours

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A free, dog-friendly botanical garden in Tours featuring tropical greenhouses, ancient trees, and a mini farm.

4.6
(7k reviews)

"Lovely, peaceful, well maintained, huge variety of plants, lovely seating areas."

Vertical photo
TIP

🧺 Bring a Picnic Basket

Plenty of shady seating areas make it ideal for a relaxing picnic lunch. Enjoy the greenery!

🐾 Leash Up Your Pup!

Well-behaved dogs are welcome, a rare treat for a botanical garden. Keep them on a leash.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tropical Greenhouses

Tropical Greenhouses

Inside the botanical garden house

Explore three distinct climate zones: a lush tropical forest, a dry savannah, and more. A sensory delight!

Ancient Gingko Tree

Ancient Gingko Tree

Main garden area

Marvel at a majestic 150-year-old gingko tree, a testament to the garden's long history.

Mini Farm & Turtles

Mini Farm & Turtles

Animal enclosure area

A charming collection of animals, including turtles, chickens, and goats, adding a playful touch.

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Planning Your Visit

Free Entry, Pack a Picnic!

Enjoy the beauty of Jardin Botanique de Tours without spending a dime! It's a free attraction, making it perfect for budget travelers. Many visitors recommend bringing a picnic to enjoy in the numerous shady seating areas.

Dog-Friendly Oasis

A pleasant surprise for pet owners: dogs are welcome in this beautiful park and gardens! This is a rare find for such a well-maintained space, allowing you to share the experience with your furry friends.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Shady spots perfect for picnics
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Découvrez Tours sous un angle artistique 🎨🚍 grâce à SNCF Connect ! Au programme : 📍 Vieux Tours : Baladez-vous dans les ruelles pavées et admirez les maisons à colombages. 📍 Musée des Beaux-Arts : L’exposition “Regardez-moi, le portrait dans tous ses états” explore l’art du portrait sous toutes ses formes. 📍 Centre de Création Contemporaine Olivier Debré (CCCOD) : L’exposition “Pour voir, ferme l...
@sncfconnect
18.7K likes • 1.4M views

🧺 Bring a Picnic Basket

Plenty of shady seating areas make it ideal for a relaxing picnic lunch. Enjoy the greenery!

🐾 Leash Up Your Pup!

Well-behaved dogs are welcome, a rare treat for a botanical garden. Keep them on a leash.

Flânerie au jardin botanique de Tours 🌳🌷 #villedetours #jardinbotanique #jardinbotaniquetours #tours #toursmaville #indreetloire #touraine #tourainevaldeloire #touraineloirevalley #valdeloire #loirevalley #parcs #jardins #garden #jardin #nature #fleur #arbre #flower #balade #detente
tourainevaldeloire
781 likes • 12.9K views
Un EVJF plein de rires et de douceur au Jardin Botanique de Tours 🌿 Un super groupe de filles, une belle surprise avec la venue de la maman de la mariée 💕 Et un papa au top, porte-sac de choc… et modèle d’un jour 😄 Merci à toutes pour votre énergie et votre confiance. C’était un moment vraiment chouette à photographier ✨ Pour réservées votre séance : 📩 Info@sarahmatignon.com 📍 Tours et envir...
sarahmatignonphotographe
26 likes • 1.3K views

💧 Stay Hydrated

Drinkable water fountains are available throughout the park to refill your bottles.

🚶‍♀️ Explore Every Corner

Wander through diverse plant collections and discover hidden nooks.

Ботанический сад в Туре, известный как Jardin botanique de Tours, является одним из основных природных достопримечательностей города. Мы любим это место за возможность устроить небольшой пикник и насладиться природой. Детям особенно нравится контактный зоопарк и классные детские площадки. Ботанический сад — это отличное место почти в центре города, где можно спрятаться от жары и провести время с ...
gorelikvaleri
34 likes • 549 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🧺 Bring a Picnic Basket

Plenty of shady seating areas make it ideal for a relaxing picnic lunch. Enjoy the greenery!

🐾 Leash Up Your Pup!

Well-behaved dogs are welcome, a rare treat for a botanical garden. Keep them on a leash.

💧 Stay Hydrated

Drinkable water fountains are available throughout the park to refill your bottles.

🚶‍♀️ Explore Every Corner

Wander through diverse plant collections and discover hidden nooks.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(7k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Jardin Botanique de Tours for its free admission, diverse plant collections, and charming animal encounters. The dog-friendly policy is a significant plus for many. While some found the animals slightly superfluous, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting its peaceful atmosphere and well-maintained grounds.

"Very nice gardens. Lots to look at and animals as well as plants. Plenty of shady seating if you want to bring a picnic. There are toilets and drinkable water from fountains. It is free."

Paula Love

"Lovely park and gardens with cute animals. They seem unbothered by people and dogs. I was able to take my dogs in which is kind of rare for a nice park with gardens.
Free entrance and not many people in."

M Szeto

"Lovely, peaceful, well maintained, huge variety of plants, lovely seating areas
Play area for children. Animals seemed a bit superfluous."

Louise Eggins

What People Like

Free admission
Diverse plant life
Dog-friendly policy

What People Dislike

Animals felt superfluous

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Jardin Botanique de Tours is accessible by public transport within the city. Many visitors find it convenient to walk or cycle if staying nearby. Parking information is not widely available, suggesting public transport or walking is preferred.

Information on dedicated parking for the Jardin Botanique de Tours is scarce. It's advisable to check local parking options in Tours or consider public transport for easier access.

Yes, the gardens are generally accessible via local bus routes in Tours. Check the local public transport schedules for the most up-to-date information on routes and stops.

The entrance is typically well-marked within the city, and its central location makes it relatively easy to find. Look for signage directing you to the botanical garden.

For a truly relaxed experience, consider arriving by foot or bicycle if your accommodation is close. This allows you to soak in the city atmosphere before reaching the tranquil gardens.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Jardin Botanique de Tours offers free admission, making it an accessible and popular attraction for all visitors. You can enjoy the plants and animals without any entry fee.

No, advance booking is not required as the garden has free entry. You can visit spontaneously without needing to purchase tickets.

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official website or local listings for the most current opening and closing times before your visit.

Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, offering a more peaceful experience. Afternoons can be busier, especially during peak seasons or weekends.

Generally, the main restriction is to respect the plants and animals. Dogs are allowed on a leash, which is a notable perk for pet owners.

🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience

The garden boasts a diverse array of plants, including a tropical forest and savannah within its greenhouses, alongside a variety of other botanical collections. You'll find a huge variety of plants.

Yes, the garden features a mini farm with animals like turtles, chickens, and goats, adding an extra layer of interest for visitors of all ages.

Absolutely! There's a dedicated play area for children, and the animals are always a hit. The variety of plants also offers educational opportunities.

Yes, dogs are welcome at the Jardin Botanique de Tours, provided they are kept on a leash. This is a significant advantage for visitors traveling with pets.

Indeed, the garden offers plenty of shady seating areas, perfect for resting, enjoying a picnic, or simply taking in the peaceful atmosphere.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no specific cafes or restaurants mentioned within the garden itself. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and enjoy picnics.

Yes, picnicking is highly recommended! The garden provides numerous shady seating areas ideal for enjoying a meal amidst nature.

You'll find various bakeries, cafes, and restaurants in the city of Tours, a short distance from the botanical garden, where you can purchase picnic supplies or dine out.

Yes, there are drinkable water fountains available throughout the garden, so you can refill your water bottles and stay hydrated.

Simple, easy-to-eat items like sandwiches, salads, fruits, and pastries are perfect for a picnic. Don't forget a blanket or mat to sit on!

📸 📸 Photography

The tropical greenhouses offer dramatic backdrops with lush foliage. The ancient gingko tree is also a stunning subject, as are the various flower beds and animal enclosures.

Photography is generally allowed in the greenhouses, but it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash if it might disturb the plants or animals.

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer, more flattering light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a more serene atmosphere.

Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks and gardens to ensure the safety and tranquility of visitors and wildlife. It's best to assume drones are not permitted.

Yes, you can take photos of the animals, but always maintain a respectful distance and avoid any actions that might stress them. Natural light is usually best for animal photography.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Jardin Botanique de Tours is a fantastic free outing for families. The mini farm with its turtles, chickens, and goats is a guaranteed hit with children. There's also a dedicated play area to keep little ones entertained. The variety of plants and the greenhouses offer a chance for kids to learn about different environments in a fun, engaging way. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as picnicking is encouraged in the many shady spots.

🐶 Dog Owners

A major draw for dog owners is that dogs are welcome at the Jardin Botanique de Tours, provided they are kept on a leash. This is a rare and appreciated feature for a well-maintained garden and park. You can enjoy a leisurely walk with your furry companion, exploring the diverse plant collections and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere together. It's a great opportunity for both you and your pet to get some fresh air and exercise.

💰 Budget Travelers

This garden is a gem for budget-conscious travelers as entry is completely free! You can spend hours exploring the beautiful grounds, greenhouses, and observing the animals without spending a single euro. To maximize savings, take advantage of the numerous shady seating areas and pack your own picnic. It's a wonderful way to experience a significant attraction without any cost.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Living Museum: The Plant Collections

The Jardin Botanique de Tours is a testament to horticultural diversity, housing an impressive array of plant life. Its most striking features are the tropical greenhouses, meticulously designed to replicate distinct climates. Inside, you can wander through a humid tropical forest teeming with exotic flora, and then step into the arid beauty of a savannah environment. These controlled ecosystems allow for the cultivation of species that would otherwise struggle in the local climate, offering visitors a glimpse into global biodiversity.

Beyond the greenhouses, the outdoor gardens showcase a huge variety of plants, carefully curated and maintained. The presence of a 150-year-old gingko tree is a significant highlight, standing as a living monument to the garden's long history, which dates back to 1843. This ancient specimen provides a sense of scale and timelessness, inviting contemplation on nature's endurance. The well-maintained beds and diverse species make it a delightful place for both casual strollers and serious plant enthusiasts.

More Than Just Plants: The Animal Encounters

While primarily a botanical garden, the Jardin Botanique de Tours adds an element of charm with its collection of animals. Visitors often express delight at encountering the mini farm, which includes a variety of creatures like turtles, chickens, and goats. These animals seem quite accustomed to human presence and are generally unbothered by visitors, making for pleasant viewing opportunities.

This inclusion of animals, particularly the turtles, adds a dynamic and engaging aspect to the garden experience, especially for families. It provides a gentle introduction to wildlife for younger visitors and a touch of rustic charm for all. The fact that dogs are also welcome on a leash further enhances the garden's appeal as a welcoming public space for a wide range of visitors and their companions.

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