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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds

Jardin Botanique de Tours
Best Time
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, dog-friendly botanical garden in Tours featuring tropical greenhouses, ancient trees, and a mini farm.
"Lovely, peaceful, well maintained, huge variety of plants, lovely seating areas."

🧺 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Mini Farm & Turtles
Animal enclosure area
A charming collection of animals, including turtles, chickens, and goats, adding a playful touch.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Pack a Picnic!
Dog-Friendly Oasis
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧺 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.
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
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
What People Dislike
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
🐶 Dog Owners
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Living Museum: The Plant Collections
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
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit