The Jardin des Plantes is a botanical garden in the centre of Montpellier, beside the university's Faculty of Medicine. Founded in 1593, it is the oldest botanical garden in France and still houses more than 2,500 plant species. Walk the shaded paths past old trees, a lotus pond and a pond with fish, then step into the orangery and the tropical greenhouses. Entry is free, and the garden suits a slow walk, an hour with a book or a drawing session in the shade.
From a royal medicinal garden to a university garden
The garden was founded in 1593 by order of King Henri IV, and its first purpose was practical. The botanist Pierre Richer de Belleval laid it out to grow medicinal plants for study. Its link with the medical school goes back to those early years. The faculty sat in a former Benedictine monastery, founded in the 14th century and attached to the cathedral of Saint-Pierre, close to the garden.
The garden opened to the public in 1840. Today the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Montpellier looks after it, and it is used for teaching, research and the conservation of rare plants. It is classified as a remarkable garden and as a historical monument. For a time it served as a model for other botanical gardens in France, and it predates the botanical gardens in Strasbourg, Paris and Caen.
Literary history is part of the site too. The poet Paul Valéry met André Gide in the garden, according to one account.
What to see inside
The garden is arranged in themed areas: medicinal plants, exotic trees, tropical greenhouses, local plants, and experimental zones used for research. The medicinal section recalls the garden's first purpose, while the exotic trees and greenhouses show plants from warmer climates.
The orangery holds exotic plants, and the greenhouse adds succulents and tropical species. A lotus pond and a pond with fish sit among the paths, and there are fountains and basins along the way. Some trees are very old and give broad shade on hot days. A small area is set aside for the senses.
Planning the visit
Entry is free. The garden is wheelchair friendly, and a tram stop is nearby. Benches line the paths, where visitors read or draw. Cats wander the grounds, so you may see them on your walk.
The Jardin des Plantes is a short walk from the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre and the Arc de Triomphe, which makes it easy to combine with other sights in the old centre. Allow time for the greenhouses and the orangery as well as the paths.
Preguntas frecuentes
Is there an entry fee?
No. Entry to the Jardin des Plantes is free.
How long do you need?
Plan one to two hours for the paths, the greenhouses and the orangery.
Is the garden wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The garden is wheelchair friendly, and a tram stop is nearby.
Are there toilets in the garden?
There are none inside. One public toilet stands just outside the garden, very close by.
Is the garden open on Mondays?
No. The garden is closed on Mondays.
