Peak blooming season in the Garden of Plants, Paris.
This morning, I wandered through one of Paris’s most enchanting places: the Jardin des Plantes (the Garden of Plants), and I’m still carrying the scent of roses with me.
Set in the heart of the 5th arrondissement, this isn’t just any Botanical Garden – it is a living museum, a sanctuary of biodiversity, and a piece of French history. Here’s why the Jardin des Plantes deserves a place on your must-visit list.
First established in 1635 as the Jardin Royal des Plantes Médicinales (Royal Garden of Medicinal Plants) under Louis XIII, this garden has long been a place where science meets serenity. Originally a medicinal garden curated by royal doctors, it evolved into a hub for botanical research and exploration.
During the Age of Enlightenment, it became a hub for scientific exchange, and many of the rare trees and plants found here today are descendants of species gathered during global voyages, including those from Napoleon’s expeditions. In the Second World War, parts of the garden were damaged, but the Jardin des Plantes remained open, symbolizing resilience for Parisians.
Today, it forms part of the French National Museum of Natural History, and its mission is as much educational as it is beautiful.
The garden holds over 10,000 plant species, including endangered plants, a tropical greenhouse, and seasonal exhibitions. Over the coming months from June to August it is peak blooming season – look for the rosarium (rose garden) but you’ll also see the themed gardens – look for the alpine, tropical, and medicinal gardens. On site is the Zoo – one of the oldest in the world, and the Gallery of Evolution, Paleontology Gallery, and Mineralogy Museum.
The Labyrinth Hill features a spiral path and a gazebo at the top, which is ideal for photos. The cedar tree near the entrance was planted in 1734 and is believed to be one of the first Lebanese cedars ever brought to France.
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