With many thousands of different plant species growing here, the Jardin des Plantes is France’s top botanical garden and is 400 years old. Located in the 5th Arrondissement, it was originally created as a medicinal herb garden for French royalty. Today it is home to a botanical school, as well as four museums and a zoo.
Hours
Open daily, hours vary depending on the season. Generally from 7.30 a.m. to 7.45 p.m. (summer) and 8 a.m. to 5.15 p.m. (winter).
Hours or services may differ
Tickets
Admission to botanic gardens is free; tickets to museums and zoo from $10
Nature lovers could spend an entire day here. If you have an affinity for trees, you can take a botany workshop or just stroll around the grounds and check out the historic trees, including a 315-year-old pistachio tree.