Jardin des Plantes de Montpellier, Montpellier

Jardin des Plantes de Montpellier, Montpellier

The oldest botanical garden in France and one of the oldest in Europe, the Jardin des Plantes was established in 1593 by King Henri IV.

The oldest botanical garden in France and one of the oldest in Europe, the Jardin des Plantes was established in 1593 by King Henri IV. Planned by Pierre Richer de Belleval, Chair of Botanical and Anatomical Sciences, the original garden had medicinal, aromatic, and culinary flora. It has been re-laid and expanded over the years to include an arboretum, Martins greenhouses, a pond, orangery, and small observatory.

Spread over 11 acres, the garden the garden has about 3000 species outdoors and 1000 in the greenhouses. Explore the various sections of the lush complex for relaxing views and educate yourself on the variety of plants grown here.

Montagne de Richer is a 140 meter long stretch with Cistaceae and other plants from dunes, heaths, and forests around Montpellier. It has the oldest phillyria in France, as well as a Judas tree planted by Belleval.

Ecole Systematique or Systematic School has plants classified according to the Bentham & Hooker system, and busts of important medical naturalists from the region. It has 4 beds – 2 for Mediterranean plants, 1 for medicinal plants, and 1 kitchen garden. It also has beautifully arranged arches and columns from the 16th century. The hillock nearby has southern noria and a vault with the tomb of Narcissa, dedicated to the daughter-in-law of the English poet Edward Young, Placandis Narcissae Manibus.

The English Garden has a bamboo grove, the northern noria, a collection of Solanaceae, small Moroccan garden and the rock garden. Of note is the Tassili cypress which is endangered in the Sahara.

The greenhouses have exotic species from the tropics and temperate zones. Martins greenhouse hosts a collection of cacti and succulents.

The Arboretum has shady old trees, of which the male Ginkgo biloba with female grafts from the late 18th century is noteworthy.

The Rabelais Monument honors the Renaissance Humanist writer with a bust atop a grand pedestal with reliefs and statues.