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Jardin des Plantes
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Jardin des Plantes

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See all things to do
Jardin des Plantes
4.5
1,790
#112 of 3,402 things to do in Paris
Zoos • Gardens
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8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
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About
In addition to serving as the site for the city's huge Museum of Natural History, this park is also home to a small zoo.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: 5th Arr. - Panthéon
How to get there
  • Quai de la Rapée • 5 min walk
  • Gare d'Austerlitz • 6 min walk
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,790 reviews
Excellent
871
Very good
676
Average
148
Poor
62
Terrible
34
scarletgleam
United Kingdom111 contributions
An oasis of serenity in the bustle of Paris
Jan 2023
We loved the Jardin des Plantes. Even though it was January and very cold weather, it was a pleasure to wander round the gardens and see their magnificent old trees, the well kept order beds and the statues and monuments to some of the great names in the history of botany (many of them French, of course).

The giant glasshouses are well worth a visit (admission charge for these) ; we didn't have time to visit the onsite museums as well but will line them up for next time. A very pleasant and relaxing place, with a surprising amount of bird life for the middle of a great city..
Written February 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle
Many thanks for your very positive feedback. We are delighted that you had a pleasant time at the Jardin des Plantes. Do not hesitate to come back in spring to discover the garden in bloom. We look forward to welcoming you in the garden galleries, see you soon.
Written February 6, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
otl
Welwyn, UK99 contributions
A really delightful garden
Oct 2022 • Couples
Lovely place for a walk and definitely worth a visit. The gardens are really well looked after and when we were there they were replanting some of the beds to keep the place fresh. Around the outside of the garden there are other places to visit also. The palaeontology museum looked interesting through the windows, but we didn’t have time to visit. We did , however, visit the menagerie which was a delight. It has some unusual animals in it, and we spent more time there than we had anticipated.
If you want a relaxing place to visit, go to one of the local boulangeries, collect something decent for lunch, buy a coffee at the cafe and find a quiet corner to sit and enjoy your feast.
Written October 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle
Thank you very much for your very positive feedback. We are delighted that you enjoyed your visit to the Jardin des Plantes and the Menagerie. On your next visit, we will be very happy to welcome you in the other galleries of the garden and in the large greenhouses. We look forward to welcoming you again soon.
Written October 17, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tanmouss
Oslo, Norway1,976 contributions
Millions of years ago who inhabited Earth?
Dec 2021 • Family
We went to the special exhibition "l'Evolution en voie d'illumination" that starts at 6 pm. It showcases animals and species that once existed and disappeared from the face of Earth. The illuminated colorful statues, sometimes animated, are accompanied by explanations on their species and time of presence on earth. We were delighted to walk the alleys discovering them despite the very cold weather. Artisans from Chinese origin, if I am not mistaken, did a great job in bringing back to life millions of years later, forgotten and mostly unknown species.
Written December 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle
Thank you very much for sharing your opinion. We are very pleased that you enjoyed the exhibition "Evolution on the way to enlightenment". You are right, the structures were produced by China Light Festival, a Sichuan-based company that draws on traditional Chinese lantern skills to design light trails and immersive experiences. We look forward to welcoming you back to our future exhibitions. See you soon!
Written December 21, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA14,625 contributions
The University Garden
Jun 2022
Started as a place for a zoo and to study plants at the University. The University buildings are still here, the zoo has been moved, but the garden is now mostly used for recreation, strolling, eating a sandwich on a bench. Lovely place.
Written June 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle
Thank you for your feedback. We are delighted that you had a good time at the Jardin des Plantes de Paris. See you soon!
Written June 30, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Luisguiper
Bogota, Colombia1,016 contributions
Interesting flora
Jun 2019
Many species with explanatory labels, beautiful plants and flowers, very interesting for a specialist or fan in botanics. Nice area to relax or for exercising; actually, several people were jogging the day I was there. A small zoo found on site; I did not enter, but full entrance fee was E$13. Architecture is also part of this magnificent area: Museum of Natural History, Botanical Gallery, Gallery of Mineralogy and Geology. Public toilettes available on site.
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle
Thank you very much for your very specific comment. We are glad you had a great time with us. See you soon :)
Written February 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JnVSydney
Greater Sydney, Australia17,424 contributions
Beautiful exhibition
Jan 2020
It being winter, not at its most lush, but to make up for it they had illuminated sculptures, (similar to the ones in Hoi An, Vietnam). Wow - a lovely walk in the sun via the turtles, hermit crabs, coral reefs, plenty of seating, to enjoy the park and have lunch.

We popped out on the far side of the Jardin and came across one of the Wallace fountains I mentioned in passing - in fact the only one remaining of the mural model, (see review).
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle
Thanks for your feedback. We are glad you enjoyed your visit :)
Written February 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Miguel G
Rio de Janeiro, RJ142 contributions
Family Loved It
Apr 2022
I've been to Paris many times and it was my first time at this place. Many people were visiting it. It is a quiet little place with many plants and flowers. My daughter loved it and I found icredible to see such a place in the middle of a big city like Paris.
Written April 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle
Thank you very much for your positive feedback. We are delighted that you enjoyed your visit to the Jardin des Plantes. We look forward to welcoming you back. See you soon!
Written April 21, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Claude M
Vence, France816 contributions
Excellent Chinese Style Lanterns retracing Evolution
Jan 2022
The Jardin des Plantes has not only a gorgeous exhibit using Chinese lanterns visuals to illustrate evolution in a very beautiful and educational exhibit.

The show is well laid out in chronological fashion, with signs explaining the type of organism, animal or plant, their origin etc. This ends up being a very eye catching but informative show. Both adults and children enjoyed the beauty and education.
Written January 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle
Many thanks for your positive feedback Claude. We are delighted that you liked the exhibition "Evolution on the way to enlightenment", it makes us very happy. See you soon for new discoveries at the Jardin des Plantes.
Written January 17, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michelle Joseph
Croissy-sur-Seine, France1,634 contributions
Interesting for any age
Feb 2020 • Family
There are so many nice museums in this area. We’ve now done several. This was one of the best in my opinion. All the animals looked so realistic. The taxidermy was just incredible. The fact that the place has a lot of interactive areas makes it interesting for everyone. They had a great display of endangered and vulnerable animals. Places to sit and enjoy the scenery plus a small cafe.
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle
Thanks for your feedback. We are glad you had a good time :)
Written February 27, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Eli B
Sydney, Australia3,697 contributions
Its impossible to avoid... so beautiful to engage with
Dec 2012 • Couples
If your bent is both to admire natural surroundings.... and understand the science behind them,you have struck the jackpot in gardens-royal. Smack bang in the middle of this expansive garden ,with a veritable atlas of plants,sits the National Museum of natural History.
A visit here, is an edifying experience that captivates your spirit and senses. This is France's main botanic garden,situated in my favourite arrondissement,the 5th and covers more than 28 hectares for us to explore. The grounds include four galleries of the museum,a botanic school and on one acre,an incredible 4500 plants are arranged by family -groupings. absolutely ,marvellous .
There is a labyrinth which adds stimulation while exploring the gardens. At its centre,a gazebo offers noteworthy views of the surrounding gardens. Whatever theme of gardens you enjoy,its here.... botanic,rose,alpine,tropical including irises and climbing plants. There is also a zoo which traces its foundation to the transfer of animals from the collection of oddball and ill fated queen Marie Antoinette,to a newly created public zoo. It is somewhat outdated, but offers scant charm, however,an escape for parents with children looking for kid-friendly activities in Paris.
I loved the Mexican and Australian hothouses,which exemplifies French glass and metal architecture So,enjoy a gorgeous Parisian morning or afternoon,apres walking along the Seine. be prepared to walk in circles- its easy to get turned around,but its all part of the fun. Bring your stroller - it may save the entrance fee,if you are with child sitting in it. if you spot a bathroom,use it as there are only two inside the zoo
Speaking of the zoo... this menagerie is the 2nd oldest in Europe and is guaranteed to keep your kids enthralled with birds, large cats,monkeys and endangered species.The antics of the monkeys are a highlight.
The gardens,greenhouses,menagerie,play areas,refreshments and exhibits,are but a few of the delights that will WOW you in this 17th century Royal garden. Even the trees have a story to tell. The curtain-pruned plane trees,skirting the alleys,are a thrill- seeker's delight. An interesting footnote is..... that the gardens do not belong to the City of Paris. It is run by the French State. This garden has been a popular attraction for over 400 years and as such, has offered Parisians a popular outing attraction.. There is a beautiful art-deco-style winter garden to explore,as well.
Your nearest Metro stations are:Quai de Rapee,Jussieu,Censier-Daubenton and Gare d'Austerlitz.
ps... feeling peckish after your exertions .... head over for a cup of tea or lunch to La Mosquee, just at the back of the gardens. It's a Middle-Eastern restaurant with fantastic pastries,teas and tasty tagins. Its very popular and worth the visit.
Written October 24, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Jardin des Plantes (Paris) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Jardin des Plantes
Jardin des Plantes is open:
  • Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Jardin des Plantes tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 3 Jardin des Plantes tours on Tripadvisor
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