A green heart in the City The Jardin des plantes (botanical garden)

In the 16th century, Montpellier became a “botanical capital”, a discipline taught at the Faculty of Medicine. The Royal Garden of Montpellier is the oldest in France.

Getting there

The oldest French garden

A bit of History

The Montpellier Botanical Garden, the oldest in France, was created in 1593 by Pierre Richer de Belleval, a young doctor, under the orders of Henri IV, in order to develop health through medicinal plants. Devastated in 1622 during the siege of Montpellier by the army of Louis XIII, it was restored in 1629. The greatest botanists succeeded one another at its direction.

In the 18th century, it was refurbished by F. Boissier de Sauvages. From the end of the century, it was open to walks by Montpellier residents.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries it experienced a period of rebirth and development. Property of the State, it is currently managed by the University of Montpellier I.

Did you know ?

In 2022, the Jardin des Plantes has been certified “Remarkable Garden” for a period of 5 years. This label distinguishes gardens and parks, whether public or private, if it offers cultural, aesthetic, historical or botanical interest.

A great place for a little walk

A green heart of the city

A true quiet and fresh place in the city center, the Garden is ideal for a walk for families or lovers!

During your strolls, you will discover a bamboo forest, orange trees, a hundred-year-old hackberry, a lotus pond sometimes populated by carp and frogs, a greenhouse housing many species of cacti, a garden of the senses with many aromatic plants…

Do not leave without having placed a wish in the wishing tree, the Phillaire. And yes, it is a magic tree that fulfills your wishes!