In the heart of the city of Nantes, the Jardin des Plantes de Nantes is a breath of fresh air highly appreciated not only by its inhabitants, but also by the tourists representing half of the visitors. Its seventeen acres of greenery represent a haven of peace in one of the most dynamic urban areas of France. Since its 19th-century creation, the park has become a reference in terms of maintenance, preservation of biodiversity and conservation of plant species.

The first alleys of the botanical gardens were drawn up at the onset the “century of revolutions”, in 1807, at a time when Napoleon reigned as Emperor. That said, only in 1865, after many years of sustained effort by Hectot, Noisette et Ecorchard, was it inaugurated in its present-day form.  Airy and romantic, the English-style park has always accorded appreciable space to tall trees and large lawns, while nature, domesticated but by no means eliminated, is on full display with magnificent flower beds. In fact, the botanical gardens are flexibly designed, with numerous cascades and water bodies as well as abundant floral decoration, keeping alive a tradition of mosaiculture.

Among the many trees in the park, the  “Hectot” magnolia, a 200-year-old grandiflora, is a not-to-be-missed treasure to discover at daybreak. The botanical gardens also host an exceptional, nationally recognized collection of camelias.

Each and every year, no less than two million visitors wend their way among the alleys of Nantes’ “green lung”, stretch out on the benches and take possession of patches of lawn for an hour or a day.  They can admire 10000 living species and more than 50000 flowers – the vegetal wealth and beauty of the park. In a lush green world,  greenhouses occupy over 800 square meters. They are valuable not only in terms of their age (some were built in the 19th century), but also due to their practicality; some of them contain rare and rich collections – of cacti, in particular.  During the summer, it becomes possible to further explore the universe of the landscape, the flowers and the plants by participating in the free tours conducted by a passionately dedicated gardener/botanist eager to transmit his encyclopedic knowledge. For children, a track game has been drawn up, helping them to learn while having fun. Whatever your age, you are afforded an opportunity to take a break from the tumults of the town, and/or to discover the dreamlike furnishings and the play area of Claude Ponti, not to mention the concerts, exhibits and special events programmed throughout the year.

Photo gallery of Jardin des Plantes of Nantes : The Botanical Gardens

Visits

  • Free individual visits
  • Guided individual tours
  • Average duration of the individual visit : 30h
  • Groups welcome from 15 people up to 25 people
  • Free group tours
  • Guided group tours
  • Guided group tours on request
  • Group educational visits
  • Average duration of the group visit : 1h30
  • Point of interest visible without visit
  • Pets are accepted
  • Available languages
    • Parlées : French, English
    • Panneaux : French

Activities

  • Specific themed events
  • Temporary exhibitions

Opening time

From October 08, 2022 to March 19, 2023
Monday01 PM - 05 PM
Tuesday01 PM - 05 PM
Wenesday01 PM - 05 PM
Thursday01 PM - 05 PM
Friday01 PM - 05 PM
Saturday01 PM - 05 PM
Sunday01 PM - 05 PM
From March 20 to October 07, 2023
Monday10:30 AM - 12 PM and 01:30 PM - 06 PM
Tuesday10:30 AM - 12 PM and 01:30 PM - 06 PM
Wenesday10:30 AM - 12 PM and 01:30 PM - 06 PM
Thursday10:30 AM - 12 PM and 01:30 PM - 06 PM
Friday10:30 AM - 12 PM and 01:30 PM - 06 PM
Saturday10:30 AM - 12 PM and 01:30 PM - 06 PM
Sunday10:30 AM - 12 PM and 01:30 PM - 06 PM

Prices

  • Free admission
  • Free of charge 5 visites commentées gratuites par semaine, 2 les mercredis et 3 les dimanches. des serres et du jardin.
    Sur réservation. Contacter l'accueil pour inscriptions

    Group price Offres de visites groupe toute l'année. se renseigner auprès de l'accueil du jardin des Plantes

    Further information

    Labels

    • Jardin remarquable
      Jardin remarquable
    • Ville et village fleuris
      Ville et village fleuris

    Payment method

    • Cheques and postal orders

    Access

    • SNCF train station at 0,3 km

    Services and equipments

    • Shop
    • Games area
    • Picnic area
    • Bar cafeteria tea room
    • Restaurant