Did you know? Discover France's oldest cedar of Lebanon in Paris and its unusual history.

Once upon a time, in 1734, in the magnificent Jardin des Plantes in Paris, there stood a cedar of Lebanon. Today, this majestic cedar has an extraordinary history. Introduced to France by the great botanist Bernard de Jussieu, it was not alone on its arrival, and the story of its first moments on French soil is most unusual.

• A cedar from England: Despite its name, this cedar did not come from Lebanon. Jealousy between nations prompted Bernard de Jussieu to cross the English Channel to obtain this specimen from England, where it had already been introduced in 1630. On his way home, the pot containing this precious tree broke, forcing Jussieu to improvise with his hat to protect it, an anecdote that is now part of legend.
  
• A duo separated by time: Originally, two cedars were brought from England as gifts from the Director of Kew Botanic Gardens. While one still stands at the Jardin des Plantes, the other, planted in Seine-et-Marne, was swept away by a storm in 1935. These two trees were the first cedars of Lebanon to take root in France.
  
• Cedar legends: Rumors abound about the true history of these trees. Some whisper that the seedlings were in Jussieu's hat throughout the journey, others that it was on his arrival in Paris that the pot broke. A shadow of mystery also hangs over the actual provenance of these trees, with some claiming they were stolen rather than gifted.
  
• The cedar through literature: A symbol of majesty and longevity, the cedar of Lebanon has inspired writers such as Alphonse de Lamartine, who evokes these mythical cedars in his Voyage en Orient in 1835. Unfortunately, deforestation was already threatening them in his day.

• To be read
• This week's top deals in Paris and Île-de-France, April 20–26, 2026.
• Free museums in Paris and free monuments in Île-de-France: the top cultural deals

In search of Paris's remarkable trees? Then head for the Jardin des Plantes labyrinth. This invitation to discovery offers a timeless escapade in a place steeped in history and mystery. The address? Jardin des Plantes, 57 rue Cuvier, Paris 5. Of course, you can also climb to the top of the labyrinth to discover the oldest metal structure in France: La Gloriette de Buffon.

Also worth a look:

Did you know? The Gloriette de Buffon is the oldest metal structure in Paris.
In the heart of Paris's 5th arrondissement, the Jardin des Plantes is home to the mysterious and historic Gloriette de Buffon, dating from 1786. Discover a hidden treasure. [Read more]

The Jardin Alpin at the Jardin des Plantes, a lovely hidden garden to discover
The Jardin des Plantes conceals a magnificent alpine garden. Located between the Grandes Serres and the Menagerie, this garden, which has no entrance doors, is accessible via a hidden underground passage. Here you can discover the rock gardens and wild mountain plants. It's a haven of peace to be (re)discovered all year round. [Read more]

The beautiful Jardin des Plantes rose garden unveils its beautiful colors
The Roseraie du Jardin des Plantes, located along the Galerie de Minéralogie, to the right of the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle or to the left if you're coming from the Seine, is a wonderful place to discover in spring and especially in June. With its 390 species of old and modern roses, it's a magnificent and free rose garden, in addition to the superb rosebushes that stand proudly in front of the Muséum. [Read more]

The Durfort Mammoth at the Paris Natural History Museum, restored!
(Re)discover at the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris, the newly restored "Mammouth de Durfort", an icon of paleontology on display since 1898. [Read more]

Tulips and poppies, extraordinary blooms for the 400th anniversary of the Jardin des Plantes
To mark its 400th anniversary in 2026, the Jardin des Plantes is unveiling two waves of extraordinary blooms along its Grand Perspective, pairing tulips, anemones, and poppies from spring into summer. Already in bloom, the parterres are stunning right now and deserve a quick visit. [Read more]

Discover the treasures of the Paris Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle - program
The Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle de Paris with its Jardin des Plantes is an emblematic institution of the capital, founded in 1793. Accessible all year round, this museum offers an insight into the world's rich natural heritage. From plants and magnets to fossils and experiments, immerse yourself in the fascinating world of nature. [Read more]

What to do with children at the Museum of Natural History Family activities and visits
The Museum d'Histoire Naturelle, one of Paris's leading cultural centers, has several locations around the city, with nature, biodiversity and the study of life sciences at the heart of the project. [Read more]

Visiting Paris with your family: six free game trails for fun walks with children
Visiting Paris is good, but with animations or devices to entertain the children, it is even better! The Paris Mômes team is now offering six new game trails to discover the capital's emblematic neighborhoods with your family! [Read more]

Arboretum of Vallée-aux-Loups, the stunning free park in Hauts-de-Seine renowned for its remarkable trees
In Châtenay-Malabry, in the Hauts-de-Seine department, the Vallée-aux-Loups Arboretum offers 12.5 hectares of picturesque natural scenery just a short 15-kilometer drive from Paris. Best of all, entry is completely free, making it a perfect year-round escape into nature. [Read more]

Discover the Versailles-Chèvreloup Arboretum and its Remarkable Garden
The Arboretum de Versailles-Chèvreloup awaits you all year round in its remarkable 200-hectare park! Come and stroll, picnic or play sport in complete freedom amidst 10,000 trees of over 2,500 different varieties. [Read more]