Do you find everyday life in Paris a little dull? At the first ray of sunshine, (re)discover the many exotic acres of the Jardin des Serres d'Auteuil, in the 16th arrondissement. This is surely the capital's most exotic green space, with hundreds of plants from tropical regions transporting us to another climate. Laid out in 1898 by architect Jean-Camille Formigé, the garden preserves botanical collections of great diversity and recreates ecosystems from every continent, free of charge.
There are several possible entrances, from Porte d'Auteuil or Roland-Garros, but we advise you to enter via the beautiful main gate or the Square des Poètes, for a direct and exceptional glimpse of the immense garden and greenhouse. In spring, you'll be able to admire the large-flowered magnolia and the magnificent cherry tree. You then descend the stone steps, which give the place a charming feel of a royal estate. Opposite, a French garden, beautifully decorated with flowers, small wrought-iron greenhouses to one side and the large palmarium opposite, home to the most beautiful specimens, the real jewel of the site.
With over fifteen thousand species and varieties of cultivated plants, the Paris Botanical Garden carries out its missions of conservation, study, exchange and education at 4 prestigious sites: the Serres d'Auteuil garden and its tropical landscapes, the Parc de Bagatelle and its internationally renowned rose garden, the Parc Floral and its regional flora, and theArboretum and its trees from temperate regions around the world. Trees from all over the world grace us with their presence, including the 40-ecus tree, discovered in China and considered sacred.
In the palmarium, under a 16-metre-high rounded dome bathed in light, you'll find ficus, banana trees, giant palms and other subtropical plants, as well as a few parakeets, but unfortunately not in the wild. A veritable jungle, where you're advised to take off your coat before entering: after all, it's 25 degrees and 80% humid! Created at the height of the winter garden craze, this was the last large greenhouse to be built in France in the 19th century.
The remaining metal structures house ferns, plants from the Sahel or New Caledonia, begonias, orchids and cacti. Each greenhouse is home to a variety of plants, almost allowing you to recreate loitering landscapes, such as an arid desert or a field of flowers! Don't miss the stunning Japanese garden on the northwest side of the park, with a magnificent stone lantern, bamboo and colorful shrubs.
The garden is dotted with a number of heritage features, which you'll find all over the place if you keep your eyes peeled. We start with the beautiful enamelled cast-iron basins from the workshops of the Manufacture nationale de Sèvres, which borrow their blue motif from the Rouen faiences. Some are even embossed with the coat of arms of Paris, with its motto Fluctuat nec mergitur.
In front of the large greenhouse, admire the fountain depicting the "Triumph of Bacchus", by Aimé Jules Dalou, which stands out for its imposing size. Numerous mascarons fromAuguste Rodin 's studio are also displayed here to ward off evil spirits and protect the garden's treasures. It's a real pleasure to sunbathe on one of the many benches amidst these architectural elements and so much greenery.
What's more, since the Roland-Garros expansion in 2019, the Simonne-Matthieu tennis court is right in the garden! It's even hidden around several contemporary greenhouses, for a very unusual visit, amidst the biotopes of each continent. A greenhouse for South-East Asia, one for Australia, one for South America and one for Africa. Since 1998, part of the Garden has been listed as a Historic Monument. Ready for a world tour?
Location
Jardin des serres d'Auteuil
1 place de la Porte d'Auteuil
75116 Paris 16
Prices
Free
