Montpellier Botanical Garden

Montpellier, France

The Jardin des plantes de Montpellier (4.5 hectares) is a historic botanical garden and arboretum maintained by the Montpellier University.

The garden was established in 1593 by letters patent from King Henri IV, under the leadership of Pierre Richer de Belleval, professor of botany and anatomy. It is France's oldest botanical garden, inspired by the Orto botanico di Padova (1545) and in turn serving as model for the Jardin des Plantes de Paris (1626).

The Montagne de Richer lies within the garden's oldest section, which also now contains a systematic garden. The garden was expanded twice in the 19th century. Its orangery was designed by Claude-Mathieu Delagardette (1762–1805) and completed in 1804, the arboretum was landscaped in 1810, and the English Garden, with pool and greenhouse, dates from 1859. The monumental Martins greenhouse opened in 1860.

Today the garden contains about 2,680 plant species, including 500 native to the Mediterranean region. Of these roughly 2,000 species are grown outdoors, and 1,000 under glass.

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    Address

    Boulevard Henri IV 6-12, Montpellier, France
    See all sites in Montpellier

    Details

    Founded: 1593
    Category:

    More Information

    www.umontpellier.fr
    en.wikipedia.org

    Rating

    4.3/5 (based on Google user reviews)

    Interesting Sites Nearby


    Musée Fabre (0,7 km)
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    Arena of Nîmes (46,3 km)
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    Jardins de la Fontaine (45,9 km)
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    Museum of Old Nîmes (46,5 km)
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    Roman Bridge (25,6 km)
    Tour Magne (46,1 km)

    User Reviews

    Rebecca E. (19 months ago)
    Gorgeous place to wander, sit in the sun, or enjoy a picnic (respectfully). A couple of cute cats slinking around the place which adds to the charm. A nice spot to take someone for a surprise. It's one of the lovely free things you can do in the city.
    Mackie McIntosh (21 months ago)
    I love this place! It is a must visit if you spend any appreciable amount of time in Montpellier. Even in winter the grounds are beautiful and well kept. There is a nice greenhouse in addition to numerous winding paths and bridges. I look forward to returning in the spring when everything is in full bloom.
    Bunghez Daniela (21 months ago)
    Amazing location, I was there in December and it was just beautiful. Unfortunately there are people who do not value nature and its preservation, so per example the bamboo forests were damaged (scratches on the sticks). I think places like this have to fine those who harm their plants.
    Amar Shah (2 years ago)
    Beautiful botanical garden attached to a medical school, well maintained with superb water features. Great please to capture your thoughts with the aromatic fragrances of the plant varieties. Multiple paths always leaving you with something new to explore.
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