In the heart of the city of NantesThe Jardin des Plantes is a a place to live and breathe, much appreciated by the inhabitants but also tourists, who make up half of the walkers. seven hectares of greenery They constitute a true haven of peace in one of the most dynamic urban areas in France. Since its created in the 19th centuryThis park has gradually established itself as a benchmark in terms of maintenance, preservation of biodiversity and conservation of plant species.
The Jardin des Plantes sees its first avenues laid out at the dawn of the Age of Revolutions, in 1807, even while Napoleon was still Emperor. Yet, he is not inaugurated in its current form only in 1865, after years of effort by Hectot, Noisette, and Ecorchard. The English-style park, airy and romantic, gives ample space to tall trees and vast lawns, while nature, tamed but not extinguished, accommodates beautiful flowerbeds. The Jardin des Plantes thus presents a gently sculpted landscape with numerous waterfalls and bodies of water as well as a abundant floral decoration, now the tradition of mosaic culture.
Among the trees in the park, the Magnolia d'Hectot, 200-year-old grandiflora, is a must-see to discover as soon as the first rays of sunshine appear. The Jardin des Plantes also houses a Exceptional collection of Camellias Nationally recognized. Every year, no fewer than two million visitors wander through the paths of this green lung of Nantes, settling onto the benches and taking over the patches of grass for a day. They can then admire the some 10,000 living species and more than 50,000 flowers which form the rich and beautiful vegetation of the park. In this verdant world, the greenhouses occupy more than 800 square meters of spaceThey are precious not only for their age—they were also built in the 19th century—but also for their usefulness, housing rich and sometimes rare collections, particularly of cacti. In the warmer months, visitors can discover more about the world of landscapes, flowers, and plants by taking advantage of free guided tours led by a passionate botanical gardener, happy to share his knowledge. For younger visitors, a treasure hunt has been designed for learning while having fun. Everyone can find respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, or discover the whimsical furnishings and the...Claude Ponti's playground, or take advantage of the events, concerts and exhibitions offered throughout the year.
- Continue your exploration of the Loire Valley with the circuit Discovering the castles and heritage wonders between Loire-Atlantique, Vendée and Anjou dans lequel s’inscrit le jardin des Plantes de Nantes.
