Jardin des Plantes de Montpellier
Occitanie
The Jardin des Plantes de Montpellier, established in 1593 by Pierre Richer de Belleval under King Henri IV's patronage, is the oldest botanical garden in France. Spanning approximately 4.5 hectares, it serves as a historic, scientific, and educational site maintained by the University of Montpellier. Inspired by the Orto botanico di Padova, it influenced the design of the Paris botanical garden. The garden features diverse sections including the Montagne de Richer with its Cistaceae collection, a systematic garden organized by the Bentham & Hooker classification, and a medicinal plants section with about 250 traditional Mediterranean species. Its arboretum contains mature specimens like the notable male Ginkgo biloba planted in the late 18th century. Architecturally significant structures include the orangery designed by Claude-Mathieu Delagardette and the monumental Martins greenhouse dating from 1860. The garden is a living museum with roughly 2,680 plant species, including 500 Mediterranean natives, cultivated both outdoors and under glass. Recognized as a remarkable garden and protected as a historic monument, it attracts botanists, students, and visitors passionate about nature and plant diversity.
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Tip: Visit from Tuesday to Sunday; in summer, it is open from noon to 8 PM, and in winter until 6 PM. Admission is free, but booking guided tours or special event tickets in advance is recommended during busy periods. The garden is accessible by tram lines 1 and 4, with nearby bike-sharing stations. Accessibility accommodations are available upon request. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer pleasant light and fewer crowds.
Interesting facts
- •It is the oldest botanical garden in France, predating the Paris jardin des plantes by over 30 years.
- •The garden inspired the creation of the Paris botanical garden in 1626.
- •Its male Ginkgo biloba tree, planted in the late 18th century, is one of the oldest specimens in Europe.
- •The garden contains about 2,680 plant species, with 500 native to the Mediterranean region.
- •The orangery was designed by Claude-Mathieu Delagardette and completed in 1804.
- •The monumental Martins greenhouse was opened in 1860 and remains a key feature of the garden.
History
Founded in 1593 by letters patent from King Henri IV, the garden was created to cultivate medicinal plants for medical education, rapidly expanding to a broader botanical collection.
It suffered destruction during the religious wars, notably in 1622, requiring restoration and replanting.
The 19th century saw significant expansions, including the construction of the orangery and the Martins greenhouse.
The garden was classified as a protected site in 1984 and as a historic monument in 1992.
Recent restoration efforts have focused on preserving its historic structures and botanical heritage, including the reopening of the south portal in 2025.
Place Guide
Montagne de Richer1593
The oldest section of the garden featuring a specialized collection of Cistaceae plants, representing a variety of species within this family.
Systematic Garden1883-1887
Organized according to the Bentham & Hooker classification system established in 1883, complemented by Elias Durand's work in 1887, this garden displays plants grouped systematically for scientific study.
Medicinal Plants SectionSince 1593
Contains about 250 species of traditional Mediterranean medicinal plants and herbs, historically used for medical teaching and research.
Orangery and Cold Greenhouse1804
Built in the early 19th century, designed by Claude-Mathieu Delagardette, housing approximately 110 plant species requiring controlled climates.
Martins Greenhouse1860
A monumental greenhouse constructed in 1860 under director Charles Frédéric Martins, featuring three rooms including tropical and temperate plant collections with aquatic plants, ferns, bromeliads, and orchids.
ArboretumLate 18th century to 19th century
Features mature tree specimens including Acer neapolitanum, Celtis sinensis, Cinnamomum camphora, and a historically significant male Ginkgo biloba planted in the late 18th century.
Contact
Phone: 04 34 43 36 20
