Jardin de l'État
Réunion
Jardin de l'État, formerly known as Jardin du Roy, is a historic botanical garden located in the capital city of Saint-Denis on the island of Réunion. Established between 1767 and 1773, the garden was originally developed by Pierre Poivre who introduced a variety of exotic trees and spices from outside the island. It hosts a natural history museum opened in August 1855, adding cultural and scientific value to the site. The garden flourished in the early 19th century under renowned botanists such as Joseph Hubert, Nicolas Bréon, and Jean-Michel-Claude Richard, housing over 2,000 plant species at its peak. It played a key role in colonial agricultural improvement by distributing thousands of plants to local inhabitants in 1825. Today, the garden features a rich collection of about fifty tree species including African baobab, Cook pine, jackfruit, and coconut palm, alongside iconic elements like a bust of Pierre Poivre and a Wallace fountain. Its main entrance opens onto the historic Rue de Paris, making it a central green oasis in the city. The garden was designated a historic monument by the French government in 1978, preserving its legacy as an important botanical and cultural site.
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Tip: The best time to visit Jardin de l'État is during the cooler, drier months to enjoy comfortable walks among its diverse flora. Visitors are encouraged to check opening hours in advance and consider purchasing tickets for the natural history museum ahead of time to avoid queues. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or groups. The garden’s central location in Saint-Denis makes it easily accessible by public transport or on foot.
Interesting facts
- •The garden once housed over 2,000 plant species and distributed 7,000 plants to locals in 1825 to boost colonial agriculture.
- •It contains around fifty species of notable trees, including the African baobab and the Cook pine.
- •The natural history museum within the garden opened in August 1855 and remains a key attraction.
- •A bust of Pierre Poivre and a Wallace fountain are prominent features within the garden.
- •The garden was considered one of the most important botanical gardens in the southern hemisphere during the 19th century.
History
The garden was created between 1767 and 1773, initially known as Jardin du Roy in 1816 before adopting its current name.
Pierre Poivre, the intendant of the French Indian Ocean islands, played a major role in introducing exotic plants to the garden.
In the early 19th century, botanists like Nicolas Bréon and Jean-Michel-Claude Richard expanded its collection, making it one of the most significant botanical gardens in the southern hemisphere.
The garden was transferred to a society of acclimatization in 1865 and later contributed to agricultural advancements such as the introduction of quinine-producing trees.
It was officially classified as a historic monument in 1978.
Place Guide
Natural History Museum of Réunion1855
Opened in August 1855, this museum within the garden offers exhibits on the island's unique biodiversity, geology, and cultural history, complementing the botanical collections.
Main Entrance and Historic Rue de Paris
The garden’s main entrance faces the historic Rue de Paris, featuring two small stone arches and a bust of General François Gédéon Bailly de Monthion, adding historical context to the visit.
Bust of Pierre Poivre
A commemorative bust honoring Pierre Poivre, the intendant who introduced many exotic plants to Réunion and was instrumental in the garden’s early development.
Wallace Fountain
An ornamental fountain located within the garden, symbolizing the French heritage and offering a picturesque spot for visitors.
Contact
Phone: 0262 30 02 19
