Jardin des plantes, Public park near city center in Le Mans, France.
The Jardin des Plantes is a public park in Le Mans divided into two distinct garden styles spanning several hectares. One section features a formal French garden with rose beds, while the other section offers an English-style garden with winding paths and a pond.
The garden was established between 1867 and 1870 by the Sarthe Horticultural Society as a new public space. It became municipal property in 1881 and gained protected heritage status in 1945.
A 19th-century bandstand in the garden hosts free summer concerts for visitors. Sculptures by local artists Louis Derbré and Suzanne Jean are scattered throughout the pathways and add artistic touches to the grounds.
The garden can be entered from several streets and welcomes visitors throughout the day. The pathways are generally easy to navigate, and there is plenty of space for walking and exploring at a relaxed pace.
An underground passage called Ragot Pass runs beneath the grounds and is decorated with rockwork details. This hidden connection creates a striking transition between the formal and natural sections of the garden.
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