Jardin des plantes de Montpellier, Historic botanical garden in Montpellier, France
The Jardin des plantes is a botanical garden in Montpellier spanning roughly five hectares with over 2,680 plant species on display. The grounds are organized into specialized sections, including Mediterranean varieties and systematically arranged collections that showcase plant diversity.
The garden was established in 1593 by Pierre Richer de Belleval on orders from King Henri IV, making it France's first botanical garden. This founding marked the beginning of a new approach to collecting and studying plants scientifically in the country.
The garden grew closely tied to the Medical Faculty, where students learned to identify healing plants through direct observation. This educational role shaped how the space is organized and used, with planted areas still reflecting these teaching methods.
The garden is free to visit and invites leisurely walks through its different planted areas. Opening times shift between seasons, with later starts in summer and earlier in winter, so checking ahead helps plan your visit.
A Ginkgo biloba tree has grown here since the late 1700s and remains one of the oldest of its kind in the region. The Montagne de Richer, an artificial hill in the oldest section, shows how gardeners of that era recreated natural landscapes.
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