Jardin Exotique de Roscoff

The Jardin Exotique de Roscoff is a botanical garden sitting on a rocky outcrop and housing over 3,350 plant species from Australia, New Zealand, and South America. The site spans 1.6 hectares and displays a diverse collection of subtropical and exotic plants.

The Finistère department acquired the Roc'h Hievec site in 1986, after which plant specialists began building this botanical collection. Since then, the location has grown into a significant center for preserving these uncommon plants.

The garden houses a national collection of aeoniums and demonstrates how southern hemisphere plants thrive in Brittany's harsh coastal landscape. Visitors can see how the place has become home to flora that would normally grow only in warmer regions.

The garden is open daily with shorter hours from December to February and extended hours from July to August. Visitors should know that the rocky terrain offers uneven ground, so sturdy footwear is important.

The coastal position creates a special microclimate that allows southern hemisphere plants to grow, including Echium flowers that reach up to 4 meters tall. Visitors are often surprised to find such subtropical giants in this rough corner of northern Brittany.