Jardin des Paradis, botanical garden in France
The Jardin des Paradis is a botanical garden situated on the original fortified terraces of the old town, featuring distinct themed sections that evolve yearly. It includes an exotic banana grove, a pomegranate garden, vegetable plots with herbs and forgotten plant varieties, an orchard with unusual fruits, ponds with lotus flowers, a Persian pavilion, and rotating art installations throughout the grounds.
The garden opened to visitors in 1998, designed by landscape architects Eric Ossart and Arnaud Maurières on land that once served as part of the city's fortifications. Ownership and creative direction changed over time, with different teams adding their vision through new themes and art projects to keep the space lively and evolving.
The garden blends eastern and medieval traditions with contemporary art, creating spaces that feel both timeless and fresh. Each zone from the exotic banana grove to the pomegranate garden reflects different cultural influences and shows how plants and art work together in daily use.
The garden is open from May through September with hours that change slightly by season, welcoming visitors for self-guided walks or organized tours lasting about an hour and a half. On-site facilities include a small shop, nursery, cafe area with seating, children's play space, and educational signage about plants and garden design.
The garden rotates art installations yearly, with sculptures exploring themes like floating worlds and underwater imagery that shift and change what visitors see. These artworks are purposefully woven into the planting areas, making each visit different from the last and keeping the space fresh over many years.
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