Orangery of Jardin Massey

The Orangery in Jardin Massey is a large greenhouse building designed to shelter tender plants from cold weather. Inside its main hall, it houses orange trees, lemon trees, pomegranate trees, palms, and flowering shrubs arranged on shelves and stands.

This greenhouse was built in the 19th century when Placide Massey, a former head gardener at the Palace of Versailles, established the garden. The structure was part of his vision to create a European-style ornamental garden in Tarbes.

The building reflects how 19th-century French gardeners displayed exotic plants and managed them through seasons. It shows the period's fascination with cultivating tender species that could not survive outdoors year-round.

The greenhouse can be visited during the garden's opening hours and provides shelter from rain or sun. Inside, the space is easy to navigate with clear pathways running through the plant displays.

The plants here follow a seasonal rotation where many species spend warmer months outdoors and return indoors when frost approaches. This centuries-old practice remains active today, offering a glimpse into how historical gardens managed their collections.