Giardino Botanico Alpino Saussurea

Giardino Botanico Alpino Saussurea is a research facility at over 2,100 meters elevation near Courmayeur displaying roughly 900 plant species from mountain regions worldwide. The plants grow within natural rock formations and constructed stone gardens organized by their geographical origin.

The site was established in 1987 as a project to document and protect the alpine flora of the region. The name honors both a rare mountain plant and the Swiss researcher whose work in the late 1700s shaped scientific exploration of the Alps.

The garden is named after an alpine plant species, Saussurea alpina, honoring Swiss naturalist Horace Benedict de Saussure. It serves as a working space where scientists and visitors alike witness how mountain plants are studied and protected in their own environment.

The site is reached via the Skyway Monte Bianco cable car to Pavillon station, operating from late June through September. Visiting on clear days works best since you get the fullest view of the plants and surrounding mountains.

The garden is split into two strikingly different areas: one with constructed stone gardens for cultivated species and another with natural alpine meadows where plants grow spontaneously. This layout reveals the contrast between scientific collections and wild mountain nature.

Location: Courmayeur

Inception: 1984

Official opening: 1984

Website: http://saussurea.net

GPS coordinates: 45.82992,6.94955

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:20