The Jardin des Plantes Paris
A Four-Season Symphony
Parisian parks are another classic example of the French paradox. Usually heart-achingly beautiful, they are also often fantastically impractical and over-regulated. Like many aspects of the city, they are there primarily to be looked at, and not somewhere that you can run around and enjoy yourself. So given this fact, why is the Jardin des Plantes still my favourite part of Paris? Probably because it truly is a Jardin with no intention of becoming a Parc, making it stand out from its Luxembourg and Tuileries sisters.
Living in a city it is sometimes easy to miss the passing of the seasons, but when I go to the Jardin des Plantes I can see, feel and smell whether it is spring or autumn. It is perhaps at its best in spring, but the recently reopened greenhouses also bring warmth on a winter day! Often I come here simply to breathe and charge my batteries, but for the more adventurous there is also the world's oldest zoo and a selection of museums related to nature and geology. There are also several refreshment kiosks and a more upmarket restaurant.
About this spot
Rue Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire
- Variable opening times, depending on the season
€
free
Find your way with 168 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Paris
Grand Palais Éphémère
A modular palace
The "Grand Palais Éphémère" in Paris is set to host the Grand Palais' events while the latter is being renovated. Who knows, it might even stick around!
by
Alix
Mengin
Tomo
A Japanese tea house
"Tomo" in Paris serve a variety of delicious Japanese pastries known as wagashi. Try them with the best-selling matcha and black sesame daifuku...
by
Alix
Mengin
Paris Jazz Corner
A corner of jazz history
Paris Jazz Corner is your place to go for getting hold of archive & rare music, as long as it's jazz. The knowledge of the associate owner is also mint...
by
Paul
Wright
Hotel Ekta
A place to rest... or not...
"Hotel Ekta" in Paris is a day-use hotel perfect for resting in between meetings, or spend some more intimate moments...
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
St. Genevieve Library
Amazing place to see
The "St. Genevieve Library" in Paris is a university library anyone older than 18 can access for free by getting a membership card. It's alive & active!
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
Doll House
Erotic accessories
"Doll House" in Paris is an atypical erotic shop. Specialized on very original lingerie, the ladies that run it since '05 are really helpful. Don't be shy!
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
Shakespeare and Company
Charming English bookshop
"Shakespeare and Company" is an English-language bookstore in Paris, right next to Notre Dame! I love coming here for an hour or so to take in its charm...
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
Au Metro
Best tartar steak in town
"Au Metro" in Paris is a French Basque restaurant I go to when I'm in need of carnivorous energy -- their steak tartare is truly the best in the city...
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
MOKUS Pizzeria
Pizza champion
"MOKUS Pizzeria" is not the cheapest pizza in Paris, but it can certainly be considered one of the best. I like it for the quality & the informal setting.
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
Le Bistrot de Longchamp
Portuguese restaurant
"Le Bistrot de Longchamp" in Paris has an amazing positive atmosphere. I recommend visiting this small Portuguese restaurant on Tuesdays & Fridays...
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
Venus sur Cour
Ancient erotic shop
"Venus sur Cour" in Paris is a special, hidden erotic shop that's unlike others. This one has actually a fascinating selection of antique sexual objects...
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
Les Mots à la Bouche
LGTB bookshop
"Les mots a la bouche" is an LBGT-themed bookshop in Paris. It's nice and quiet. I strongly recommend you drop by -- you will discover interesting things.
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
Heading to Paris?
168 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Paris?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 168 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Paris
Get to know our other Spotters from Paris
As featured on:
