Paris: Jardin des Plantes

Well yes it's just opposite Austerlitz and in front of the Natural History Museum, i believe that's the name. Though diminuitive, it's the quintessential formal French-style garden - yes a botanical gardens - i think one of the rare gardens or parks with "Pelouse Interdit" signs still on it - means going onto the grass is strictly Verboten - not long ago special park cops - speaking of French parks in general - roamed parks and garden whistling down grass miscreants - but anyway that's the type of gardens this is - free - and the ubiquitous garden kiosk cafe-pub. I pass by it often - it doesn't look like much but maybe to a horticulturalist could be mildy intriguing is my take. But i'm not an expert on such things so hopefully some more erudite response will be forthcoming - but i think this garden is rather off the radar of most tourists.

Jardin des Plantes is a small, lovely garden, though it is not at all in the category of other huge, well-maintained gardens in Europe. It seems to be used by families, and to me is charming, as as PalQ says, the quintessential garden. If you are looking for a great garden in Paris, go to the Bagatelle in the Bois de Balogne. It is somewhat hard to find, so do a little research for directions. Sorry I can't remember. We have been there several times, and it has always been spectacular. When will you be there? We have always gone in the spring. It is at its peak in May and June with roses, clematis, iris, etc. There is an admission fee, but it is minimal. The rose garden is as nice as the one in Portland, Oregon. PJK

And the Serres de Auteuil (sp?) is a botanical extravaganza par excellent - serres mean hothouses - on edge of central Paris and highly acclaimed.
Also Parc de Sceaux is acclaimed gardens - i believe also with a Portlandesque Rose Garden. On RER C line well out of town.

I like Jardin des Plantes. It has a great alpine plant collection, and a good collection of roses. It has a great allee that is just pleasant to sit under or walk under. Also, some great speciman trees (many of North American origin). It is much more of a park for people who are really into plants and not necessarily gardens (does that make sense?). Last time I was there (June) I was disappointed because it was SO hot and I was dying of thirst so I didn't look around too much.

I don't like the museums on the grounds much (kind of creepy) but the bathrooms are OK.

I spent a year in France quite near to Jardin des Plantes. It is a wonderful place for picnic or a read in the shade, but not much to see as a garden itself.

Hi USNR,

Last trip we took my mother and sister on the Batobus, got off at the stop near the Jardin.

It was a very pleasant 0:45 hr stroll on the way to other sights in the Latin Quarter.

I love this garden for the Alpine section. I have some pics at Webshots and 4 of them are from Jardin des Plantes this past October. We have been there twice and have skipped the zoo both times, but I promised myself I will see it next time!
http://community.webshots.com/user/almoon11

DH and I spent a wonderful day in Jardin des Plantes in May 2004. The alpine collection is lovely. There is a tremendous Cedar of Lebanon and a maze where in the center is a very nice place to kiss (in the gazebo). We say a beautiful array of orange and yellow poppies and early roses. There is also a zoo on the premises. The greenhouses were very nice as well. We were staying by the Louvre and took the batobus.

Is the Serres de Auteil the gardens next to the Roland Garros tennis complex?

http://www.mnhn.fr/museum/foffice/transverse/transverse/accueil.xsp?cl=en

There are 'maps' of each of the gardens within Jardin des Plantes...