Delving into the story of Rue des Plantes reveals a botanical haven. This Parisian street shares a name with the famous Jardin des Plantes. The Jardin des Plantes is Paris’s main botanical garden. King Louis XIII’s personal physician ordered its creation in the 17th century.
Originally, the garden served as the royal medicinal herb garden. Doctors and botanists used it to study herbs. They sought cures for the nobility’s ailments. The garden helped them understand the plants’ properties.
After the French Revolution, the garden opened to the public. It became part of the Natural History Museum. This museum now includes over a dozen sites in Paris.
The Jardin des Plantes spans 28 hectares. It sits next to the River Seine near the Left Bank. It is perfect for strolls or museum visits. The museums cover various aspects of evolution. You can explore dinosaur skeletons. Rare gems and meteorites are also on display. A zoo houses exotic animals.
One popular attraction is the Grande Galerie d’Evolution. It is in the Natural History Museum. This children’s museum features stuffed animals. They represent the African savanna, South America, and Antarctica. A giant blue whale hangs from the ceiling.
Another highlight is the menagerie. Established in 1794, it is the world’s second oldest zoo. Over 600 exotic animals live there. Many are endangered species born in the zoo. Visitors can see them in 19th-century buildings. Outdoor spaces and tranquil gardens enhance the experience. The Big Cat House and Reptile House are long-time favorites. The Monkey House is known for primate antics.
Don’t miss the rose garden. It is one of Paris’s most impressive. It features over 170 flower varieties from Europe. The Alpine Garden grows on a hillside. It features over 2000 plants. These plants come from Europe, North America, and the Indian subcontinent.
The Gallery of Paleontology displays fossils. They represent over 500 million years of history. Impressive dinosaur fossils are on display. The Gallery of Mineralogy holds giant crystals. Rare meteorites add to the collection.
The Jardin des Plantes has curiosities. The first Cedar of Lebanon still grows here. It was transplanted from London in 1734. An Acacia dates from 1647. A Japanese Pagoda tree comes from 1747.
Henri Rousseau visited the zoo often. It inspired his jungle paintings. During the Prussian Siege of Paris in 1870, zoo animals were slaughtered for food.
The Jardin des Plantes is an oasis. It hides within a bustling city. Each visit reveals something new. It reminds us to protect biodiversity. Our future depends on it. Rue des Plantes offers a path to this botanical world.