France’s largest municipal botanical garden awaits. The Jardin Botanique de Lyon is a living museum of plant life. It offers a tranquil escape in the heart of the city. Welcome to the Jardin Botanique.
Established in 1857, the Jardin Botanique succeeded earlier gardens from 1796. It is now home to about 15000 plants. These include 3500 temperate region plants and 760 shrub species. The garden also boasts a hundred wild rose species. Rose lovers will rejoice at the 750 historical rose varieties. Peonies also impress with 200 varieties. These are recognized by the Conservatoire Français des Collections Végétales Spécialisées. Alpine plants add to the diversity with 1800 species. Water lilies provide serene beauty with 50 varieties.
Venture into the greenhouses and discover 6000 species. These greenhouses cover 6500 square meters. The central pavilion showcases tropical plants and camellias over a century old. Imagine camellias blooming for over 100 years. A greenhouse-aquarium features Amazonian water lilies. Explore a Dutch greenhouse filled with carnivorous plants. Small greenhouses nurture orchids, azaleas, and cacti.
The Jardin Botanique de Lyon once stood on the slopes of Croix-Rousse. In 1857, it moved to Parc de la Tête d’Or. Workers carefully moved 4000 plants. They rebuilt the Orangerie stone by stone.
Explore the open-air garden. Discover the Botany School, arranged by plant family. Wander through the arboretum and fern collection. The historic rose garden presents 360 varieties. From April to October, enjoy the Mexican garden. The Alpine Garden opens from March to October displaying 1700 mountain species.
Marvel at the Collection Greenhouses. These were constructed in metal in 1880. The architect Domenget designed them. Before metal, wood could not withstand the humid conditions. The main greenhouse reaches 21 meters high. It is a glass and steel cathedral. Rebuilt in 2000, new paths guide visitors through plantings organized by continent.
Step into the Madagascar Greenhouse. It holds 200 plant species from Madagascar. Opposite the greenhouses stands a statue. It honors Bernard de Jussieu, an 18th-century botanist. He once worked in King Louis XV’s garden.
The Jardin Botanique also includes Lambert Farm. It features a herbarium with 200000 sections. Discover a collection of 15000 taxons. A seed store offers over 1000 taxons. A conservation laboratory protects rare plants. A library holds 6000 books and reviews.
The Jardin Botanique invests in environmental education. It hosts events, workshops, and exhibitions. These cater to all ages.
In winter, the glasshouses offer warmth and beauty. The Grande Serre divides into three sections. The central section stays above 18°C. It features plants from Africa, Australasia, and South America. A hotter section displays plants from French overseas territories. The third area showcases camellias.
Lyon was once a pioneer in rose research. It earned the name Rose Capital. From 1869 to 1914, Lyon created 60% of the world’s roses.
The Jardin Botanique de Lyon collaborates with plant producers. It trials new flowering plant varieties. If successful, these may be sold to the public.
The Jardin Botanique shares information with other gardens. Forty people work here. Twenty are gardeners. Others are scientists, guides, and administrators. They share their collections with the public.
As you leave the Jardin Botanique de Lyon, remember its beauty. It is a place of discovery, relaxation, and conviviality. A true gem within Lyon.