Botanical Garden in Rouen - Free Entry Guide

The Jardin des Plantes de Rouen is a magnificent 10-hectare botanical garden founded in 1691 by Louis de Carel, making it one of France's oldest public gardens. The garden houses over 5,600 plant species from all five continents, including three nationally-recognized collections: Norman roses, fuchsias (with 991 varieties), and a historic fruit orchard conservatory. The 1837-1842 central greenhouse, listed as a Historic Monument since 1975, showcases Mediterranean and carnivorous plants, while recently renovated tropical greenhouses display orchids and exotic species. Visitors can explore the 1,300 m² rock garden with rare alpine plants, a dedicated pollinator garden with beehives, and aviaries housing parakeets and golden pheasants. The original 1691 double pavilion still stands as a testament to the garden's rich history. Entry is free year-round, with seasonal hours varying from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM in winter up to 8:15 PM in summer. Free guided tours are offered on the first Wednesday of each month.

Interesting Facts

The garden witnessed two remarkable aviation firsts in the early 19th century: in 1806, Sophie Blanchard became one of the first women to make a solo hot air balloon ascent from here, and in 1817, Élisa Garnerin performed a daring parachute jump from a balloon over the gardens - both feats that drew enormous crowds and made headlines across France.

The famous Scottish economist John Law, architect of the notorious Mississippi Bubble financial scheme that nearly bankrupted France in 1720, owned this very garden in 1719. After his financial empire collapsed, he fled France, but the garden survived to become one of the city's most beloved public spaces.

The garden's fuchsia collection is one of the most comprehensive in the world, featuring 991 varieties including 65 botanical species out of approximately 100 that exist worldwide. This nationally-certified collection requires elaborate winter protection, with plants moved into special tunnels each year to survive the Norman climate.

The original 1691 double pavilion, built by founder Louis de Carel, has survived over 330 years of history including the French Revolution, multiple wars, and urban development. This remarkable structure still stands today and hosts temporary exhibitions, making it one of the oldest surviving garden buildings in Normandy.