Jardin Botanique De Tours

Gardens in Tours (Loire)

CC BY-SA 3.0 / GrandCelinien

The Jardin Botanique de Tours was established in 1838 on the site of the former Cistercian abbey of Marmoutier, making it one of France’s oldest municipal botanical gardens. Designed initially by the botanist Alfred Fournier, the layout combines formal 19th-century parterres with winding paths that lead visitors through successive “rooms” of plantings. You’ll still see remnants of the original historic plan in the geometric flowerbeds flanking the central axis, while mature plane and chestnut trees create a shady canopy overhead.

Today the garden spans just over three hectares and is divided into themed sections showcasing regional flora, exotic specimens, and medicinal plants. In the systematic beds, plants are grouped by botanical family, offering a living taxonomy that delights both amateur gardeners and specialists. Nearby, the rose garden bursts into a riot of colour each June, featuring heritage varieties alongside modern hybrids, and a fragrance corner invites you to pause and scent rare aromatic species cultivated for their oils and essences.

A highlight of the Jardin Botanique is its collection of tropical and subtropical plants housed in two historic greenhouses dating from the late 19th century. The larger Palmarium soars with towering date palms, cycads and banana trees, while the adjacent greenhouse shelters orchids, ferns and carnivorous plants in a humid, jungle-like atmosphere. These glasshouses underwent a major restoration in 2011, and today they’re as educational as they are enchanting—interpretive panels explain the life cycles and conservation status of many rare specimens.

Beyond its botanical treasures, the garden serves as a centre for conservation and education. Seasonal workshops—from pruning demonstrations to herbal remedy tutorials—are offered to both adults and children, and guided tours introduce visitors to plant identification and ecological issues facing the Loire Valley. Benches placed beside the lily pond and along the Allée des Érables make the garden an oasis of calm in the city centre, perfect for a reflective stroll or a restful picnic under the dappled shade.

The Jardin Botanique De Tours appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Tours (Loire)!

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