The Grandes Greenhouses at the Jardin des Plantes form a breathtaking glass cathedral, home to four immersive botanical ecosystems. Built between 1834 and 2010, this historic monument is managed by the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle.

The Art Deco entrance, created by René Berger in 1937, leads into the “Humid Tropical Forest Greenhouse.” Spanning 750 m², it's filled with lianas, banana plants, orchids, and ferns. A 15‑m artificial rock with a waterfall and cave crowns the greenhouse, creating a true sensory escape with tropical warmth and water sounds.

Next, the desert and arid habitats greenhouse showcases plants from the Americas, Africa, and Australia. From water‑storing cacti to mimetic “stone plants,” it vividly demonstrates survival strategies under extreme climate conditions.

The New Caledonia greenhouse highlights the unique biodiversity of the archipelago—76 % endemic species. Humid and dry forests, mangroves, maquis, and even a reconstructed mining ecosystem offer an immersive lesson in ecosystem fragility.

Finally, the History of Plants greenhouse retraces 430 million years of plant evolution. Visitors encounter mosses, ferns, conifers, horsetails, alongside fossils and modern counterparts, learning how flowers shaped Earth’s balance.

These stunning greenhouses trace their origins back to 1714 when a greenhouse was built to acclimate a gift‑of‑coffee plant to Louis XIV. The current structures were designed by Charles Rohault de Fleury (1834–36), followed by René Berger and Paul Chemetov’s restorations in the 1930s and 1990s. A major renovation between 2005 and 2010, costing €8 million, revitalized the site.

Today, these greenhouses serve not just as exotic plant displays, but also convey a strong message: plant biodiversity is vital to human life and must be protected. The site hosts exhibitions (“Tropical Autumn,” “A Thousand Orchids”), guided tours, and family workshops, offering thoughtful engagement year‑round.

The atmosphere is magical: gently falling water, tropical humidity, and lush greenery make for a deeply immersive visit. Ideal for families, botany lovers, urban nature enthusiasts, and tourists seeking an escape. Workshops for 3‑5 year olds are also available on selected Saturdays.

Practical info: Open daily except Tuesdays, from 10 am to 6 pm (last entry at 5 pm); closed on December 25 and January 1. Accessible by bus (24, 57, 61, 63, 67, 89, 91), metro/RER (Lines 5, 7, 10, RER C – Gare d’Austerlitz), boat shuttle, and train. Partially wheelchair accessible (external lift currently out of service). On‑site restrooms, educational signage, and multilingual staff.