Jardin des Plantes tickets are one of the first things you should get your hands on if you’re heading to Paris. After you’ve ticked off busy sights like the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles, you’ll be craving a bit of nature.

This vast botanical garden is one of the finest in the world. There’s also a zoo and several natural history galleries in the grounds, so why not make a day of it?

You will find below everything you need to know about visiting the Jardin des Plantes, one of the most colorful theme parks in Paris.

What are the prices of Jardin des Plantes tickets?

There is no Jardin des Plantes entrance fee as the botanical gardens themselves are free to enter. However, you may wish to experience some of the other on-site attractions during your visit.

The Greenhouses

Adult (26+ years): €7
Child (3 – 25 years): €5

The Zoo

Adult (26+ years): €13
Child (3 – 25 years): €10

The Galleries

The most popular Jardin des Plantes tickets are for the galleries, with their natural history collections and scientific exhibitions.

Gallery of Paleontology and Comparative Anatomy

Adult (26+ years): €10
Youth (under 26): Free

Geology and Mineral Gallery

Adult (26+ years): €7
Youth (under 26): Free

Children’s Gallery and Great Gallery of Evolution

Adult (26+ years): €13
Child (3 – 25 years): €10

Entry to all the attractions in Jardin des Plantes is free for the following visitors:

Persons with disabilities (plus a carer)
Children under 3 years
European Union residents aged 26 years and under

Who is eligible for discounts?

The Jardin des Plantes tickets price for gallery and zoo entry is waived for persons with disabilities and an accompanying carer. European Union residents aged under 26 years are also entitled to free entry. Children under 3 enter for free.

Is it possible to visit the Jardin des Plantes for free?

Yes! You can explore the Jardin des Plantes for free if you just want a stroll around the gardens. The individual attractions in the grounds have their own entry costs.

Should you book Jardin des Plantes tickets in advance?

Absolutely! Buying a Jardin des Plantes ticket for the zoo or galleries ahead of your visit is always a good idea. It means you can compare prices online for the cheapest deals.

Reserving ahead also ensures tickets aren’t sold out on your chosen date – this is a popular place with families!

What are the highlights at the Jardin des Plantes?

The Gardens

The Jardin des Plantes was created in 1635 during the reign of King Louis XIII. For centuries, doctors used the plants and herbs for medicinal purposes, right up until after the French Revolution. Since then, the park has been a botanical garden and is home to several galleries, a rainforest greenhouse and a zoo.

The gardens are designed in the traditional French style, with lots of symmetry and harmony leading the eye. There’s plenty of open space so you can appreciate the scale of the site and take some enviable photos.

The Zoo

The Ménagerie is in an extensive woodland area within the Jardin des Plantes. Tickets can be purchased online and give you access to the whole wildlife park. Footpaths lead you past the enclosures, where you’ll encounter around 600 different animals.

At this Paris theme park there are species here from all corners of the globe, from snow leopards and tree-kangaroos to flamingos and even orangutans.

The Galleries

The Gardens are home to some of the city’s finest galleries. Families will love exploring the Gallery of Evolution and the Palaeontology Collection, while geologists can admire the exhibits in the Mineralogy Gallery.

These museums each have a separate entrance fee so you can pick and choose which ones you would like to visit.

How to get to the Jardin des Plantes?

You’ll find the Jardin des Plantes in the fifth arrondissement on the edge of the Latin Quarter.

The gardens are easy to reach on public transport. If you are traveling by metro, take lines 5 or 10 to the Gare d’Austerlitz. For bus travel, routes 24, 57, 61 and 67 all stop nearby.

What is the best time to visit the Jardin des Plantes?

You can enjoy a Jardin des Plantes visit all year round – the grounds are at their best during spring and summer. Different sections of Jardin des Plantes are open at different times, so it's best to check beforehand.

It’s a popular place, so if you prefer a less crowded experience, come early in the morning or later in the evening. Weekdays are quieter too.

Which other theme parks are there in Paris?

Know before you go

Jardin des Plantes entry is free but if you want to visit the galleries or the zoo, it’s best to purchase tickets in advance.
Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a fair amount of walking.
There is a restaurant on site for lunch, as well as fast food stands for al fresco dining. You are welcome to take your own picnic to enjoy on the lawns.
Lockers are available in the galleries as large bags are not permitted inside the exhibitions. You will need a €1 coin for access but this is refundable.

Jardin des Plantes: Tickets