Jardin des Plantes

The Jardin des Plantes is the main botanical garden in France. It is situated in the 5ème arrondissement, Paris, on the left bank of the river Seine. It covers 28 hectares (280,000 m²).

History

The garden was originally planted by Guy de La Brosse, Louis XIII's physician, in 1626 as a medicinal herb garden. It was originally known as the Jardin du Roi. In 1650 it opened to the public.

Related Topics:
Louis XIII - 1626 - 1650

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

After a period of decline Colbert took administrative control of the gardens. Dr Guy Crescent Fagon was appointed in 1693, and he surrounded himself with a team of brilliant botanists, including Joseph Pitton de Tournefort, Antoine de Jussieu, Antoine Laurent de Jussieu and his son Adrien-Henri.

Related Topics:
Colbert - Guy Crescent Fagon - Joseph Pitton de Tournefort - Antoine de Jussieu - Antoine Laurent de Jussieu - Adrien-Henri

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Comte de Buffon became the curator in 1739 and he expanded the gardens greatly, adding a maze, the Labyrinth, which remains today. In 1792 the Royal Menagerie was moved to the gardens from Versailles.

Related Topics:
Comte de Buffon - 1739 - Maze - Versailles

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~