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Jardin Botanique de Tours: A Green Oasis in the City

Discover a serene escape in Tours' oldest public garden, featuring diverse plant collections, themed gardens, and animal encounters.

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The Jardin Botanique de Tours, established in 1843, is a 5-hectare municipal botanical garden and arboretum offering a serene escape in the heart of Tours. With diverse plant collections, themed gardens, and animal enclosures, it's a delightful blend of nature and education for all ages.

A brief summary to Jardin botanique de Tours

  • Monday 7:45 am-5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 7:45 am-5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 7:45 am-5:30 pm
  • Thursday 7:45 am-5:30 pm
  • Friday 7:45 am-5:30 pm
  • Saturday 7:45 am-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 7:45 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the spring to see the garden in full bloom and enjoy the vibrant colors of the flowers.
  • Check the schedule for workshops and special events, which offer engaging activities for all ages.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy in the designated areas throughout the garden for a relaxing outdoor meal.
  • Wear comfortable shoes to explore the extensive walking paths and fully appreciate the garden's diverse landscapes.
  • Visit early in the morning or on weekdays for a quieter experience with fewer crowds.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Place Plumereau in central Tours, head east along Rue de la Scellerie, then turn left onto Boulevard Tonnellé. The garden is located at 33 Boulevard Tonnellé. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From Tours train station, take bus line 15 from Gare de Tours 6 to Bretonneau. The bus ride is approximately 15 minutes and departs hourly. Alternatively, take bus line 4 from Ursulines to Bretonneau; the journey takes about 13 minutes with buses departing every 15 minutes. A single bus ticket costs around €1.30.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Tours city center to Jardin Botanique de Tours typically takes 5-7 minutes, costing approximately €7-€11.

  • Car

    From the A10 highway, take exit 24 towards Tours. Follow signs to the city center and then to Boulevard Tonnellé, where the garden is located at 33 Boulevard Tonnellé, 37000 Tours. Parking options may be available nearby, but check for fees and restrictions.

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Discover more about Jardin botanique de Tours

The Jardin Botanique de Tours, a cherished green space in the city, has been delighting visitors since its creation in 1843. Founded through the initiative of pharmacist Jean-Anthyme Margueron, the garden began as a collection of medicinal and exotic plants for the city's Hospice Général and the School of Pharmacy. Over the years, the garden has evolved, surviving floods, fires, and bombardments to become a diverse and engaging attraction. Today, it features around 2,000 taxa organized into themed sections, including regular parterres, a phylogenetic garden, a garden of plant evolution, and an arboretum in the English style. Visitors can explore heath, bog, Mediterranean, and alpine gardens. In addition to its botanical collections, the Jardin Botanique is home to an animal park with emus, turkeys, wallabies and goats. Greenhouses showcase tropical plants, while other areas feature medicinal herbs and a Japanese garden. A notable feature is the Gingko biloba, planted in 1843, a male tree with a grafted female branch. The garden also offers a playground, making it a family-friendly destination. The Jardin Botanique de Tours is more than just a garden; it's a place for relaxation, education, and recreation, offering a peaceful retreat from the urban bustle.

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