Jardin des Plantes

Guide preview

Rows of plants here are arranged for more than beauty. The Jardin des Plantes began with Louis XIII’s 1635 edict establishing a Royal Garden of Medicinal Plants; it opened in 1640 with free instruction in botany, chemistry, and anatomy for future physicians and apothecaries.

Quick facts

• The royal medicinal garden was established by edict in 1635.
• It opened in 1640 with free courses in botany, chemistry, and anatomy.
• The Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle was created in 1793.

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