jardin des plantes

The Jardin des Plantes is the most popular offering in Nantes- it's conveniently situated, right next to the SNCF station and a tram station, and has something for both adults and children alike. One can marvel at the giant water fountain, the beautiful flower arrangements and relax in the peaceful environment. For the children (and those who don't want to grow up yet!) there's a play area, and a goat pen, where you can feed the goats for 10 or 20 cents a pop. Just be sure you don't have any loose articles like scarfs, buttons or laces- the goats will definitely try to eat them!

Even on a cold sunny Saturday in winter Le Jardin des Plantes looked just as well manicured and designed as it does in the middle of the summer. Beautifuly laid out, and and with a surprise around every corner. Toilet facilities good and very clean.

Absolutely charming gardens that are on the tourist green line route.Listen out for the forest pixies ;-)

I found this a very lovely place to have lunch and a quiet walk when I was feeling a bit stressed one day. Bring a sandwich and enjoy the tranquility.If you have kids, the park was doing some sort of scavenger hunt the day I was there and it would seem this sort of event is not uncommon. Could be fun!

This is a favourite place for me to take my grandchildren when I am visiting them There is a nice children's play area and small zoo. The flower beds are beautiful, often interspersed with modern sculpture exhibitions, just opposite the main train station it is a pleasant place to spend an hour.

A beautiful and varied botanical garden with excellent plant labelling but, additionally, very funny stories and anecdotes written by Carlo Ponti. They added another dimension along with the "Alice in Wonderland" sculptures and plant arrangements.All ages can enjoy it. The best attraction in Nantes.

We stayed in Hotel Sozo just next to the gardens, and walked through the garden towards the city centre. Incredibly well kept, lovely patting zoo with baby goats, fascinating topiary sculptures - like a tiny New York Central Park full of places to rest and take in the beautiful surroundings - don't miss out!

Very pleasant park. Beautifully laid out and most trees have names and where they originate from. A visit to the greenhouses needs to be reserved so that is a pity. We spent a very pleasant few hours walking around. Had a coffee in the little restaurant. Worth a visit!

Nantes' botanical garden is a delight both for visitors and residents. It was established over 200 years ago and boasts many large, old trees and shrubs, winding paths and colorful flower displays--plus plenty of benches. I was stunned by the size of several 150-year-old trees, including tulip trees, ginkgos, and Atlas cedars. (Entrance to the park is free, but the greenhouses charge a fee.) For the second year in a row, the park's gardeners have teamed up with Claude Ponti, a well-known author of children's books, to create installations that are just plain fun, like the "poussin endormi". She's an enormous topiary chick snoozing not far from one of the paths. Other imaginative creatures are scattered around the park--some not so obvious. (Unfortunately, they will be removed by the end of October. Given their popularity, new designs may very well appear next year.)

I had seen many reviews of this park and was really looking forward to my visit. It is a tranquil park that has something for everyone. Be it grass or a bench to sit on and read a book, or a cafe in a nice setting. There are novelty plantings all around. From the chicken sleeping next to the alarm clock or the garden that makes noises like children laughing. It was a peaceful place to walk around and I spent about an hour and a half there, looking at everything and enjoying the sunshine. Great for young and old alike.

Right in the heart of the city of Nantes is the Jardin des Plantes. The floral displays are beautifully designed and maintained with care. Unique features include huge animals made entirely of flowers, photography showing the park in the 19th century as well as outstanding examples of trees, birds and water features. A must for all park lovers and all free!

Wonderful collection of trees all named and plenty of seats for weary travellers. Close to station so a good place to wait for the trainToilets not good

Our hotel was next to these gardens, so glad it was otherwise we might not have missed them! They are great - so unusual with the different animal plant "sculptures" - great for kids and adults alike and so much more interesting than your normal gardens! They also have a little place in the corner with goats and chickens. If your in Nantes it's worth a visit,

Lovely little botanic garden enlivened by the sculptures in place, I assume, for the Nantes art festival. Shame about the snotty waiter in the cafe!

this was SO great, its amazing and in the city center... its THE place to take the kids for an afternoon play and they have a nice coffe shop at the west side