This enchanting walk will take you through the first botanical and medicinal gardens ever designed in France. Founded in 1626, the Jardin des Plantes was first established as a royal garden for medicinal plants and was open to the public until 1650. From 1739 to 1788, the Comte de Buffon took over the supervision of the garden and many additions were made, including an enticing labyrinth which children love. The maze still exists today, sitting up high over Paris. You will explore this most popular garden which covers a total of 28 hectares (69 acres). It boasts the Natural History Museum (the most detailed in the world), the Dinosaur collection (with the monster section in the back), and a small zoo which once housed the royal menagerie (the most beautiful pink flamingos found in a garden setting). You will visit the Art Déco-style winter garden, houses which have just been beautifully restored after 10 years. The tour will take you through the ancient Roman colosseum where the gladiators played their blood sports.Your séjour finishes at the lively Jardin du Luxembourg with the ponies, small wooden boats, palace, and playgrounds. If the weather is nice, a picnic lunch is recommended.
