In the 5th Arrondissement, visitors can focus their stay on two distinct themes: natural and scientific history at the Jardin des Plantes, and the Panthéon as the resting place of prominent figures of the French nation. This selection can help you match your search for a holiday apartment to your sightseeing interests. At the Jardin des Plantes, the focus is on botanical areas, greenhouses and the menagerie; the Panthéon adds a place of national remembrance to the selection.
Gardens on different scales
The Jardin des Plantes was founded in the 17th century and is the historic heart of the Muséum. The Jardin alpin offers an exploration of the world's mountain ranges. As a protected enclave, the Jardin écologique showcases the variety of natural habitats in the Paris Basin. The two gardens offer different perspectives: one opens up views of mountain ranges around the world, while the other focuses on the regional nature of the Paris Basin.
Greenhouses and natural history exhibits
The Grandes Serres bring architectural and natural history together. The buildings in the complex that are visible today were constructed between 1834 and 1876; the combination of metal and glass marked a turning point. One of the greenhouses traces the evolution of plants, from their colonisation of land to the emergence of flowering plants. Architectural history and plant evolution offer two different ways of looking at the same complex.
The Grandes Serres can be reached via the Jardin des Plantes Batobus stop. Check the current timetable before travelling, as route details may change. The Grande Galerie de l'Évolution offers another natural history perspective, displaying more than 7,000 lifelike specimens. Alongside the gardens and greenhouses, these exhibits offer a distinct focus.
The menagerie: explore the paths at your own pace
The menagerie at the Jardin des Plantes was founded in 1794 and is set within a park covering more than five hectares. You can explore the enclosures and buildings independently along the paths. Two entrances lead into the menagerie from the paths of the Jardin des Plantes in the 5th Arrondissement. Unlike the menagerie, the Jardin écologique is accessible only as part of guided visits. Check the available visits in advance if you plan to include this protected garden in your itinerary. The two natural areas therefore differ both in their themes and in how visitors can experience them.
The Panthéon: remembrance and guided visits
Since 1885, the Panthéon has been the resting place of prominent figures of the French nation. It offers a historical point of interest distinct from the natural history themes of the Jardin des Plantes. The Panthéon organises guided visits in a lecture format. If this format matters for your trip, check the current dates in advance; the programme may change.
Discover more destinations: Paris 17, Gobelins, Paris 8, 19th Arrondissement, Paris, Ménilmontant, Paris 14, L'entrepot, Paris 16
For the overview of the wider destination: Paris.
