Jardin des plantes de Montpellier — Attraction in Montpellier

Visited this historic botanical gardens (the oldest in Europe?) and was very disappointed. The standard of overall presentation and maintenance was poor. Overgrown weeds, lack of pruning and just general neglect was sad to see. The topiary at the entrance and bamboo plantation were well maintained, but this garden could be so much more. Maybe the local university’s Botanical Dept could provide some much needed student volunteers to assist in the desperate need of labour required to maintain this valuable asset(or the guards sat idle at the entrance?!)….as the authorities of Montpellier clearly do not allocate adequate funding for gardeners and ongoing maintenance (I’m sure visitors would even pay to enter?!)I live in Perth Western Australia, that also experiences draught and high temperatures, where our public parks/gardens are both preserved and presented to such a high standard that attract tourists and showcase these beautiful places for locals to enjoy and visit (see Kings Park, to name many). I’m surprised other reviews haven’t noticed the clearly obvious neglect….which could assist to prompt much needed care, attention...

We had such a lovely time on our visit. We meandered through the many paths, exploring each section at our leisure. If you've ever dreamt of finding a secret garden, this is the perfect place for such flights of fantasy to come to their fruition. (Especially in the winter months.)

We were given a wonderfully impromptu tour of the aromatic plants by Jean Louis Talavera. (He didn't introduce himself, but we recognized him immediately.) It was so kind of him to do. I was utterly enthralled by the diversity of scents, if a bit jealous. (What I wouldn't give for an herb garden as varied. Squares of the senses indeed.)

We've already made plans to come back during the summer and take advantage of all the tours available, but I'm so thankful to have gotten to see the garden in this more intimate state. It will be quite interesting to compare the differences in seasons when we return.

I could've stayed forever,...

Free entry to the oldest botanical garden in France, with some beautiful specimens in the arboretum section and a ancient Celtis australis ( southern Nettle tree or Hackberry) over 500 yrs old at the entrance. The Lotus pond was a real bonus, quite well labelled plants some missing on later specimens (maybe trophy takers).A stunning old cypress avenue within the oldest section of flora of the Occutaine, which had an impressive collection of Phlomis (Jerusalem Sages) some species and natural hybrids I did not know. Amazing palm tree collection. Downside the cacti collection...