Across from the hotel
The Jardin des Plantes

Holding the title of “Jardin Remarquable” and among the four major botanical gardens in France, this garden boasts 10,000 living species and 800 m² of greenhouses across 7 hectares.
This English-style park at the very centre of the city, both a scientific and pleasure garden, attracts around 2 million visitors a year, of which more than 50 % are tourists. There is also a bust of legendary author Jules Verne, reminding us that he was born in Nantes. Opposite the Sōzō Hotel is the superb Jardin des Plantes de Nantes. With 7 hectares, the Jardin des Plantes in Nantes is one of the 4 largest botanical gardens in France. It is also labeled “Remarkable Garden”. Discover this exceptional place with its 800 m² of greenhouses and more than 10,000 species, just 1 minute walk from the Sōzō Hotel.

A green lung
At the heart of Nantes

The creation of the Jardin des Plantes began in 1865, but it was only in 1865 after years of effort by the botanists Hectot, Noisette and Ecorchard that the site was inaugurated in its current form. Characteristic of landscape gardens of the previous century, it boasts a smooth design with numerous waterfalls and bodies of water as well as abundant floral decor that upholds the tradition of mosaiculture.

A garden steeped in history

The history of the Jardin des Plantes in Nantes is linked to that of the city: ships once brought many exotic plants from North America and elsewhere to this important port. The Jardin des Plantes was created in 1688 under Louis XIV, first for apothecaries. Thus there are rare species, remarkable plants and trees, some of which are the Magnolia d'Hectot, named after the creator of the garden, a tree brought back from the Americas in 1711 and which has since flourished in the garden. The Jardin des Plantes in Nantes now hosts the French national Magnolia collection.

The oldest greenhouse, the palmarium, dates from 1895. Formerly dedicated to presenting plants from Martinique and Gabon, it is now a laboratory devoted to tropical ecology. You can observe lianas from the equatorial forests of Asia, Africa, Overseas and America. There are also other cool or heated greenhouses that house many species. In the Orangerie, there are yuccas and orange trees.

The Garden is also punctuated by sculptures such as The Bather with a Mirror (1909) or The Woman with a Sheaf (1940), which give it a particularly enchanting air.

Bucolic walk in the Jardin des Plantes

Stroll through the Jardin des Plantes and observe the varied species, let yourself be enchanted by the exotic scents and contemplate the trees, plants and flowers. Don't miss the magnificent collection of camellias for which the garden is renowned the world over. The camellia is also the symbolic plant of the city of Nantes. In the Jardin des Plantes, there are also fountains, waterfalls and other bodies of water: so many pleasant places for a romantic break. After the walk, sit down at the Le Café de l'Orangerie tea room for a snack or a drink on the terrace. Take advantage of its relaxing setting surrounded by greenery.

Preparing for your visit to the Jardin des Plantes in Nantes

From the Sōzō Hotel, it only takes a few steps to get to the Jardin des Plantes. The nearest entrance is a one-minute walk away. Access to the garden is free, as is the visit to the greenhouses. It is possible to book a paid guided tour on request from the Jardin des Plantes. The Jardin des Plantes is accessible to people with reduced mobility, except for the "mountain" and "cave" sites which are not accessible to wheelchairs. The toilets are adapted.

Schedules of the Jardin des Plantes

• From November 18 to January 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
• From January 15 to March 19 and from October 23 to November 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• From March 20 to October 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.