Garden of the Auteuil Greenhouses (Jardin des Serres d'Auteuil)

The Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil, located in the heart of the Bois de Boulogne in Paris, represents one of the most fascinating and lesser-known corners of the French capital. This splendid botanical garden, created in 1761 during the reign of Louis XV, offers a rare combination of architectural beauty and botanical richness, making it a must-see destination for nature and history lovers. The garden covers about seven hectares and houses a complex of historical greenhouses dating back to the late 19th century. These greenhouses, designed by architect Jean-Camille Formigé, are a magnificent example of the iron and glass architecture typical of the time. Formigé, known for his work at the Trocadéro and Parc Montsouris, created a series of structures that not only preserve rare and exotic plants, but also represent an architectural work of art in themselves. The main greenhouses of the Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil are four, each hosting a specific variety of plants. The tropical greenhouse, the largest and most imposing, is a true paradise for botany enthusiasts, with a collection of plants from warm and humid climates around the world. Palms, giant ferns, carnivorous plants, and rare orchids can all be found here, in an environment that perfectly recreates their natural conditions. A small central pond, with colorful fish and water lilies, adds a touch of tranquility to this lush greenhouse. The fern greenhouse, on the other hand, is a fascinating place where you can admire a wide range of ferns, from the most common to the rarest. The structure of the greenhouse itself, with its wrought iron and glass details, creates an atmosphere of times past, evoking the passion for botany and scientific exploration that characterized the 19th century. One of the most unique greenhouses is dedicated to succulent plants and cacti. Here, the aridity of the desert is replicated to allow these plants to thrive. The contrast between the bizarre and spiky shapes of the cacti and the delicacy of the flowers some of them produce is particularly fascinating and surprising for visitors. Finally, the orchid greenhouse offers a spectacle of colors and shapes that enchant visitors. Orchids, known for their beauty and variety, are presented in an environment that enhances their elegance and fragility. The collection includes rare and precious species, some of which have been saved from extinction thanks to the conservation efforts of the garden’s botanists. In addition to the greenhouses, the Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil also offers spacious outdoor areas where visitors can stroll among flower beds, ponds, and classical statues. These Italian gardens, with their perfect symmetries and carefully pruned hedges, offer a harmonious contrast to the tropical and succulent greenhouses, creating a diverse and fascinating whole. Historically, the Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil has played an important role in the conservation and study of plants. During the French colonial period, many exotic plants arriving from the colonies were brought here to be acclimatized and studied. This has allowed the creation of a unique botanical collection in the world, which today represents a heritage of inestimable scientific and cultural value.