Jardin de l'Arquebuse (Arquebuse Botanical Garden), Dijon

The Arquebuse Botanical Garden is a beautiful botanical garden and arboretum spread over 2 hectares of land. It is nestled within a larger park and garden spanning 5 hectares. The history of this remarkable garden dates back to the 16th century when it served as the training grounds for the arquebus knights.

In the late 18th century, the former captain of the chevaliers transformed the site into an English garden, following the designs of renowned landscaper Jean-Marie Morel. The English garden eventually became the property of the city in 1803. Later, in 1833, the plants from Dijon's first botanical garden, originally established in 1771 by writer Bénigne Legouz de Gerland, were transferred to this location, giving birth to the present-day Jardin botanique de l'Arquebuse. In recognition of its significance, the garden was named a Conservatoire Botanique Régional in 2002.

One of the highlights of the Arquebuse Botanical Garden is its impressive collection of nearly 4,000 plant species. The garden focuses on showcasing the rich flora of Bourgogne, the region in which it is situated. Additionally, the garden boasts 1,140 species from around the world, with displays of ornamental plants, food plants, succulents, carnivorous plants, subtropical plants, and Mediterranean plants.

In addition to the extensive plant collections, the Arquebuse Botanical Garden features an arboretum, offering a unique opportunity to study and appreciate different tree species. The garden also houses a herbarium with approximately 100,000 specimens, preserving a vast botanical legacy.

A notable aspect of the Arquebuse Botanical Garden is its collection of Anatidae, which includes various species of wild ducks, geese, and swans.

Entrance to the Jardin botanique de l'Arquebuse is open to the public every day, and there is no charge for admission.