Jardin des Plantes (Garden of Plants), Toulouse

The Garden of Plants (Jardin des Plantes) in Toulouse is a significant public garden rich in history and botanical heritage. Located southeast of downtown Toulouse, it spans seven hectares and is bounded by Jules-Guesde Alley, Serge-Ravanel Alley, Alfred-Duméril Street, and François-Lamarck Street. This garden is one of three, along with the Boulingrin and the Royal Garden, forming a green belt around this area of the city.

Originally founded in 1730 by the Toulouse Science Society in the Saint-Sernin district, the Garden of Plants moved twice due to unsatisfactory conditions—first in 1756 and finally settling in its current location in 1794. This move was initiated by Philippe Picot de Lapeyrouse, a naturalist, who saw the need for a more suitable setting for its extensive collection of 1,300 species. The site, once part of the Discalced Carmelites' grounds, has been transformed over the centuries to meet the city's and its citizens' evolving needs.

In 1808, Napoleon formalized the city's ownership of the garden, which was then used during the Battle of Toulouse in 1814 as an artillery position. Developments continued over the 19th century, including the construction of a pond in 1817, various expansions and reductions of the garden's perimeter, and its transformation into a public garden in time for the 1887 international exhibition.

The garden once housed various wildlife species until 1976, after which it retained only aquatic birds and peacocks. Its location, once outside the city walls, is now central, surrounded by a mix of historical and modern architecture and significant city landmarks like the School of Medicine and the Natural History Museum.

The Garden of Plants is accessible via several entrances, with the Virebent entrance on Jules Guesde Alley being the most used. It includes a range of historical and architectural features, such as the old Capitol gate, the Museum dating back to the late 16th century, and other renovated structures that echo its rich past.