Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes is a zoo in Paris, France, which is the second oldest zoo in the world, in addition to being the oldest in all of France. The zoo is home to over 1,500 animals from 200 different species, from elephants and orangutans, to many bird species, reptiles as well as rare small and medium-sized animals.
Located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes, tucked within the botanical garden Jardin des Plantes is the oldest zoo in Europe, and amongst the oldest in the world. Founded in the year 1794, Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes used to primarily be the home of animals brought from the royal zoo of the Palace of Versailles, which was abandoned during the French Revolution.
Today, Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes is home to more than 1,000 animals, from lions and tigers, to giraffes, elephants, and a wide range of birds. It also boasts of a reptile house, an insectarium, an aviary as well as an aquarium.
One of the most popular attractions at the Ménagerie is the Aquarium, which features a variety of freshwater and saltwater fish, as well as reptiles and amphibians. The Aquarium is also home to the world's only albino alligator. The Bird House is another popular attraction at the Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes, housing over 400 birds from 80 different species. With the Best Europe Packages, exploring these fascinating exhibits becomes even more accessible and enjoyable for visitors.
One of the most popular birds at the Bird House is the Andean condor, which has a wingspan of up to 3 meters. The Small Mammals House is home to a variety of small mammals, including monkeys, lemurs, and kangaroos. The Reptiles and Insects House features a wide variety of reptiles and insects from around the world.
Planning A Paris Trip, Checkout: Paris Honeymoon Package From Ahmedabad
Also Check Out : Things To Do In Paris At Night
• Pay a visit to Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes, the oldest zoo in all of Europe, and one of the oldest in the whole world
• Get a chance to meet over 1000 different birds and animals in Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes, in addition to reptiles like crocodiles, tortoises, lizards and snakes
• Get an adrenaline rush as you set out to explore the urban biodiversity trail inside Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes, and gain deeper insights about the threats that face biodiversity
• Marvel at some of the oldest zoo enclosures and buildings in the world, from the Big Cat House to the Bear Pit and more
• Witness some of the rarer species of animals like red pandas, przewalski horses, clouded and Amur leopards as well as amphibians, all of whom were born in the Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes
• Enjoy the “Meet the Keepers” events, which let you get up close and personal with some of the animals here, and also interact with their keepers to learn more about these speciesClick Here To Book Now: Musee D Orsay and Louvre TicketsMust Read : Places To Visit In Paris At Night
By Metro/RER: Take the trains in Lines 5 and 10, or RER C to the Gare d’Austerlitz Station, trains on Lines 7 and 10 to Jussieu Station, Line 7 train to Place Monge Station or Censier-Daubenton Station, all of which are located close to Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes.
By Bus: You can also avail a bus ride on bus numbers 24, 57, 61, 63, 67, 89 or 91 to reach Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes.
By Train: Trains running to the Gare d'Austerlitz and Gare de Lyon stations are your best option to reach Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes if you are coming from far off places in Paris.
Recommended Read: Best Things To Do In Paris In Winter
The best time to visit Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes is during the early hours of the day, before noon, since it is during this time that you can comfortably explore the zoo, without having to worry about the rush of crowds. Furthermore, you can also enjoy different programs and shows in the early half of the day, whilst also catching sights of animals before they go into hiding inside their enclosures.
Also Read: Best Markets In Paris
A Detailed Guide To Visit: Louis Vuitton Foundation
The Botanical Gardens and Greenhouses located in close proximity to Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes are some of the major points of interest here. Known for their lush, well-manicured spaces, these gardens and greenhouses all have different themed sections, and include the Botanical School, the Alpine Garden, Geometric Central Flower Beds, Ecological Gardens and more. The Grand Hothouses in the garden are also home to some of the rarest tropical plants. You can also explore the rose and rock gardens here, among other attractions.
Explore Now: Le Manoir De Paris
Another popular attraction that you can visit with Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes is the Natural History Museum, which is also one of the oldest museums of its kind in France. Known for its popular Evolution Gallery, the museum also features models as well as bones of animals from prehistoric times, such as dinosaurs, woolly mammoths, as well as elephants. Other galleries inside the museum are related to Botany, Marine Invertebrates, Terrestrial Arthropods, Palaeontology, Prehistory and Anthropology, Mineralogy and Geology, among others.
Click Here To Book Now: Seine River Cruise
Here are some of the top activities in Paris you can book tickets for via Thrillophilia:
Here are the different types of day & night tour packages that you can book with Thrillophilia: