Located in the 16th arrondissement, a few minutes from the Bois de Boulogne, the Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil is one of the most unique gardens in Paris. Created at the end of the 19th century, it brings together several large historic greenhouses and plant collections from around the world.
A century-old botanical gem in Paris
The site dates back to 1898, when the City of Paris decided to build new greenhouses there to produce plants for the capital’s parks and gardens. The project was entrusted to architect Jean-Camille Formigé, already known for several Parisian projects. He designed an elegant complex, characteristic of late 19th-century metal architecture, with a large central greenhouse surrounded by several pavilions.
The large greenhouse, recognizable by its turquoise structure and vast glass roofs, remains the centerpiece of the garden today. Inside, the temperature and humidity allow for impressive tropical vegetation to thrive. Palm trees, giant ficus trees, banana trees, and exotic plants occupy the space and create an almost tropical atmosphere, particularly exotic in the heart of Paris.
Around the greenhouses, the garden unfolds like a veritable botanical park. Flower-lined paths, sculptures, and ponds make up a meticulously maintained setting. Certain areas are dedicated to specific collections, such as succulents, orchids, and ferns. Plant diversity is one of the site’s main attractions, with several thousand species housed here.
The site also remains a horticultural production area, which was its original purpose. Indeed, part of the greenhouses continues to be used to grow plants for Parisian gardens. This historical function explains the highly structured layout of the site, which is both a walking garden and a botanical space.
The Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil changes completely with the seasons. The outdoor flowerbeds are ablaze with color in spring and summer, while the greenhouses become particularly popular during the colder months. The site also attracts photography enthusiasts, who are drawn to the architecture of the glass roofs and the variety of plants.
Less crowded than some of Paris’s larger parks, the Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil remains one of the most surprising places in the capital. With its architectural heritage and botanical collections, it offers a unique, almost timeless stroll, just a few steps from the Bois de Boulogne.
📍Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil – 3, avenue de la Porte d’Auteuil, 75016