Botanical garden

The site's vocation has changed constantly since the early 17th century in keeping with Bordeaux's urban development. Previously, someone living on the Left Bank would never have imagined going across the river to La Bastide, opposite Place de la Bourse!

However, this is exactly where it was decided to build a botanical garden in 1997. The location was originally viewed as a constraint, but this strip of land proved to be a fine opportunity to plant a garden affording striking views of the oldest part of the city. No such project had been undertaken in France for the previous 25 years. The design was entrusted to landscape artist Catherine Mosbach and architect Françoise-Hélène Jourda.

The garden has six different sections and a field comprising 44 plots. One part is devoted to the soils and flora typical of the Bordeaux region. The spectacular and well-designed water garden features collections of water lilies and other aquatic plants. In addition, an arboretum has a wide variety of trees and magnificent glasshouses containing Mediterranean-type vegetation.

This is a wonderful place to enjoy a lovely natural setting in the city while admiring the splendid 18th century buildings on the other side of the river!

botanical garden