The garden was founded in 1843 by the pharmacist and botanist Dr. Jean-Baptiste-Philippe Cornu-Gentille.
It is home to a Ginkgo biloba tree, considered one of the oldest and largest specimens in France.
The garden contains a specialized collection of over 100 species of medicinal plants.
It maintains a pedagogical section specifically designed for university students to study plant taxonomy.
The onsite zoological section has housed wallabies since the 1960s.
The garden is recognized for its historical classification as a significant botanical site in the Centre-Val de Loire region.
The Jardin botanique de Tours is a significant scientific and recreational space spanning approximately 5 hectares in the city of Tours. Established in 1843, it functions as both a municipal park and a university research site. The grounds house a large collection of diverse plant species, including a notable arboretum and medicinal plant displays. Visitors can explore various thematic greenhouses, including an orangery and exotic plant zones. The site features a small animal enclosure, known as the 'jardin zoologique,' which hosts wallabies, deer, and diverse bird species. It contains an extensive collection of rare trees, some of which are centuries old. The garden is managed by the city in collaboration with the University of Tours. It is fully accessible to the public and serves as a green corridor within the urban landscape.
The interior of the historic glass greenhouses offers the best lighting for botanical photography.
Walk the perimeter to find the historical ginkgo tree, which is easily missed if you only stay in the central greenhouses.
Check the signage near the animal enclosure for information on the specific species currently in residence.
Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby medical school grounds for context on the garden's history.
Do not attempt to pet the animals in the enclosures, as they are part of a managed collection.
The greenhouses may have limited access during off-peak winter months.
No picnicking on the lawns, dogs must be kept on a leash, and do not feed the animals.
