An extraordinary conservatory garden in the immediate vicinity of Brest.
Created in 1975 and labeled » Remarkable Garden “, the garden of the Botanical Conservatory of Brest hosts a unique assemblage of endangered plants coming from all over the world. This box of 30 hectares of nature, extraordinary and unique in the world, preserves the biodiversity of our planet by offering visitors calm, relaxation and exoticism. Plants from around the world rub shoulders with local species and the rare specimens preserved here mingle with ornamental vegetation.
Located in the “vallon du Stang-Alar”, near the center of Brest, this conservatory garden has been laid out in former quarries. Steep slopes blend under tree cover. Ponds are dotted all along the route and bring freshness and serenity to this magnificent garden. The water also flows in streams and small waterfalls. The visitor progresses in four geographical and climatic universes different: the humid tropical mountains, the subtropical oceanic islands, the dry tropics and the humid tropical forests. From Armorica to America, via the Mediterranean, Asia and Australia, a change of scenery is guaranteed. Several animal species give life to these very aesthetic natural paintings.
In total, the Garden of the National Botanical Conservatory of Brest is home to 1700 exotic or local plant species, grown outdoors or in tropical greenhouses. During the guided tours, the scientific animators tell the story of the plants in the living collection and accompany the visitors to discover the rare and endangered flora. Also take the time to observe the exhibitions that they regularly organize at the reception pavilion.
A place for walking, sports and leisure
A veritable green lung of the city of Brest, the National Botanical Conservatory Garden is a place must visit. Ideal for a walk or a picnic with the family, you can also practice running or photography. The Garden is also ideal for strolling, reading or taking a siesta.
Count two hours of visit to really immerse yourself in the place. Leaving the tropical greenhouses, pass by the belvedere: the panorama is superb! Do not hesitate to come and return over the seasons. You will discover a different garden on each of your visits: the flowering of rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias in spring, the different shades of green in summer, the blushing leaves in autumn and nature at rest in winter.
Read also: Walk in the ocean metropolis
Garden of the National Botanical Conservatory of Brest: Useful information
Hours of operation
The conservatory garden is free and open all year round. Here are the hours for 2018:
- 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from January 1 to February 25;
- from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. from February 26 to April 22 and from September 3 to October 28;
- 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. from April 23 to September 2.
The tropical greenhouses can be discovered on a guided tour from April 15 to May 30 and from June 30 to September 2 between 11 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. and on a free visit from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The exhibitions are to be discovered free of charge at the reception pavilion from April 15 to May 30 and from June 30 to September 2 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Prices
Exhibitions and conservatory garden: free
Tropical greenhouses: €5.50 (full price), €4 (reduced price), free for children under 10.
Guided tours: €6.50 (full price), €5.50 (reduced price), free for children under 10.
Groups: visits all year round on weekdays, inquire.
The facilities are accessible to people with reduced mobility.