The French have always been known for their landscaping prowess, so when in Montpellier, le Jardin des Plantes is definitely worth a visit. This historic botanic garden is nearly five centuries old (it was established in 1593), and was founded by Henri IV. The space features an orangery, a traditional English garden (jardin Anglaise), an arboretum, and more, with a massive collection of herbal, medicinal, and naturalized plants, as well as flowers and plants from all over the world. The gardens are part of the University of Montpellier, and spending an afternoon strolling the paths and smelling the roses is a great way to pass the time.
Boulevard Henri IV, 34000 Montpellier, France, Phone: +33-4-34-43-36-20