alpine botanical garden of Meyrin

Jardin botanique alpin de Meyrin (the Alpine Botanical Garden of Meyrin) is a municipal mountain-plant garden in Meyrin, canton of Geneva, right next to the city of Geneva. It pairs a collection of alpine flora with a historic villa and works as a green refuge inside the urban area.

What is the story behind the garden?

From 1915 the estate belonged to Amable Gras, a Geneva textile merchant. He had a rock garden built with a stream and a small pond, tended by his gardener Annibal Miazza. The villa took its name, Montgardin, from the owner's home village in the Hautes-Alpes. The garden became known well beyond Geneva, and the French magazine L'Illustration featured it in 1932. The commune of Meyrin bought the property in 1960, which saved both the villa and the garden.

What can you see?

After a three-year redevelopment the garden reopened, with an inauguration on 10 September 2016. On site you will find:

• rock beds planted with mountain species, set in the original landscaped terrain,
• the former gardener's house, now used for conservation and educational activities,
• the villa, called Le Cairn, dedicated to contemporary art,
• a wooden chalet and a goat pen,
• a scent trail and a playground.

The garden also runs a seed exchange with other botanical gardens. It belongs to the international IPEN network under the code MEY and issues an annual seed catalogue, the Index Seminum.

Has it won any awards?

Yes. In 2019 Meyrin received the Prix Schulthess des jardins from Patrimoine suisse. The award recognised the careful transformation of the site into a lively meeting place and green haven in the Geneva area.

How do you get there, and when should you visit?

Meyrin lies northwest of central Geneva, near the airport and CERN, so public transport from the city is straightforward. The garden sits at roughly 46.2268 N, 6.0804 E. The commune offers visits without booking during opening hours; check meyrin.ch for current times and events before you go. Spring to early autumn is the best period for flowering beds and family activities.

Is it good for families?

Yes. There is a playground, goats, a scent trail and an activity booklet that guides children around the grounds. You can add a stop at Le Cairn when an exhibition is on.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Jardin botanique alpin de Meyrin? In Meyrin, canton of Geneva, Switzerland, a few kilometres from the centre of Geneva.

Since when is the garden owned by the commune? Since 1960. From 1915 it was the private estate of Amable Gras.

Has the garden received any distinction? Yes, the Prix Schulthess des jardins from Patrimoine suisse in 2019.

Can visitors buy seeds? The garden exchanges seeds with partner institutions and publishes an Index Seminum catalogue. This is aimed at gardens and enthusiasts rather than casual visitors.