Botanical garden "La Thomasia"

La Thomasia Botanical Garden is an alpine garden in the Vaud Alps of Switzerland, in Les Plans-sur-Bex, in the Pont de Nant area. It sits at roughly 1,260 metres above sea level, below the west face of the Grand Muveran, at the entrance to the Vallon de Pont de Nant. It is a place where botany meets a true mountain landscape.

Where is La Thomasia?

The garden lies in the canton of Vaud, within the municipality of Bex, in the western Swiss Alps. Steep rock walls rise around it, and the cool mountain climate suits high-altitude plants well. The coordinates are about 46.251 N, 7.111 E.

What is the history of the garden?

The La Thomasia nature reserve was founded by the Thomas family in 1891. Since then it has grown into a collection of mountain plants from around the world. On 1 January 2023 it became part of NATURÉUM, the cantonal natural sciences museum, which merged the earlier cantonal museums of botany, geology and zoology in Vaud.

What can you see there?

The collection holds around 3,000 mountain plants, arranged by geographic origin, so a stroll feels like a tour through the world's great ranges. Alongside local Alpine flowers you will find species from the Himalayas, the Rocky Mountains, the Caucasus, the Andes, Japan, New Zealand, the Moroccan Atlas and the Arctic. There are also rock plants and a small arboretum.

When should you visit?

The garden is generally open in season, from mid-May to mid-October, from sunrise to sunset. Entry is free. Late spring and early summer are often the most colourful, when many alpine species bloom, but autumn has its own charm and themed tours are sometimes scheduled then. Opening details can change, so check the NATURÉUM website before you go.

Are there guided tours?

Yes. Free guided tours are offered during the season and led by botanist and gardener François Bonnet. Themes vary, from medicinal plants to the garden in autumn colours. A tour is a good way to learn about the species and their stories rather than just reading labels.

How do you get there?

From Bex you can take the bus to Les Plans and walk about 2 km from there. You can also drive, and there is parking near the garden. The mountain road is part of the experience, and the valley invites longer walks afterwards.

Frequently asked questions

Is La Thomasia free to enter? Yes, entry is free.

When is the garden open? Usually from 15 May to 15 October, from sunrise to sunset. Details may vary by season.

How many plants grow there? About 3,000 mountain plants from several continents.

Who runs the garden? It belongs to NATURÉUM, the cantonal natural sciences museum of Vaud, since the start of 2023.

Can you walk there? Yes, from the Les Plans bus stop it is roughly a 2 km walk.