Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes

Menagerie of the Jardin des Plantes is a zoo in the heart of Paris, in the 5th arrondissement, set within the grounds of the famous Jardin des Plantes botanical garden. It's the kind of place that pairs a stroll through greenery with a close-up look at animals, all without leaving the city center.

Where exactly is it?

The menagerie sits within the Jardin des Plantes, a large garden and scientific complex in the 5th arrondissement, in the Latin Quarter, close to the Seine and Gare d'Austerlitz. Organizationally, it belongs to the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle (Natural History Museum), which also runs its exhibition galleries on the same grounds. That means a single visit to this part of the city can combine a walk through the botanical garden, a stop at the menagerie, and a look at the museum's natural history exhibits.

What makes this zoo stand out?

It's the world's second-oldest zoo, surpassed in age only by Vienna's Tiergarten Schönbrunn. That historical standing gives the menagerie a distinctive character: it isn't a modern entertainment park but a place with genuinely scientific roots, closely tied to the tradition of French natural history. Visitors here encounter a zoo that has served both an educational and a research role for generations, as part of one of France's most important natural history institutions.

Who is it for?

Given its intimate scale and central location, the menagerie works well as a stop during a walking tour of Paris, without the need to plan a full day trip outside the city, as larger suburban zoos often require. It's a good choice for families with children looking for a break from the city bustle, and for anyone interested in the history of science and natural history, who will appreciate the site's connection to the Natural History Museum. Its position inside the botanical garden also makes it easy to combine the visit with a walk through the garden's paths, greenhouses, and plant collections.

What should you know before visiting?

Because the menagerie lies entirely within the Jardin des Plantes, it's worth planning entry to the botanical garden and the menagerie as a single outing, giving yourself time to move between the two without rushing. The proximity to the Seine and the Latin Quarter makes the surrounding area worth a walk in its own right, with plenty of cafés and bookshops nearby. Keep in mind that, as a scientific institution attached to the museum, the menagerie may have a somewhat different rhythm than a typical commercial zoo — here, history and education play as important a role as the animal exhibits themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the Menagerie of the Jardin des Plantes located? In the 5th arrondissement of Paris, within the Jardin des Plantes botanical garden, close to the Seine and the Latin Quarter.

Is it the oldest zoo in the world? No, but it's the second-oldest — only Vienna's Tiergarten Schönbrunn is older.

Which institution runs the menagerie? It's organizationally part of the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle (Natural History Museum), which also operates galleries on the same grounds.

Is it worth combining with other nearby attractions? Yes — the menagerie sits within the larger Jardin des Plantes complex, so it naturally pairs with a visit to the botanical garden and the museum's natural history galleries in the same location.