Paris's tropical garden

The Jardin d’Agronomie Tropicale (Garden of Tropical Agronomy) is located on the edge of the Bois de Vincennes where Paris borders Nogent-sur-Marne. Little-known and rarely visited, this almost secret garden offers a country walk with an exotic theme. This guided tour explains the garden’s unique history starting with its creation at the end of the 19th century, on five hectares of land, park and gardens, to study and display the cultures of the French colonies.

In addition to the rich and varied vegetation, vestiges of the 1907 Colonial Exhibition are scattered around the garden. Pavilions were built to represent the different countries of France’s colonial empire. Some are now derelict, but others have been beautifully restored and radiate a quaint charm in this lush green setting.

The guided walk provides an overview of France’s colonial past, placing the 1907 exhibition in context but also taking in the monuments dedicated to the soldiers from the colonies who died fighting for France during the First World War.

On the edge of the park, beyond the remains of the Colonial Exhibition, the tropical agronomic garden itself is a beautiful spot in which to wander or just relax on the grass. The greenhouses are used by a local association to grow organic fruit and vegetables. Volunteers are happy to demonstrate their permaculture production techniques to visitors. You can buy their organic fruit and vegetables in the garden shop, or sample the delicious soups and tarts made with them!