Jardin des Serres d’auteuil

Jardin des Serres d'Auteuil is one of the most undervisited and genuinely beautiful botanical gardens in Paris, a complex of 19th-century glasshouses maintained by the city of Paris in the 16th arrondissement near the Bois de Boulogne. Unlike the better-known Jardin des Plantes greenhouses across the river, Auteuil's serres remain relatively uncrowded even during peak tourist season, giving families a peaceful and rewarding experience.

The glasshouses were constructed between 1895 and 1898 and remain in excellent condition. The main central greenhouse is the most dramatic — a soaring iron and glass structure housing a collection of ornamental tropical and subtropical plants that creates an immediate sense of entering a different climate. Companion greenhouses feature camellias, azaleas, and seasonal flowering displays that change throughout the year.

For families with children, the garden offers a gentle, beautiful experience with no queues, no admission price, and no crowds fighting for the best view. Young children are fascinated by the scale of the tropical plants and the warmth that envelops them on entry. Older children and teens who have an interest in plants, architecture, or photography will find plenty to engage with in the combination of Victorian ironwork and lush botanical display.

The garden is located adjacent to the Roland Garros tennis complex and the Bois de Boulogne, making it easy to combine with a broader visit to western Paris. Access by metro is straightforward via line 10 to Porte d'Auteuil, a short walk from the garden entrance.