The University of Montpellier’s Jardin des Plantes has been officially designated a “Jardin Remarquable” by the Ministry of Culture
The “Jardin Remarquable” designation has been awarded to the Jardin des Plantes at the University of Montpellier for a period of five years. Following a recommendation by the regional director of cultural affairs, the Jardin des Plantes in Montpellier—which holds significant interest for the public—has been granted this distinction. Established in 2004, the label recognizes gardens and parks—whether public or private—that are of cultural, aesthetic, historical, or botanical interest. This designation acknowledges the work undertaken by the teams at the University of Montpellier and the Faculty of Medicine, to which the Jardin des Plantes is affiliated. Today, 42 parks and gardens in Occitanie hold this certification.
What is the “Jardin Remarquable” designation?
Established in 2004 by the Ministry of Culture, the “Remarkable Garden” designation aims to raise awareness of and highlight parks and gardens open to the public—whether historic or contemporary—that are exceptionally well maintained. This designation thus serves as recognition for exceptional sites, regardless of whether they are listed as historic monuments. It is awarded to gardens of cultural, aesthetic, historical, or botanical interest.
This ministerial designation is based on six criteria: composition, integration into the site and the quality of the surroundings, the presence of notable features, botanical interest, historical interest for historic gardens, and the quality of maintenance. It is also desirable that maintenance be carried out as part of a management plan and in an environmentally friendly manner (no pesticides, water and resource conservation, etc.). This label recognizes parks and gardens in all their diversity (small or large, historic or contemporary) and of all styles.
The Jardin des Plantes at the University of Montpellier, given its educational and scientific value and its fulfillment of all these criteria, has now been awarded this designation, which took effect on May 11, 2022, for a renewable five-year term.
What are the benefits of the “Jardin Remarquable” designation awarded to the Jardin des Plantes at the University of Montpellier?
Given the exceptional site it already is (designated a “Site” in 1982 and a “Historic Monument” in 1992), this designation will help enhance the Montpellier Botanical Garden’s influence within national and European networks. Founded in 1593, the Montpellier Botanical Garden boasts a diversity and richness of collections that make it a valuable resource for doctors, botanists, and humanists. Spanning 4.5 hectares, it now houses over 2,000 plant species grown outdoors and more than 1,000 species cultivated in greenhouses. For the University of Montpellier, all forms of institutional recognition from the government are invaluable in supporting its development, helping to protect and promote it.
A real momentum has built up around the Jardin des Plantes. Following the restoration of the Martins Greenhouse and the renovation of the Orangery and the School of Systematics, the garden’s “Intendance” building—recently designated an “iconic site of Occitanie” by the Mission Patrimoine—will soon be restored thanks to the 2022 Heritage Lottery, in addition to support from the Jardin des Plantes Foundation and CPER funding. In this way, the UM continues its commitment to preserving the university’s historical heritage.
The “Remarkable Garden” designation offers various benefits, such as the possibility of signage in public spaces—following the same procedure as for buildings designated as historic monuments—or inclusion in the development of local urban planning schemes. A specific guide to designated gardens is published and widely distributed.
“The University of Montpellier is immensely proud that the Jardin des Plantes has been officially designated a ‘Jardin Remarquable’ by the Ministry of Culture. “This designation recognizes all the efforts made in recent years, as it is an iconic place for many residents of Montpellier—a centuries-old hub of knowledge and research for scholars and students, and a true haven of nature and biodiversity in the heart of Montpellier’s historic center,” said Philippe Augé, President of the University of Montpellier.