Jardin botanique de Deshaies

What is Jardin botanique de Deshaies?

Jardin botanique de Deshaies is a 7-hectare botanical garden with over 1,000 plant species arranged along 1.5 kilometers of walking paths. Visitors see themed areas such as an arboretum with trees like baobab, breadfruit, and royal palms, a bamboo grove, cactus garden, and a large banyan tree. There are also collections of hibiscus, bougainvillea, orchids, and aquatic plants in a pond with koi carp. The garden includes an aviary with parakeets, a flamingo and parrot area, and a 10-meter artificial waterfall.

The history of Jardin botanique de Deshaies

The site was once home to French comedian Coluche from 1979 to 1986, after being planted with rare species by Guy Blandin. After Coluche's death, nurseryman Michel Gaillard bought the property in 1991 with the vision of creating a botanical garden. Over 40 employees worked for 15 months to transform the site, and the garden opened to the public in 2001. Since then, it has become a destination for plant lovers and tourists in Guadeloupe.

What there is to see

The garden is divided into 15 themed areas, each showcasing different plant groups and landscapes. Visitors follow marked paths through the arboretum, bamboo groves, cactus beds, and orchid displays. Water features include a pond with water lilies and koi, and a 10-meter man-made waterfall. The aviary and animal enclosures add to the experience. Facilities include a restaurant, snack bar, children’s play area, and a gift shop.

When to go

Open daily from 9:00 to 16:30, Jardin botanique de Deshaies welcomes visitors of all ages. The garden is enjoyed year-round for leisurely walks, plant observation, and family outings. Group discounts and student rates are available. Services include wheelchair and stroller loans, a restaurant with sea views, and a play area for children. Pets are not allowed in the garden but can be left at reception.

Parts and collections

The garden’s plant collections represent species from many regions, including tropical trees, succulents, orchids, and aquatic plants. The arboretum features trees such as Araucaria, avocado, baobab, bombax, breadfruit, calliandra, jacaranda, and royal palms. There are also dedicated areas for bamboo, cacti, bromeliads, and epiphytes, as well as a palm tree collection.

Why Jardin botanique de Deshaies matters

Jardin botanique de Deshaies is a notable botanical garden in Guadeloupe, contributing to plant conservation and education. It is listed among botanical gardens in France and serves as a place for relaxation, learning, and appreciation of global plant diversity. The garden’s history is linked to French cultural figures and local horticultural efforts.

The flowers of Jardin botanique de Deshaies

OrchidA vast family of colourful, often fragrant flowers found almost everywhere on earthCactusSucculent plants with spines, native to the AmericasHibiscusA tropical genus with large, colourful trumpet-shaped flowersWaterlilyFloating aquatic flowers found in ponds and lakes worldwideRose of SharonThe national flower of South Korea with short-lived summer bloomsBlue mahoeA Caribbean flowering tree with changing-colour blooms and vividly streaked woodGreat bougainvilleaA climbing plant with vivid bracts, native to South AmericaMandrinetteA rare pink hibiscus found only on Mauritius and Rodrigues

Questions people ask about Jardin botanique de Deshaies

Good reading and sources

• Jardin botanique de Deshaies on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data