Jardin Exotique et Botanique de Roscoff, an exotic garden on the Brittany coast

Visit Jardin Exotique de Roscoff

The Jardin Exotique et Botanique de Roscoff is situated on the Brittany coast but its planting is Southern Hemisphere. More than 3000 species including cacti, succulents, protea, palms, yuccas and many more. They have achieved a size and quantity that gives this rocky outcrop an almost tropical feel.

Explore the Jardin Exotique et Botanique de Roscoff

The garden was started by a group of sub-tropical plant enthusiasts in 1986 when the department of Finistere bought the rocky outcrop which is now home to the garden. It is surrounded on two sides by sea creating a micro-climate for sub-tropical plants.

Plants come from countries of the Southern Hemisphere including South Africa, Australia and New Zealand as well as exotic plants from the Northern Hemisphere.

The team of enthusiasts have brought together some important collections including the National Collection of Aeoniums and important collections of Protea and Kniphofia.

The planting has been carried out with great imagination and flair and is a great place to see one of my personal favourites the Echium des Canaries a fantastic biannual with spiky leaves and a stupendous purple flower spike 4 metres high.

The garden is still fairly young at 20 years old but has an incredible sense of maturity. The garden does change constantly as the team who look after it are dedicated to increasing their collections every year.

Not only is the Jardin Exotique et Botanique de Roscoff a fabulous garden but you have the sea as a constant backdrop adding to its beauty.

Jardin Exotique et Botanique de Roscoff garden guide

The garden is closed December, January and February.

November and March: 14.00 to 17.00

April to June and September to October: 10.30 to 12.30 and 14.00 to 18.00

July and August: 10.00 to 19.00

Address:Jardin Exotique de Roscoff, BP 54, 29682 Roscoff

The gardens are within walking distance of the Roscoff ferry port, or a two minute drive away so if you have time to kill whilst waiting for your ferry go and see the gardens. You won't be disappointed.

Gardens to visit nearby

The Jardin Georges Delaselle is nearby on the Ile de Batz and is listed as one of France's 'remarkable gardens'. It has a remarkable collection of plants from the Southern Hemisphere.

The well-known Jardins de Kerdalo are considered to be one of the most important gardens in Europe and definitely should be visited whilst you are in the area.

You can find more local travel ideas in the North West France guide,