Top exotic gardens in Normandy

A trip to the ends of the earth in Normandy? If you love the scents and colours of faraway places, these beautiful plant havens are the place to be.

Vauville’s extraordinary garden

Take a trip to the distant lands of the southern hemisphere! At the end of the Cotentin Peninsula, 300 metres from the sea, this botanical garden is always green, whatever the season. The eucalyptus, aloes, amaryllis and 900 subtropical species that populate this exceptional oasis, which benefits from the Gulf Stream that passes off the coast of Vauville, are a constant source of wonder. Listed in the Inventaire supplémentaire des Monuments historiques, the collection you will discover is recognised by scientists. Geo Magazine was not wrong to include this little gem among the 40 gardens to visit in France.

The exuberant Jungle Garden

Feel like exploring? Then this is the garden for you! Follow Charles, the owner of these 12 acres, as he takes you on a tour of the specimens he has brought back from his expeditions to Vietnam, New Zealand, Chile and elsewhere. Make your way between giant ferns, lianas, banana trees and bamboo. Exotic, lush and robust plants that Charles allows to express their wild character. Surrounded by the fragrant presence of the plants, it’s like being cut off from the world. To visit this jungle, the guide recommends wearing boots. You’ve been warned!

Tatihou’s Garden of Eden

Landing on the small island of Tatihou is an escape in itself. The Cotentin region has a magnificent maritime garden dedicated to coastal plants and an acclimatisation garden that is exceptional for the diversity of its plants. Most of them come from the southern hemisphere. Avocado trees, tropical fig trees, remarkable acacias and colourful orchids take advantage of the island’s particularly mild and constant climate. You’re in for a treat…

The quirky Japanese garden in Le Havre

Looking for cherry blossom trees, relaxing waterfalls and quiet pebbles? Welcome to the Japanese Garden near the Port of Le Havre. This 2,200 m² green setting forms a figure-of-eight path around a pond symbolising wisdom and eternity. Plants and minerals grow side by side, and some of the trees are pruned into clouds, as in traditional Japanese gardens. This one is a symbol of friendship: created in 1993 by landscape gardeners Yasuko Miyamae and Samuel Craquelin, it celebrates the partnership between the Grand Port Maritime du Havre and the Port of Osaka.

Jardin Japonais du Grand Port Maritime
Quai Lamandé
76600 Le Havre
02 32 74 74 00
Visites sur réservation uniquement.

The buzzing Naturospace

In an instant, you’ll be on the other side of the world! This huge greenhouse – the largest tropical butterfly house in France – is home to over a thousand butterflies and birds, each as colourful as the next. In the equatorial forest that opens up before you, bougainvilleas, palms, orchids and vanilla are kept at 27°C all year round. It’s a real Amazon experience in the heart of picture-perfect Honfleur! And in the hatchery, you can even see chrysalises and butterflies being born!