Back to top
Arbre aux mouchoirs, Davidia involucrata, Bois de l'ancienne Pépinière © MNHN - S. Gerbault

Old Nurseries Wood

Located to the west of the Arboretum, the woods of the old nurseries promise a surprising walk.

Created in the 1920s near Bailly gate, the former entrance to the estate at its southwest angle, the first nurseries of the old Jussieu Garden were abandoned for decades, following the crisis in the 1930s and the war.

Hêtre commun panaché, Fagus sylvatica 'Albovariegata', Bois de l'ancienne Pépinière © MNHN - S. Gerbault
Hêtre commun panaché, Fagus sylvatica 'Albovariegata', Bois de l'ancienne Pépinière © MNHN - S. Gerbault

Many young trees, initially intended for transplantation elsewhere remained where they were, in disorder, in the middle of the natural vegetation that grew there. The ensemble took on the aspect of a natural forest, but populated with exotic trees.
 
A path winding between clearings offers a wonderful walk, with its exceptionally rare and large trees: sweet chestnut, bristlecone pine, dwarf beech, handkerchief tree, snakeskin maple, and still more.

Arbre aux mouchoirs, Davidia involucrata, Bois de l'ancienne Pépinière © MNHN - S. Gerbault
Davidia involucrata © MNHN - S. Gerbault
Hêtre commun panaché, Fagus sylvatica 'Albovariegata', Bois de l'ancienne Pépinière © MNHN - S. Gerbault