Built at the end of the 19th century, at a time when winter gardens were in vogue, the Serres d'Auteuil, located on the edge of the Bois de Boulogne in Paris, is a favorite spot for lovers of old greenhouses and botany.

Their elegant glass and cast-iron architecture, combined with a rich diversity of exotic plants, creates a peaceful atmosphere conducive to contemplation. Whether you're fascinated by the history of gardens or simply in search of tranquillity, this unique place offers a true escape into the heart of nature.

History of the Serres d’Auteuil

The Serres d'Auteuil were built at the end of the 19th century. At that time, Paris was undergoing a complete transformation under the leadership of Baron Haussmann. The need for green spaces open to the public was becoming increasingly important. The architect Jean-Camille Formigé was then tasked with designing a space to offer Parisians a place open to all, dedicated to the acclimatization of exotic plants, which were very popular at the time.

Inspired by Beaux-Arts architecture, he designed elegant greenhouses with a cast iron structure painted in blue-green typical of this period. This mixture of glass and metal gives an impression of lightness, and the design is thought to highlight the plants while creating a pleasant place to visit. The botanical collections introduced there bring both a scientific and aesthetic dimension.

Greenhouse Architecture: Variety and Function

The Serres d'Auteuil are made up of about ten greenhouses of varying sizes and functions, each with a well-defined role. Originally, they consisted of five historic greenhouses, made of glass and cast iron.

The Grande Serre or palmarium , with its 6,000 m², is the most impressive. The pointed arches of the great nave not only bring elegance and height to the greenhouse, but they also allow ventilation and heat regulation. The greenhouse is divided into different climatic zones: tropical, subtropical - where the largest palm trees are found - and orangery.

Next to the Grande Serre, other more specialized greenhouses house succulents, cacti, ferns, orchids, and rare species. Although smaller, these greenhouses share a similar architecture, with more intimate glass and cast iron structures.

These greenhouses fulfill both a scientific role, by conserving and studying plant species, and an aesthetic function, offering visitors a walk through varied ecosystems.

The Serres d'Auteuil are much more than just a place of botanical conservation, they are a real invitation to explore the richness of nature through a unique architectural setting.

To visit them, you will find all the practical information on the Paris city website.

And in the meantime, why not extend the experience by discovering other iconic greenhouses like those at Kew Gardens in London .