The Jardin des Plantes is one of the best municipal botanical gardens in France, covering 7 hectares near the train station. It was established in the early 19th century and has been consistently well-maintained since, with an exceptional collection of magnolias (some over 200 years old), camellias, and dahlias in addition to the usual botanical order beds and tropical greenhouses.
The garden has an unusual playground scattered with oversized sculptures of everyday objects — giant wooden rabbits, an enormous grey elephant, a colossal suitcase — which makes it popular with children and gives it a slightly surreal quality. In early spring the magnolias in bloom are among the best sights in Nantes, and the camellia collection flowers from February onward.