Garden of Plants (Jardin des Plantes)

A 3-hectare botanical garden perched on a rocky promontory in Avranches, offering one of the finest panoramic views of Mont Saint-Michel and its bay. The garden dates back to 1618 when Capuchin monks first cultivated the land, evolving through the French Revolution into a public botanical space by 1799. Today it features 12 themed gardens including collections of camellias, hydrangeas, magnolias, rhododendrons, and azaleas, plus remarkable trees like sequoias and ginkgos. A Romanesque portal from a 12th-century chapel stands within the grounds, classified as a historic monument. The garden receives approximately 200,000 visitors annually who come for both its horticultural diversity and the sweeping views across the bay. Entry is free and the garden is wheelchair accessible with dedicated entrances.