The gardens hold more than 10,000 plants and about 3,000 species of cactus and other succulents, arranged attractively in rocky beds, and navigated in a fairly steep set of paths that wind down the mountainside. There's no lift so remember you'll have to walk up again to get out. There are roughly 300,000 visitors a year to the garden. Once inside the gardens, however, you will mostly likely to be able to wander around on your own, only occasionally passing another group, as the area covered is so large.
The Mediterranean climate is very good for growing cactuses and succulents, which are sent from all parts of the world. The garden was started in the 1930s. There is a great variety on show and some specimens have grown very large indeed. Many of the cactuses flower in the winter and if you know anything about cactus flowers you'll know the blooms are very vivid.
There's a grotto, or natural cave form, at the bottom of the garden, although this often seems to be closed. The underground water here is connected to the same water source that supplies much of Monaco's drinking water.
Prices
Adults: €6.80
Children (6-18): €3.50
Students (max 30) €3.50
Senior (65+) €5.20
email for groups info@jardin-exotique.mc
phone +377 93 15 29 80
Times
Summer 15 May - 15 Sept 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Winter 16 Sept - 14 May 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. or dusk
Getting there
Get the number 2 bus ("Jardin Exotique") and take it to the last stop. For drivers, there's a public car park a little further down Bd Jardin Exotique. The garden is located at the very extremity of Monaco - the entrance to Monaco for most people - so it'll take you the best part of 40 minutes to walk here from the Casino, and its all uphill.
Photos
Photos & Photo index
