My first urban jungle in Monaco

JOELIX.com | Jardin exotique de Monaco

Why I love cacti so much? I think the Jardin Exotique in Monaco is to "blame". 15 years ago I visited the garden for the first time and something green rubbed off on me. When I came back last month, it struck me: this is where it all began!
While Monaco is little more than a rock on the shore of the Mediterranean, the botanical garden is actually pretty big. And steep! Just look:

JOELIX.com | Jardin exotique de Monaco

JOELIX.com | Jardin exotique de Monaco

JOELIX.com | Jardin exotique de Monaco

JOELIX.com | Jardin exotique de Monaco

JOELIX.com | Jardin exotique de Monaco

How can you not fall in love with this rich variety of cactus plants, succulents, agaves, yuccas…

JOELIX.com | Jardin exotique de Monaco

And there in the back is the Oceanographic Museum:

JOELIX.com | Jardin exotique de Monaco

JOELIX.com | Jardin exotique de Monaco

JOELIX.com | Jardin exotique de Monaco

JOELIX.com | Jardin exotique de Monaco

From all the urban jungles I have ever visited, this is the prettiest one: it's very clean and "perfect" (it's in Monaco of all places!) and the panoramic view is incredible. An urban jungle to my heart. Oh and I may or may not have scooped a few cuttings for my own jungle… 😉

Jardin Exotique de Monaco /// 62 Bd du Jardin Exotique /// 98000 Monaco
Open all year (except nov 19 + dec 25) from 9:00-19:00 (earlier in fall and winter)

14 thoughts on “My first urban jungle in Monaco

    1. Yes, this is where it all began :) It looked completely different from what I recall though. It's nice how your vision changes over the years!

  1. I love the Jardin Exotique in Monaco.. but haven't been for many years.

    I'm not a fan of Monaco and only ever visited because my father lived there for the last 15 years before he passed away. I still go from time to time as I'm often in the South of France.

    I'm there for a couple of days in January so think this has prompted me to make a beeline for the Jardin:-)

    1. Thanks for sharing your story Tina! Did you ever visit the garden with your father? I agree it's time for a quick stop over at the Jardin Exotique in January ;) Hope you'll have a nice time in the South. You may be lucky and get to see the palm trees with xmas lighting. I loved that, so kitschy! Will you stay in Monaco? Or somewhere else on the Riviera? I'm not a fan of Monaco either, the garden was my one and only reason to come here. xx

  2. Wow! I love the untamed-yet-orderliness of it all. My Mum visited Monaco many years ago and she remembers it as having lots of steep vantage points like the ones you've photographed.

    Thanks for sharing. :D

    1. Oh yes, you should definitely check a plan before walking around, or well: it's an instant exercise with nice views ;) Have a nice week, Chi!

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