Le Jardin Sauvage Saint-Vincent

Behind the Sacré-Coeur, just next to Montmartre’s vineyard, this garden is part of a very old piece of fallow land that was slowly reclaimed by nature. The trees, plants and flowers are self-sown, and created their own little meadow before the City of Paris decided to turn it in to an official biodiversity enclave in 1987. It’s only local flora and fauna, but it’s in fine fettle, especially as the garden is only open to the public once or twice a month in order to leave the vegetation in peace.

The plot’s 1,480 square metres shelter hundreds of plant and animal species, from the pond-dwelling toad to the horse chestnut trees overhanging the path and the stinging nettles which, thanks to the handy educational signs, you learn are used to treat rheumatism. Young and old alike are encouraged to join guided visits, where volunteers explain the garden’s treasures, and each plant and tree is tagged to help you fill in the questionnaires they distribute. Don’t miss one of the rare open days.

Free guided tours: Sat 6 April, 1.30pm-5pm; Sun 7 April, 1.30pm-5pm; Sat 25 May, 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-6pm; Wed 28 Aug, 2pm-4.30pm; Sat 21 Sept 2pm-6pm

Groups (charge applies) email education-environnement@paris.fr or fax 01 71 28 53 68