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:
How can you not fall in love with this rich variety of cactus plants, succulents, agaves, yuccas…
And there in the back is the Oceanographic Museum:
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)
Wow, I think this would be the only reason why I'd love to go to Monaco – so inspiring!!! Thanks for sharing, Judith!
Absolutely: it's the ONE & ONLY reason to visit Monaco. I'm sure you will love it ;)
Wow Judith! Never've been to one… But defenatly will visit this one! Thx for the tip:-)
Yes, you should! And let me know how you liked it ;) Any plans to travel to the South of France soon?
wow, beautiful. I didn't know about it. I hope I can make it there one day… thanks for the tip!
You have such a long list of places to visit here ;) But before then: enjoy your real jungle on the other side of the world, Petra!
What a stunning place and view! I'd never heard of it. So that's the story behind your cacti love…
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!
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:-)
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
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
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!
NO WORDS! This is the most amazing cacto garden I have ever seen.
Pretty amazing, isn't it?! :)