Paris Parks
In a city loaded with historical monuments and museums, Paris parks are a perfect place to recoup and revive before the next round of sightseeing.
So when you want to take a break from all the wonderful paris attractions and rest your feet, come for a stroll in the park.
Large Parks in Paris
If you’re looking for parks with lots of space and a variety of things to do for yourself and the family, The Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes are easily reached on the métro line that runs east/west (#1) La Défense/Château de Vincennes (yellow on the métro map). They were both modelled on London’s Hyde Park and Regent Park.
The Bois de Boulogne, to the west of the city (métro: Pont de Neuilly) is near the wealthy suburb of Neuilly, and is the Paris equivalent of Central Park. The park has beautiful trees (beech,oak, chestnut among others), gardens, lakes where you can hire rowing boats, cycling paths and plenty of nice places to take a stroll. You’ll see the locals out with their families, walking their dog, or going for a run; it can get quite busy on the weekends. The Jardin D’Acclimation is at the north end and is an amusement park for kids.
In the north of this Paris park, you’ll find the lovely Parc de Bagatelle which has an 18th century castle and rose gardens. Classical music concerts are held in the Bagatelle Orangerie during the spring and summer.
Orangerie
Parc de Bagatelle, bois de Boulogne
Allée de Longchamp (16e)
Entrée par la Grille d?honneur
Phone: 01 40 39 63 38
(PS the Bois de Boulogne is also like many other big city parks – don’t go there at night because it gets a little seedy).
The Bois de Vincennes (métro Château de Vincennes is probably one of the largest of Paris parks, and is on the east side of the city. It is home to the 14th century Château de Vincennes and is another great place to go for a stroll or have a picnic. It’s also got a zoo for the kids.
The Parc Floral, which is part of the Bois de Vincennes, has a huge variety of flowers and plants and hosts one of the best known free jazz festivals in Europe, from May to July. (Perhaps email or call for up to date information.)
Parc Floral Phone Number:
Phone: 01 43 43 92 95 / 01.55.94.20.20
Email: info@parcfloraldeparis.com
Jazz Festival:
Route du Champ de Manoeuvre
Phone: +33 (0)1 49 57 24 84
Paris Parks with Views
The Parc des Buttes Chaumont (métro #7: Botzaris or Buttes Chaumont) is in the north east of the city (near Montmartre), and is also popular with Parisians (not many tourists know about this one). There are some great panoramic views over Paris and Sacré Coeur; you can sit on the grass and have a picnic by the lake.
The park also has a temple, modelled after a roman temple in Italy, a wooden suspension bridge, a grotto, waterfalls, and english and chinese style gardens (all within the confines of the city – amazing!). Walk around the neighbourhood and you might discover some pretty little residential streets tucked away.
Cosy Paris Parks
Our favourite is the Parc Monceau (métro #2:Monceau) which is on the north-western side of the city, near the Arc de Triomphe.
This park has a more intimate feel to it and is less formal than the typical french style park. It is very picturesque, with a lily pond, statues and lovely spots for a picnic. It’s a popular place with local families.
Please see our Map of Paris Page (ps: the green markers on the map are the parks) to find the location of these Paris parks. Or if you’d like to find out where you can download a free métro map, click here.
There are many more parks in Paris, these are only a handful. Don’t forget your walking shoes….