22 of the best parks and gardens to relax in Paris
October 4th, 2019 Updated. Posted by travelwith2ofus
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As soon as you arrive at your destination you most likely hit the ground running and set out to see all the sights possible. Nikki and I are no different in that regard, as soon as we check into our hotel we are ready to take in all that the destination has to offer.
Sometimes however, you have to sit back and relax, take a break from all the sightseeing and other activities.
There is probably no better way to do this than sitting in a beautiful park or garden and take in the fresh air and atmosphere, unless of course you're in the Caribbean and enjoy the seaside.
While I was on my solo trip to Paris I did not get to visit many of the parks and garden because it was too cold, and trust me, coming from the Caribbean anything less than 18 degrees Celsius is cold for us. However, I did check out a couple parks after padding myself with several layers of clothing.
Are you looking for Paris tours or breathtaking Paris hotels? We have those covered as well.
Here are 22 of the best parks and gardens you should visit in the French capital.
Talking about parks, there are many beautiful national parks in the U.S. so you can check those out if you love the outdoors as well.
Bois de Vincennes
The Bois de Vincennes is Located on the edge of the 12th arrondissement in the east of Paris. It is a huge park that houses a botanical garden – Parc Floral, École du Breuil and the arboretum, with over 1200 trees, the Astral Theatre among others.
There are a lot of activities including boating on the lake, cycling, pony rides, hiking or exploring Vincennes with a Segway tour.
Château de Vincennes is also located there. It was the home of kings including Louis X, Philippe V and Charles IV. You will also find restaurants and lots of open spaces to just kick your feet up and relax. The Bois de Vincennes is actually about three times larger than Central Park in New York.
Fee
There is no entrance fee to access the woods which open 24/7, but entrance fees will apply to other areas. Other areas open at different times.
Getting there
Porte Dorée
46, 87, 111, 112, 180, 281, 325
Bois de Boulogne
Located in the 16th arrondissement on the western edge of Paris, you can enjoy many cultural, leisure and sporting activities.
If you are visiting Bois de Boulogne look out for the Etang de Reservoir, Mare des Biches, Lac Inferieur the largest lake in the park, Grand Cascade, a picturesque waterfall with artificial grottoes and Mare de Saint-James, two islands serving as a sanctuary for birds and small animals. You can also have a meal at one of the many restaurants located in the park.
Fee
There is no entrance fee to access the woods which open 24/7, but entrance fees will apply to other areas. Other areas open at different times.
Getting there
Porte Maillot
32, 52, 63, 73, 82, 241, 244, PC1, Balabus
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Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
The main attractions of the park are the artificial lake and the Île du Belvédère, the Temple de la Sibylle, which is a miniature replica of the ancient Roman Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, the bridges, grottos and architecture of the cafes, gatehouses, fences and rain shelters.
While visiting the Temple de la Sibylle, which is perched at the top of a cliff in the center of the park, you can get a stunning view across the north eastern suburbs of Paris.
Fee
Entrance to the park is free and it is opened during summer from 7am-10pm and winter from 7am-8pm.
Getting there
Buttes-Chaumont
26, 60, 75
Parc de Belleville
At 108 meters it is the highest park in Paris and is populated with hundreds of trees and shrubs, a 100 meter-long waterfall fountain, wooden playground for children and facilities for playing table tennis aka Ping-Pong, an open-air theatre and a museum.
The park was opened in 1988.
Other noteworthy elements are the vineyard, which still lies at the top of the park as a reminder of the area's viticulture past and the display of flower gardens, which have won many acclaim from the Concours des Décorations Florales Estivales.
Fee
Entrance to the park is free and it is opened at 8am during the week, and 9am on weekends and public holidays. Closing hours vary depending on the season. Times are 5:45pm, 7pm, 8:30pm or 9:30pm.
Getting there
Couronnes, Pyrénées
26, 96
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PARC ANDRÉ CITROËN
Maybe you are wondering why the name Citroën sounds familiar? This is because the park is named after André Citroën the founder of Citroën automobiles. It is actually built on the site of the former automobile maker as well.
The park has three main areas, Jardin Noir, Jardin Blanc and a huge central park area. You can enjoy many exotic trees, rare plants and flowers. There are also a lot of activities for children including Ping-Pong, and area for ball games and a tethered air balloon offering a 150m high ride. Don't worry the balloon rides are for adults as well.
Fee
Entrance to the park is free, but balloon rides will cost adults €12 and children €6, and that is between the ages of three to 11 years old. Depending on the season the park will open from either 8am or 9am to 7pm, 7:30pm, 8:30pm or 9:30pm.
Getting there
Balard
42, 88
Additionally you can use the:
RER - Boulevard Victor
or
Velib': Station N° 15103, 103 rue cauchy Station N° 15060, 9 place de la montagne du goulet Station N° 15058, 4 place du moulin de javel
Parc de la Villette
Known for its cultural activities, the park is also home to one of the largest science museums in Europe, the City of Science and Industry aka Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie.
It also has a concert arena with a 6,300 seating capacity called Le Zénith and is home to Le Hall de la Chanson, a theater dedicated to French songs. There is also an outdoor movie theatre, an equestrian center and a performance venue for pop, rock, folk and jazz music. The Parc de la Villette is also home to an annual open-air film festival.
Fee
Entrance to the park is free and it is opened both day and night, however, some of the gardens have specific opening times which you should verify before going.
Getting there
Porte de Pantin
75, 151, PC2, PC3
Parc de Bagatelle
Located in the Bois de Boulogne in the 16th arrondissement other elements of the park include trees, a variety of plants, bridges, caves, rocks and artificial waterfalls. Exhibitions and events including classical music concerts are regularly held at this park.
François-Joseph Bélanger designed the park while Thomas Blaikie made it come alive.
Fee
Entrance to the park is free except when events are scheduled. Opening hours vary during the year. From October to February it opens from 9:30am to 5pm daily. In March daily from 9:30am to 6:30pm and from April to September daily from 9:30am to 8pm.
Getting there
Porte Maillot
43, 244
Additionally you can use the:
RER - Porte Maillot
Parc Georges Brassens
Main features of the park include a large pond, surrounded by trees, a rose garden, a garden of medicinal and aromatic plants, rare species of birds and a vineyard. Children can enjoy the swings, pony rides and the puppet theatre.
The park was named after famed singer, songwriter and poet. George Brassens who lived in the area.
Fee
Entrance to the park is free. Opening hours vary during the year according to the season.
Getting there
Porte de Vanves
89, 95
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Parc du Champs de Mars
The park runs from the École Militaire to the Eiffel Tower and you can relax on the lawns, enjoy the ambiance and have a picnic like most Parisians and tourist do.
Located in the seventh arrondissement one of the elements of the park you should definitely take a look at is The Wall for Peace. According to its website “The Wall for Peace is freely inspired by the Wailing Wall of Jerusalem.” Visitors can put their messages of peace in the chinks of the wall planned for this purpose.
To keep the wall alive you can donate here.
Fee
Entrance to the park is free. Open 24 hours a day.
Getting there
École Militaire
42, 69, 82, 87
Additionally you can use the:
RER - Champ de Mars - Tour Eiffel
Parc floral de Paris
It is recognized as one of the four popular botanical gardens of the city, the others being the École Du Breuil, the Jardin des Serres d'Auteuil and the Parc de Bagatelle.
The Parc floral de Paris is home to many horticultural event as well as summer festivals including the Festival Classique au Vert, the Paris Jazz Festival and Pestacles. Some of the other features of the park are an outdoor concert stage, a restaurant, café, exhibit halls, an art gallery as well as a playground for children.
Fee
Free entrance from September to June. Children under seven years old enter free. Fee applied for some events and activities.
Getting there
Château de Vincennes
46, 112
Additionally you can use the:
RER - Vincennes
Parc de la Butte du Chapeau Rouge
While it is not that tedious you will have to climb some stairs and walk a bit until you reach groves of trees to get the best view of eastern Paris.
Statutes designed in 1938 by Pierre Traverse decorate the surrounding lawn. Other features include two playgrounds for children, a fountain, flowerbeds, winding paths, kiosks, and follies. It is perhaps the hidden gem of Paris.
Fee
Free entrance. Rehular open hours are from 9:00am to 9:30pm. May change with season.
Getting there
Pre-Saint-Gervais
48, 75
Parc de Choisy
Children can also have fun play Ping-Pong, checkers, basketball, and soccer or go skating.
Built in 1937, the park was constructed on the site of a former gas factory and features the brick structure of the Institut Eastman at one end, while at the entrance there is a round table made of porphyry acquired from the Pavilion of Finland at the 1937 Paris Exposition.
Fee
Free entrance. Opening hours vary during the year. Weekdays from 8am to 8:30 or 9:30pm during the summer. On weekends from 9am to 8:30 or 9:30pm during the summer.
Getting there
Tolbiac
47, 62, 64
Parc Montsouris
Bird lovers will enjoy this park as it provides a sanctuary for many species of migratory birds as well as geese, ducks and herons.
Considered one of the larger parks in Paris the Parc Montsouris is a favorite hangout spot for students because of its close proximity to the Cité Universitaire. Covering 15.5 hectares in area, it was designed as an English landscape garden, a style which emerged in England in the early 18th century.
Fee
Entrance to the park is free. Opening hours vary according to the season.
Getting there
Porte d'Orléans
21, 67, 216 as well as La Traverse Bièvre Montsouris
Additionally you can use the:
RER - Cité Universitaire
Jardin Atlantique
The strategic placement of ventilator shafts of the station around the garden allows visitors to hear the announcement of departing trains.
Features of the park include a museum, children's playground, meteorological observatory, tennis courts and Ping-Pong tables.
Some of the pavilions include the Pavillon des Roches, Room of Silence, Pavillon des Vagues Bleues and the Room of Moisture. Please note that this park is not visible at street level and may be a little tricky to find.
Fee
Free entrance. Opening hours are from 8am or 9am to 8:30pm or 9:30pm.
Getting there
Montparnasse - Bienvenüe
91, 92, 94, 95, 96
Additionally you can use the:
SNCF - Gare Montparnasse
Jardin du Luxembourg
It is located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris and features an apiary for those interested in learning about bee keeping, a number of beautiful orchids and a magnificent rose garden.
Other features in the Jardin du Luxembourg include, the Pavillon Davioud, Medici fountain and the Orangerie.
Adults can play chess, tennis, and bridge; while children can enjoy puppets, slides, rides and play with model sailboats in the Grand Bassin pond. Exhibitions and concerts are also held in the garden.
Fee
Free entrance. Sesaonal opening hours apply. Opens between 7:30am and 8:15am and closes between 4:30pm and 9:30pm.
Getting there
Odéon
21, 27, 38, 58, 82, 83, 84, 85, 89
Additionally you can use the:
RER - Luxembourg
Jardin des Tuileries
Located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, Jardin des Tuileries also has a wonderful collection of statues including Le Baiser, Theseus and the Minotaur, Mercury riding Pegasus and the Oath of Spartacus. There are also two ponds around which visitors can relax. It is one of the most visited parks in Paris because of its central location between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde.
Fee
Free entrance. Opening hours vary. End of March to the end of May and from September 1st to the last Saturday in September from 7am to 9pm. From June 1st to August 31st, 7am to 11pm. During the last Sunday in September to the last Saturday in March, 7:30am to 7:30pm. It is advisable to verify these times before you visit.
Getting there
Concorde, Tuileries
21, 24, 27, 42, 68, 69, 72, 73, 81, 84, 94, 95
Additionally you can use the:
RER - Musée d'Orsay
Jardin des Plantes
Features of the garden include the Museum national d'Histoire naturelle, a small zoo - the Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes, hothouses, gardens, greenhouses, play and refreshment areas.
The garden which was built in 1635 as a garden for medical plants, but was not opened to the public until 1650 covers 28 hectares (about 68 acres) and has many types of plants and flowers including orchids, iris, cannas, ferns, aroids, Australian flora, conifers, cacti and bromeliads.
Fee
Entrance is free, but fee applies to the Apline garden on selected days. Opening hours during summer are 7:30am to 8pm and in winter from 8am to 5:30pm. Some parts of the garden have different opening hours.
Getting there
Gare d'Austerlitz
24, 61, 63, 67, 89, 91
Additionally you can use the:
RER - Gare d'Austerlitz
Jardin des Serres d'Auteuil
The garden is located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris at the southern edge of the Bois de Boulogne. At this botanical garden you will find rare plants, trees, flowers, a palm house, and an aviary.
The Jardin des serres d'Auteuil forms part of Paris' botanical garden complex, which also includes the École du Breuil, Parc floral de Vincennes and Parc de Bagatelle. You will also find greenhouses; English and Japanese inspired gardens as well as a small garden dedicated to Mediterranean varieties.
Fee
Entry is free and opening hours depend on the season. Opens from 8am to 5 pm or 9am to 6pm, 7:30pm or 8:30pm.
Getting there
Porte d'Auteuil
PC, 32, 123, 241
Jardin des Champs-ÉlysÉes
Some of the noteworthy buildings included in the garden are the Petit Palais, the Theatre Marigny, Theatre du Rond-Point and the Grand Palais. There are also many monuments and statues as well as two pavilions, the Pavillon Elysee Lenotre and the Pavillon Gabriel.
Fee
Free entrance. Opens 24 hours a day.
Getting there
Champs-Élysées - Clemenceau
28, 32, 42, 49, 73, 80, 83, 93
Jardins du TrocadÉro
The garden has various small parks and a carousel for children. The Fountain of Warsaw (Fontaine de Varsovie) extends through the center of the park and has 46 water-jet and 20 water cannons, which provide an amazing water display, especially at nights. It is a beautiful sight with the Eiffel Tower as its backdrop.
Fee
Free entry. Opens 24 hours a day. However, opening hours may differ on selected holidays.
Getting there
Trocadéro
Additionally you can use the:
RER - Champ de Mars - Tour Eiffel
Jardin d'Acclimatation
Attractions for children include a miniature-golf course, a puppet theater, a merry-go-round, pony and camel rides, boat rides in the enchanted river or they can mingle with the many animals in the garden.
Children can also ride the small train from the entrance of the garden to Porte Maillot.
Opened in 1860 the Jardin d'Acclimatation covers 20-hectares and also features a Korean Garden, mist sprays in the Allée Alphand and a Paddling pool with water based activities for children.
Fee
Fee applies to the garden as well as the train and other attractions. Opening hours from April to September are 10am to 7pm, Fridays from 10am to 10pm. October to March, Monday to Thursday from 10am to 6pm, Fridays from 10am to 10pm. Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 7pm.
Getting there
Les Sablons
43, 73, 82, PC1, 174, 244
Jardin Catherine-LabourE
It is the ideal small garden to just relax and breathe in the fresh air. There are some activities as each week, they hold classes and activities for children.
Fee
Free entry. Open hours are 8am to 9:30pm from Mondays to Fridays and 9am to 9:30pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Getting there
Sèvres - Babylone
87
In case you are wondering why we chose 22 parks and gardens to visit while in Paris, well, it's because we think we can comfortably visit two parks per day for 11 days and still have a full day of activities. In fact, we plan to carry out our activities during the day then go to the parks to relax in the afternoon. Don't you think this is the ideal plan? Have you ever visited any parks or gardens in Paris?
Let us know your experiences, especially if it's one of those on our list.
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