Paris is the second most visited city in the world, right after Bangkok and before London. It is home to cultural places full of history, wonderful Haussman buildings… but it is also filled with an incredible green lushery! So, what are the best parks in Paris?
There are many incredible things to do in Paris, and this is a known fact which attracts tourists from all over the world. However,
Paris might be one of the most visited cities in the world, it is still a city where you can breath and take a break from the crowds. There are many awesome non touristy things to do in Paris, and relaxing in parks is one of them!
You want to escape the city, fill your lungs and relax your brain? You dream of a good yoga session in the woods, an outdoor picnic with your loved ones or even a boat trip on a lake?
This piece covers the best parks of Paris, from a Parisian insider, for all kinds of activities.
💦 Good to know: tap water in Paris is perfectly clean and drinkable. You can find free fountains in any of those parks!
Best Parks in Paris France
Bois de Vincennes
Located in the eastern Paris, the Bois de Vincennes is the second biggest park of the capital, and the best place to oxygenate your lungs and brains. It’s actually 3 times bigger than Central Park in New York City.
With 995 hectares of vegetation, mainly wooded, you’ll find the best spot to have a picnic, an apero with your friends, do a footing, practice all kinds of sports or just relax. It’s also one of the best dog Parks in Paris. This is home to the Château de Vincennes and to 4 lakes. You can even go boating on the lac Daumesnil!
- What for : chill, picnic, footing, work out, dog walk, boat trip.
- Where : 12th district of Paris, Vincennes.
- Price : Free. Boat rent : 13€ per hour.
- Opening hours : 24h/24.
Buttes Chaumont
This one really is at the top of my list of the best parks to visit in Paris. And for good reason ! The human built park inaugurated in 1867 is located on a hill, which makes the setting absolutely magical and romantic.
You can have a tanning session in the summer or a snowball fight in the winter. The mystical experience is enhanced by the temple de la Sybille at the top of the Ile du Belvedere in the middle of the park.
I highly recommend going to the Buttes Chaumont when it’s snowing. It’ll give you strong mountain vibes in the middle of Paris!
- What for : chill, have a picnic, explore, regain strength after a good evening 😉
- Where : 19th district of Paris.
- Price : Free.
- Opening hours : 24h/24.
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Jardin des Plantes
The Jardin des Plantes is more than a garden, it’s a testimony of history. Indeed, the left bank of the Seine river of Paris is home to a 4-century-old botanical wonder.
It was actually the royal garden of medical plants back in the 17th century. You can do pretty much everything there : go for a walk, footing or visit the National Museum of Natural History.
History is everywhere, just like animals that you can run into in the Jardin des Plantes Zoo. Last but not least, this garden holds two exceptional big greenhouses that you cannot miss.
- What for : walk, run, explore the greenhouses or visit the museum and the zoo.
- Where : 5th district of Paris.
- Price : free access to the park. Greenhouse entrance : 5€. Zoo : 10€.
- Opening hours : 8am to 5:30pm.
Coulée Verte Rene Dumont
I was so pleased to run into the incredibly charming 5 kilometers tree-lined walk overlooking Paris.
It’s actually a former railway line connecting Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes which has turned into a wonderful walk among the plants and above the parisian streets.
The contrast of this elongated place makes it a must do if you wish to enter the heart of parisian life.
- What for : footing, chill, picnic, oxygenate your lungs.
- Where : 12th district of Paris.
- Price : free.
- Opening hours : 8am to 5:30pm in the winter or 9:30pm in the summer.
Jardin Albert Kahn
Want to travel to Japan without leaving the city? You can contemplate the wonders of gardening and architectural installation of the Jardin Albert Khan in Boulogne-Billancourt, in the western suburbs right next to Paris.
You’ll find beautiful red bridges, incredible plantations and paths. It was created by the idealist banker Albert Kahn more than a century ago.
It’s extremely well preserved. This is certainly due to the entrance fees and the strict instructions given to tourists.
- What for : explore and get lost in nature.
- Where : Boulogne-Billancourt. Accessible with public transports with the 10th metro line 10th.
- Price : 3€ per person.
- Opening hours : 11am to 6pm.
Parc Monceau
This picturesque place truly is a pearl in the center of Paris. The peaceful and romantic atmosphere that emanates from it makes it very family or date friendly.
You can chill on the grass in some areas or get lost in the nice aisles, romantic bridges and soothing lakes. There is even an impressive Egyptian Pyramid imitation, called the Naumachie.
- What for : walk, picnic, footing, chill, work out, date.
- Where : 8th district of Paris.
- Price : Free.
- Opening hours : 7am to 9pm.
Woman and man painting in the beautiful park with a false egyptian pyramid @ Daphné Be Frenchie.
Bois de Boulogne
I think this park no longer needs an introduction. The Bois de Boulogne is worldly known, not for the best reasons.
It is a shame because it is much more than what you hear about it : there are lots of things to do in the Bois de Boulogne. It is literally a giant wood at the western border of the capital!
You can walk in it for hours without going in circles. There are tons of walking paths, man-made lakes and even waterfalls.
It’s home to the Hippodrome Paris Longchamp and to four greenhouses, including the Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil which contains an incredible variety of plant species.
- What for : stroll, picnic, picnic, dog walk, open air theaters and all kinds of events.
- Where : 16th district of Paris and Boulogne-Billancourt.
- Price : free.
- Opening hours : 24h/24
Parc André Citroën
As its name suggests, the Parc André Citroën is located the former site of a Citroën factory. It will celebrate its 30th birthday in 2022.
In addition to the traditional facilities the best parks in Paris offer, this one is divided into visual thematic areas. There are the black garden, white garden and the central area.
The highlight is the Parc André Citroën is obviously the hot air balloon ride! This is the biggest hot air balloon in the world and it offers the second highest view of Paris after the Eiffel Tower. Crazy, right?
To add a scientific note to this mad experience, the Ballon de Paris Generali is an air quality awareness tool with pollution sensors.
- What for : stroll, picnic, games, art, balloon ride.
- Where : 15th district of Paris.
- Price : Free. Balloon ride : 14€ per adult and 7€ for children.
- Opening hours : 8am to 5:45pm.
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Jardin des Tuileries
After a visit to the Louvre or an afternoon shopping in the rue de Rivoli, you can take a nice walk in the Jardin des Tuileries. It became the “national garden” of the new french republic in 1794.
This place is ideal to visit to enjoy the fresh air and the parisian greenery. It definitely is among the 10 best parks in Paris, especially if you like royalty vibes.
- What for : stroll, footing, chill.
- Where : 1st district of Paris.
- Price : free.
- Opening hours : 7am to 9pm.
Parc Clichy Batignolles
When I was living in Clichy Batignolles, the park was at the top of my list of the best parks in Paris to picnic or workout. This recent green space is also called the Parc Martin Luther-King.
Its modernity makes it very original, with modern structures, deckchairs and sport playgrounds for kids and adults. Its rich ecosystem, with many waterfront plants, attracts birds I had never seen in Paris before!
- What for : stroll, footing, workout, picnic, kids’ play areas.
- Where : 17th district of Paris.
- Price : free.
- Opening hours : 7am to 5:45pm.
Jardin du Luxembourg
I’m sure it’s not the first time you hear about this one. In fact, this is by far the most known and the most parisian park you can find! It’s located on the left bank of the Seine, right between Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin quarter.
Marie de Medinis, the mother of Louis XIII, asked for its creation back in 1612. Within the park, there are nice statues, the notable Medici Fountain, flower gardens, but also art exhibits in the Musée du Luxembourg and the Orangerie.
- What for : walk, picnic, footing, cultivate your soul and spirit.
- Where : 6th district of Paris.
- Price : free.
- Opening hours : 7.30am to 9.30pm in the summer or 8.15am to 4.30pm in the winter.
Best parks in Paris: final thoughts
And that’s a wrap! I hope this guide of the 11 best parks in Paris inspired you to go outside and connect back with nature. Living in a big city like Paris is no excuse.
If you want to cultivate your soul after filling your lungs, I recommend visiting the alternative art exhibit at 59 Rivoli. Alternatively, if you’re nowhere near Paris but more is the southwest of France, you should visit the sunny Bordeaux.
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