In comparison to London or Madrid, together with a number of the other major cities in Europe, Paris is not exactly “green.” Just under 10% of the city can be called green, compared to a third of London but also almost half of Vienna.
The government of Paris is trying to build additional tree lined paths and green spaces in the following decade. Many gorgeous, historical Paris parks provide a retreat from modern life.
Best Parks in Paris
You may go for a walk down a river, have a relaxing cookout, enjoy the sunny day, or choose a location which is especially abundant in wildlife and plants at one of the beautiful gardens or parks in this lineup.
No matter what you’re searching for, one of the best parks in Paris will meet your needs.
This list includes green spaces for all types of activities, including riverside strolls, relaxed picnic areas, outdoor exercising, and locations with particularly diverse plants and animals.
The renowned City of Light may offer a variety of magical activities, however these Paris gardens and parks must represent some of the French capital’s most breathtaking attractions.
1. Jardin du Luxembourg
Did you know that Jardin du Luxembourg stands for “Luxembourg Gardens” in English? Here, Parisians are resting in the sunshine and engaging in sports and games at the famed Left Bank park.
This public garden also houses the Musée du Luxembourg, a delightful tiny museum, and also the famous Palais de Luxembourg.
The palace was erected during the early seventeenth century to honor Marie de Médici, Louis XIII’s mother.
The Luxembourg gardens is one of many of beautiful parks and gardens you can find within Paris.
Marie de Medici, Henri IV’s wife as well as Louis XIII’s mother, made the acquisition of the property in 1612 with the intention of constructing a regal residence that was modeled after Florence, where she was born and raised. The estate that she constructed served as royal living quarters until the outbreak of the French Revolution.
Afterwards, it was designated a National Palace in 1791, and it soon had become the center of the French government, housing the Senate, the House of Peers, along with the Directoire.
What’s it good for?
The boat pond is surrounded by an abundance of sunbathing spaces, intense games of chess, and fun pastimes for children.
Location:
You can find the Jardin du Luxembourg in between the Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Prés. The address of the Luxembourg Gardens is:
Boulevard Saint-Michel, Ile-de-France, Paris, France.
Open:
Depending on the season, Jardin du Luxembourg opens at 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. and closes at 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.
2. Parc du Champ-de-Mars
This vast green space is a public park where you can feast your eyes upon the Eiffel Tower.
Such an enormous park is usually bustling with locals and visitors alike, which might be something fun if you like social gatherings.
Visit one of the many beautiful parks you can find in Paris while looking at the Eiffel tower.
The Parc du Champ-de-Mars, was opened in 1780, stretches through the École Militaire from the Eiffel Tower. It is a popular location for major national events and provides the best view of said capital’s famous monument, the Eiffel Tower.
Parisians as well as travelers eat on its grounds, make music, and marvel at the grand monument as its shimmering lights emanate during the night.
What’s it good for?
You may experience how it is to live in the French capital in this park. Relax, wander, lunch, and frolic within the lovely gardens in view of the Eiffel Tower. Parc du Champ de Mars spreads love throughout the people with how much intermingling happens here.
Location:
This public park is located in between the École Militaire and Eiffel Tower. The address of the Field of Mars is:
2 Allée Adrienne Lecouvreur, Paris, France
Open:
The Champ-de-Mars Park is open all day every day unless stated otherwise.
3. Parc des Buttes Chaumont
The lovely Parc des Buttes Chaumont has boat renting on the lake, horse plus donkey rides, playgrounds, a café that has an outdoor patio, entertainers and puppeteers, and much more. It might be one of the best parks and gardens in Paris for children of all ages.
The park’s topography was designed to emphasize natural elements like as waterfalls and cliffs, which gives the place a mythical feel.
Concrete railings fashioned to resemble wood logs testifies to the high level of workmanship that ended up going into this astonishing park.
Napoleon III seized the local slums to create this park to improve it. Within 17 years, Napoleon III created 4,950 acres of woodlands, parks and gardens and somehow also cultivated 600,000 trees.
Baron Haussman envisioned this gorgeous Paris park. Surprisingly, explosive charges created the embankments, lakes, and grottos.
What’s it good for?
Having picnics, taking in the breathtaking views overlooking the 19th, and sipping aperitifs in the lively park bar known as Rosa Bonheur.
Location:
This public park may be found within the 19th arrondissement of Paris, which is located in northeast Paris. The address is:
1 Rue Botzaris, Paris, France
Open:
The Parc des Buttes Chaumont is open from 07:00 a.m. until 09:00 p.m.
4. Parc de la Villette
It might be viewed of as arguably one of Earth’s biggest structures ever built.
Parc de La Villette is what is called a “deconstructed” structure, but even so it’s still a single structure, that overlays the area’s existing characteristics and outlining new activity.
It rejects Olmstead’s scenery premise, popular throughout the nineteenth century, that the city isn’t supposed to be a thing while you’re within the park.
But instead, the park is proposing a cultural and social one with activities such as workshops, a gym with included bathing facilities, concerts, exhibitions, playgrounds, games, science experiments, and friendly competitions.
You may even explore the Cité de la Musique or the Museum of Science and Technology here. In the summer, the expansive playing fields transform into an open-air movie house seating 3,000 people.
The park presently receives around millions of visitors annually.
Tschumi, a French-Swiss architect, conceptualized the park like that of a deconstructed structure. He asserted that it was far more important to him to think with the urban component of parks in mind rather than with the natural aspect. In 1983, Tschumi achieved victory in an international designing contest for northern Paris’s Parc de la Villette.
President Francois Mitterrand’s proposal for the cultural and economic development of an partly industrial zone adjoining the city’s northeast neighborhoods incorporated the project.
The proposal sought for a 21st century urban park that was capable of housing a sophisticated program of recreational and cultural activities.
What’s it good for?
The Parc de la Villette offers a variety of cultural and artistic programs, in addition to educational and scientific programs, along with recreation and entertainment.
Location:
The Parc de la Villette has been the third most expansive parks around Paris, covering approximately 55.5 hectares and situated along the city’s northeastern outskirts within the 19th arrondissement. The exact address of the park is:
211 Avenue Jean Jaurès, Paris, France
Open:
You may visit the park from 6am to 1am every day. It is prohibited to be on site after 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. except if some sort of special permission is given.
5. Jardin d’acclimatation
The 18-hectare amusement park within the Bois de Boulogne known as the Jardin d’Acclimatation allows people in throughout the year.
Starting 2018, experience or revisit this Napoleonic amusement park with freshly updated attractions, rehabilitated historical treasures, and enhanced scenery.
Reap the benefits of all 40 attractions, notably four large roller coasters; see the Park’s small zoo that contains 400 animals; and dine at one of the 12 restaurants for a memorable day out.
There’s a lot that fits in this garden within the Bois de Boulogne. You’ll have so much fun in one of the most entertaining places out of the many parks and gardens in Paris!
One pair, namely Emperor Napoléon III along with Empress Eugénie, had the idea for the Jardin d’Acclimatation back in the day.
Influenced by a visit to Hyde Park in London, they realized the Parisian goal of a parkland for amusement and relaxation on the outskirts of the vast Bois de Boulogne.
To realize their vision, the Emperor enlisted the help of people who were drastically altering Paris together at time.
They pooled their skills to build an expansive park that would eventually serve as a shining achievement for the city. This place is one of many amazing themed gardens you can find in Paris!
What’s it good for?
Long weaving pathways, majestic trees, lush meadows, and hills dotted by cherry trees combine to produce a natural landscape that will interest those seeking tranquility and those seeking adventure. There is also a large amusement park with over 40 rides for you to enjoy.
Location:
Situated between Porte des Sablons and Porte de Neuilly, you’ll find this amusement park on the outer edges of the Bois de Boulogne.
Open:
These are the specific opening times for Le Jardin d’Acclimatation:
- Weekdays except Wednesdays: 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.
- Wednesday: 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
- Weekends and holidays: 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.
6. Parc floral de Paris
The gorgeous botanical garden that can be found on the inside of the sizeable Bois de Vincennes is one of its most notable features.
Garden enthusiasts are wowed by the natural landscape, the amazing bonsai pavilion, a beautiful azalea garden, plus many ponds containing lotuses and water lilies.
Visitors to one of Paris’ most entertaining parks and gardens who are accompanying small children may be thrilled by one of, if not, Paris’ biggest play areas.
There are indeed a variety of other activities available as well, such as jazz concerts, table tennis, an obstacle course, and minigolf with a Parisian theme.
When it was first developed, the Parc Floral de Paris served as something of a royal park as well as hunting area. Following the French Revolution, this park was used as a military training field.
The area that would become Parc Floral de Paris was still under military administration long after the second World War.
However, this was despite Napoleon III’s subsequent decision to turn the Bois de Vincennes into such a grand public park. Thanks to Napoleon III, Bois de Vincennes is the largest park in Paris.
In the late 1960s, Paris was in need of a venue to host the Floralies, a large international flower exhibition. And thus, in 1969, the Parc Floral de Paris came into being encompassed by the Bois de Vincennes.
French architect Daniel Collin was in charge of the overall design, although he had help from a number of other people when it came to the botanical garden and its many sections. The park itself was designed with a strong nod to Japanese aesthetics.
What’s it good for?
This area is fantastic for not just wandering, but also for mingling with others. There are several places for kids to play at this botanical garden and park.
During the summertime, the park hosts a wide variety of free activities, including summer jazz concerts.
Location:
This park is located near Château de Vincennes within Bois de Vincennes, which is at:
Route de la Pyramide, Paris, France
Open:
The park is open all year round every single day. It opens at 9:30 a.m. and the closing time depends on the season.
7. Parc Montsouris
People don’t flock to this particular park in southeastern Paris, but that’s a good thing for those who dislike crowds. In any case, it’s a beautiful park and a great addition to the city.
Everything you need for a fun day is right here, while the sole evidence of the bustling city life merely some meters towards the surrounding neighborhoods and the rumbling of the suburban train line traversing past the park.
Located in the heart of the city, Montsouris is a vast green space that is ideal for a stroll. However, you may still do everything you normally would in a park, such as mimicking Parisian ladies by sunbathing in your swimwear as when the sunlight starts shining or relaxing quietly on any of the expansive meadows.
This park was developed as a consequence of Napoleon III’s plan of developing, within Paris, an urban park at each of the tips of the compass’ four points. It was during the years 1867 to 1878 that Parc Montsouris was constructed on the plain with an identical name.
The name Montsouris is a misspelling of the historic title for the area, Moquesouris, which means “mouse mocker.”
This is a nod to the old windmills of the area, which were originally particularly appealing to mice but had since been neglected.
What’s it good for?
Birdwatching is something of a great idea in this park due to the amount of birds you can find around. All kinds of swan, duck, and fowl live in this area so you can be sure you’ll find them nearby.
Location:
The park is found at:
2 Rue Gazan, Paris, France
Open:
Here are the opening times for the park during certain periods:
- From November 1 to March 31: 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.
- From 1 April to 31 October: 7 a.m. until 9 p.m.
8. Jardin des Tuileries
The Tuileries Park, which was founded by Queen Catherine de Medici in 1564. This place is often regarded as the earliest public garden within Paris.
Before Catherine’s time, this was a swamp where tiling for Paris’s roofs were manufactured in the Tuileries.
The Jardin des Tuileries houses a the turbulent history, but that can’t stop you from celebrating its current role as an oasis of tranquility in the city center.
These peaceful gardens conceal quite a violent past. Following being driven from Versailles amid the French Revolution, Louis the XVI & Marie Antoinette became imprisoned inside the palace. Then, the assault in the Tuileries from the Parisian crowd at the end of the revolt in 1893 killed a thousand people.
Following the Paris Commune, the once-grand Tuileries Palace became plundered and destroyed again. Long after, the peaceful Tuileries Gardens were among the earliest to open to visitors and became a model for public gardens throughout Europe.
Even back then, the gardens included cafés and kiosks for people of any and all socioeconomic levels might gather and rest. The vast gardens were recently renovated and are now part of the expanded Louvre & Grand Axis view.
What’s it good for?
The two ponds in the grounds are great spots to unwind in one of many amazing themed gardens in the French capital. In the southwest corner of the Tuileries sits the Musée de l’Orangerie, where tourists may view Monet’s artwork.
Free French-language excursions are offered from March to December. From June until August, the Fête des Tuileries will appeal to those who adore cotton candy and amusement park attractions.
Location:
The Tuileries Garden, also known as the Jardin des Tuileries, is located within the 1st Arrondissement of Paris, in close proximity to both the Louvre as well as the Place de la Concorde. Its exact address is:
Pl. de la Concorde, Paris, France
Open:
These are the opening times for the Jardin des Tuileries during specific months:
- From October to March: 7:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.
- On April, May, & September: 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.
- From June to August: 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m.
9. Parc de Bagatelle and Bois de Boulogne
Parc de Bagatelle is only one of many gardens that comprise the wondrous botanical gardens of Paris. It is home to a spectacular rose garden that has under 10,000 individual plants.
So if you’re a fan of flowers, or roses specifically, the rose gardens here will be something you might want to see.
Located on the western edge of Paris, the popular Bois de Boulogne is an expansive park that spans a space of 845 hectares and is a veritable sanctuary for anyone who wants to spend some time in the great outdoors.
The well-kept gardens of said Parc de Bagatelle may be found in the center of the vast Bois de Boulogne, which is a large forest to the western part of Paris, a short distance from Neuilly-sur-Seine or Suresnes.
Bagatelle is famous not just for its breathtakingly beautiful landscape but as well as its two rose gardens.
Are you aware that the lovely castle that surrounds the parkland was erected in 1777 by the architect Bélanger in response to a wager among both Queen Marie Antoinette with the Count of Artois, her brother-in-law?
The bet was that the Count couldn’t fix up the property before she returned from a long trip. The Count accepted the task of completing the structure in fewer than one hundred days, but the expense was so high that it gained the moniker “Folie d’Artois.” It has become one of the most beautiful out of the many parks and gardens in Paris.
What’s it good for?
In Bois de Boulogne, there are several amenities built for everyone. The amenities include play areas for young children, picnic spots, the Musée en Herbe, bicycle or boat rentals on the serene Lac Inférieur, the Longchamp and Auteuil race courses, restaurants, as well as the amusing Théâtre de Verdure.
In Bagatelle Park, visitors may marvel at the spectacular rose garden, which has about 10,000 rose bushes of 1,200 various varieties. Throughout the summer, the park offers a variety of exhibits and activities, in addition to classical music performances.
Location:
A sizable park called the Bois de Boulogne may be found on the west side of Paris’s 16th arrondissement. At the center of the aforementioned park lies the Parc de Bagatelle.
Open:
The opening times for the Bois de Boulogne are as follows:
- November to February: 9:30am until 5:00 p.m.
- March and October: 9:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.
- April to September: 9:30am until 8:00 p.m.
10. Parc Georges Brassens
With the flowing river, modest bridge, and even the belvedere, this park can be a nice, calm spot to wander.
It also has lovely trees, unusual bird species, stunning sculptures, a vineyard, along with a beehive.
This honey is offered here once monthly on Saturday.
Parents take their children to this park to indulge in the puppet show, pony rides, and swings.
The Monfort Théâtre, located in the heart of this same park, presents a diverse and modern program that includes theater, dance, and a circus.
There is also a book market for bibliophiles to discover new pieces of literature to bring home.
This is a one of the calmest and most comfortable out of the numerous parks and gardens in Paris.
Consider going here if you need somewhere to unwind and take in the fresh air.
During 1894 through 1897, markets as well as a slaughterhouse have been constructed there; from 1969 to 1979, they were eventually shut down.
Although engineers revealed that the land was problematic owing to the existence of defunct quarries as well as might have required significant modifications, the city of Paris chose to develop a park rather than after first considering utilizing the location for housing projects or a sporting facility.
What’s it good for?
The park’s centerpiece is a sizable pond that is surrounded by greenery and tree groves. A simple rose garden as well as a nice garden of exotic plants are also included inside the park.
A winding creek, vineyard, and a tangle of man-made rocks for kids to climb may be found upon the park’s sloped hill. There are several beehives atop the highest are of the park.
Location:
The park sits in Paris’s 15th arrondissement, close to the grand Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. Its exact address is:
2 Place Jacques Marette, Paris, France
Open:
The opening hours of this park are as follows:
- Weekdays: 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
- Weekends: 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
11. Jardins du Palais Royal
Royals used to reside in this area of central Paris prior to the building of the Palace of Versailles.
Big organizations including the Conseil d’État, the Comédie Française theatre, and the Ministry of Culture currently call the structures of the Palais Royal home.
There is a tranquil garden at the center of this spectacular architectural complex. It’s the ideal location for strolling under the chestnut and lime trees or for reading a novel next to the main pool.
Additionally, there are modern pieces here like the well-known Buren Columns or fountain by Bury.
Also available are shopping at the stores located beneath the arcades and dining in one of the longest-standing restaurants in Paris, the Grand Véfour.
Palais Cardinal seemed to be the original name of the palace, which was constructed in about 1629 by Jacques Lemercier for the Cardinal Richelieu.
The palace was left to the throne by Richelieu. So when this palace was expanded in the late 18th century, the palace’s garden was walled and shrunk.
The Jardin du Palais Royal may have been the busiest area in Paris by 1789. People come here to learn about the most recent political rumors or news. Discussions, conversations, drinking, and sometimes even games took place here.
What’s it good for?
The Jardins du Palais Royal is the ideal place to relax, reflect, and enjoy a meal amid boxed shrubbery. You can also explore throughout the three gorgeous arcades that surround the park.
Location:
The garden of the Palais-Royal is only a short distance from the crowded Louvre, and hidden behind a courtyard. You can find this place at:
43 Rue de Valois, Paris, France
Open:
Jardins du Palais Royal is open every day all day, so visit whenever you please.
12. Parc Monceau
Parc Monceau, among the most magnificent parks in Paris, reflects the area. Guests can access the park via the massive wrought metal gates adorned with gold.
Traveling through the parkland, you’ll come across various sculptures, a Renaissance gateway from the previous Paris City Hall, magnificent trees, a diverse range of birds, as well as a huge pond.
Parc Monceau is bordered by opulent residences and luxury structures, such as the Musée Cernuschi.
You may find that this is a tranquil and lovely park used by both locals and visitors alike.
Parc Monceau was established in 1778 on the behest of King Louis XVI’s relative, Phillippe d”Orléans, the Duke of Chartres at the time, who hoped to build a park which would astound and surprise everyone who went through the gates by emphasizing his diverse taste in environmental design as well as architecture.
What’s it good for?
You may appreciate the park’s stunning beauty, bird diversity, and tranquillity. Parc Monceau’s statues, gravel path, and stunning panoramas of the outdoors make it a great destination for a relaxing day or a late afternoon walk with relatives or even friends.
Location:
Parc Monceau is located within Paris’s 8th arrondissement. The park’s exact address is:
35 Boulevard de Courcelles, Paris, France
Open:
This park’s operational hours vary depending on the season, which is as follows:
- Summer: 7 a.m. until 10 p.m.
- Winter: 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.
FAQ
What is the best park in Paris?
According to a large number of locals and visitors alike, they say that the Jardin des Plantes is the best out of all the parks in Paris. Upwards of 10,000 species may be found in the charming botanical garden of the city, which also has rose, winter, as well as an Alpine garden plus tropical greenhouses.
The royal medical garden of the Jardin des Plantes was established by Louis XIII’s physician in 1626, and the public was allowed access in 1640. Said garden looks like a scene from an old cartoon within the official garden.
A monument atop the ancient laboratory proclaims that Henri Becquerel detected radioactivity within the Jardin des Plantes in 1896, in addition to the Ménagerie, which is a small zoo.
If you ever want to visit the parks and gardens of Paris, then ensure you visit the Jardin des Plantes.
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What is the main park in Paris?
There isn’t only one of Paris main parks. The top parks around Paris offer a wide range of flora, fauna, and attractions. Along with parks devoted to landscaping artwork and design, you can visit parks with substantial offerings of native or exotic flora, ecological museums, plus walking trails.
One of Paris’s biggest parks, Bois de Vincennes has many gardens, a zoo, a velodrome, a hippodrome, an English landscape garden, as well as many more attractions.
However, the biggest park in Paris is Bois de Boulogne. This park is of a greater size than New York’s Central Park and even London’s Hyde Park.
The parkland, which is dominated by cedars, also has other, more diverse flora and two large lakes that are connected by a pretty waterfall.
Due to the park’s size and the fact that it will require many hours to explore, we advise only visitors who are staying longer than an entire week in Paris should visit this park.
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What month is the best to visit the Tuileries gardens in Paris?
Tuileries Garden is an essential place to visit within Paris. It isn’t a go-to spot only for its lovely environment, like the French formal garden, but also due to the strategic positioning. This should be the spot to go if you want a lush oasis, statues, and fountains inside the city center.
The greatest period to visit the Tuileries Gardens is during the summer and fall, especially from March through September. The landscape is extraordinarily lush throughout this season, and also the flowers would be at the pinnacle of blooming.
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Conclusion
When you’re in search of the best parks and gardens in Paris to visit, remember the ones in this article. However, remember that there are many other gardens or parks that aren’t listed that you can go to. There’s an elevated park, one with a hot air balloon show, and even a place with romantic scenery!
Brunch in the 14ème Paris
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