Paris’ Green Escapes: Must-Visit Parks for Nature Lovers

Paris is renowned for its stunning architecture, world-class museums, rich history, and iconic landmarks. However, the city also has some of the prettiest parks you will ever visit. From sprawling gardens to charming hidden gems, the city has a lot to offer to nature lovers. If you want to escape the bustling city or a place to relax and people-watch, Paris has a park for everyone. Parisians and tourists alike flock to these parks to enjoy the beautiful scenery and take a break from their busy lives. In this article, we mention the information about some of the best parks in Paris that you must visit if you ever get the opportunity to. If you feel hungry after exploring these parks, you can also treat yourself to some of the best fine dining experiences that Paris has to offer.

Best Parks in Paris

Tuileries Garden

Located in the heart of Paris, the Tuileries Garden is one of the most famous parks in the city. The garden was created in the 16th century by Catherine de Medici, the wife of King Henry II. Originally, it was used as a royal garden, but it was later opened to the public in the 17th century. The garden covers an area of 28 hectares and is located between the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde.
The Tuileries Garden is famous for its beautiful statues, fountains, and ponds. The garden is also home to the Musée de l’Orangerie, which houses a collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, including Claude Monet’s famous Water Lilies. The garden is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Luxembourg Gardens

The Luxembourg Gardens is one of the best parks to visit in Paris and is located in the 6th arrondissement. The garden was created in 1612 by Marie de Medici, the widow of King Henry IV. The garden covers an area of 25 hectares and is known for its beautiful flowerbeds, sculptures, and fountains.
Highlights:
The Medici Fountain was built in the 17th century. The fountain is surrounded by beautiful greenery and is a popular spot for snapping photos. The park also has a large pond where visitors can rent small sailboats and enjoy a peaceful ride.

Champ de Mars

The Champ de Mars is a large public park located near the Eiffel Tower. The park covers an area of 24.5 hectares and was created in the 18th century. The park is named after the Roman god of war, Mars, and was used as a military parade ground in the past.
Today, the Champ de Mars is a popular spot for picnics, sports, and concerts. Visitors can also enjoy a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower from the park. During the summer months, the park is filled with people enjoying the sunshine and taking in the sights and sounds of Paris.

Jardin des Plantes

The Jardin des Plantes is a botanical garden located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris. The garden was created in the 17th century and covers an area of 23.5 hectares. The garden is home to a wide variety of plants, including over 10,000 species.
Highlights:
The Grande Galerie de L’Evolution is a museum that showcases the diversity of the animal world. The museum has over 7,000 specimens on display, including skeletons, fossils, and taxidermied animals. The garden is also home to several greenhouses, including the historic winter garden.

Bois de Boulogne

The Bois de Boulogne is a sprawling park located in the west of Paris. Originally a hunting ground for French kings, the park was transformed into a public park in the 19th century by Napoleon III. Today, the Bois de Boulogne covers 845 hectares and features a variety of attractions, including two lakes, a botanical garden, and several restaurants.
Renting a rowboat and paddling around the Lac Inférieur is possibly the most popular activity in this park. The park is also home to several museums, including the Fondation Louis Vuitton and the Musée en Herbe, which is a children’s museum. In addition, the Bois de Boulogne is a popular spot for joggers, cyclists, and horseback riders.

Château de Versailles

While not technically located in Paris, the Château de Versailles is a must-visit park for anyone spending time in the city. The palace and gardens were built by Louis XIV in the 17th century and served as the seat of the French monarchy until the French Revolution. The gardens, which cover 800 hectares, are considered one of the greatest achievements of French landscape gardening. Visitors can explore the gardens on foot, by bike, or by renting a golf cart.

Highlights:
The Grand Canal at this park was used for boating and water spectacles during the time of Louis XIV. In addition to the gardens, the palace itself shows the characteristics of French Baroque architecture and is filled with priceless works of art and furniture.

Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Parks in Paris

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Located in the northeast part of Paris, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a hidden gem that is often overlooked by tourists. The park was created in the 19th century on a former gypsum quarry, and it’s known for its unique topography. The park’s central feature is a man-made lake that is surrounded by steep cliffs, waterfalls, and a towering temple on an island in the middle of the lake.
The park is a popular spot for picnics and leisurely strolls, and it also features several walking paths, a suspension bridge, and a grotto. One of the best things about Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is that it offers spectacular panoramic views of the city from its elevated location.

Parc Monceau

Parc Monceau is a charming and picturesque park located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. It was created in the 18th century for the Duke of Chartres, and it features a mix of English and French landscaping styles. The park is known for its romantic atmosphere, with its winding paths, ornate bridges, and tranquil ponds.
One of the highlights of Parc Monceau is the variety of sculptures and architectural features scattered throughout the park, including a Roman colonnade, a Chinese pagoda, and a miniature Egyptian pyramid. The park also has a small pond where visitors can rent boats for a leisurely ride.

Promenade Plantée

The Promenade Plantée is a unique park in Paris that was created on a former railway viaduct. The park stretches for nearly 5 km from the Place de la Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes, and it’s known for its elevated walkways and greenery. The park features a mix of some of the best Paris gardens, lawns, and tree-lined paths that offer stunning views of the city.
The Promenade Plantée is a popular spot for joggers, cyclists, and walkers, and it also has several seating areas where visitors can relax and enjoy the views. One of the must-see features of the park is the Viaduc des Arts, a series of arches underneath the viaduct that is home to numerous artisan shops and galleries.

Parc de Belleville

Parc de Belleville is a large park located in the Belleville neighborhood of Paris. The park was created in the early 20th century and it offers sweeping views of the city from its elevated location. The park is known for its terraced gardens, which are filled with a variety of flowers and plants.
Highlights:
Parc de Belleville is the large waterfall that cascades down the hillside, creating a soothing atmosphere. The park also has several walking paths, a playground, and a cultural center that hosts various events and exhibitions throughout the year.

Planning Your Visit

• Best time of year to visit the parks in Paris

The best time to visit the parks in Paris is during the spring and summer months, from April to September. The sun is out and the weather is warm enough, parks are in full bloom. However, this is also the busiest time of year, so expect crowds and plan accordingly. If you prefer a quieter experience, visit in the fall or winter, when the crowds thin out and the parks take on a serene, peaceful atmosphere.

• Tips for navigating the parks and avoiding crowds

To avoid crowds, visit the parks early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Most of the parks in Paris are open from dawn to dusk, so plan your visit accordingly. If you’re visiting on a weekend or during a holiday, expect larger crowds and plan to arrive early. Be prepared to walk and wear comfortable shoes, as many of the parks are quite large. You may also want to bring a picnic or snacks, as food options within the parks can be limited.

• Recommended activities and events in the parks

There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Paris’s parks. From picnicking to jogging, to attending outdoor concerts and festivals, there’s something for everyone. You can rent a boat at the Bois de Boulogne or take a hot air balloon ride at Parc André Citroën. Some of the parks also offer guided tours, an amazing way to learn more about the park’s history and architecture.

• Information on accessibility and facilities in the parks

Most of Paris’s parks are accessible to all, with paved paths and wheelchair ramps. However, some of the parks have hilly terrain, so remember that you have to be physically active if you plan to explore them. Many of the parks also offer restrooms, playgrounds, and picnic areas. If you have specific accessibility needs, be sure to check the park’s website or contact them directly for more information.

• Advice on packing and preparing for a day in the parks

When visiting the parks in Paris, it’s important to come prepared. Bring comfortable shoes, a water bottle, and a hat or sunscreen if you’re visiting during the summer months. You may also want to bring a backpack or tote bag to carry your snacks, picnic blanket, and any other essentials. Remember, you should bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery!

Although Paris is popular for its stunning monuments, cafes, and rich cultural heritage, its parks are equally as impressive and worth exploring. Whether you are planning a fun day out with the family or simply want to soak up some sun, these Parisian parks are great. From rare alpine plants to rowing on a lake, these parks offer a little something for everyone and are a must-visit for anyone traveling to Paris. Add these to your itinerary on your next trip to Paris! If you’re searching for other activities, Paris rivers are also an option! You can check the Paris river cruises details here!

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