Paris is known for its beautiful parks and gardens, offering a unique experience for nature lovers like yourself. Whether you are looking for a tranquil oasis, a scenic viewpoint, or a cultural attraction, you can find it in one of these 15 green spaces. Here are some of the best parks in Paris, each with its own charm and appeal.
What's interesting? The Jardin des Tuileries is a captivating blend of history, art, and nature. This iconic garden is located between the Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde, making it a perfect starting point for exploring the heart of Paris.
The park was originally created in the 16th century by Catherine de' Medici, but it was later remodeled by André Le Nôtre, the royal gardener to Louis XIV, who gave it the formal French garden style with its precise symmetry, grand alleys, and ornate statues. The Jardin des Tuileries was opened in 1667 and became a public park after the French Revolution.
The garden's central axis provides a breathtaking view that leads your gaze from the Louvre's majestic façade to the towering obelisk at Place de la Concorde. The garden also contains several attractions, such as the Musée de l'Orangerie, which houses impressionist paintings by Monet and others, or the two ponds where visitors can rent small boats.
Walking time: The Jardin des Tuileries covers approximately 63 acres, so your time here can vary. A leisurely walk through the main promenades can take about 30-45 minutes, but exploring the entire garden and its attractions can easily take a few hours.
Address: Jardin des Tuileries, Rue de Rivoli, 75001.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
What's interesting? Parc des Buttes-Chaumont offers a dramatic and naturalistic landscape that contrasts with the typical Parisian formal gardens. This enchanting park, nestled in the 19th arrondissement, was built on the site of a former quarry and a gallows, which explains its uneven terrain and dramatic scenery.
The park's centerpiece is a 98.4-feet-high man-made mountain with a temple perched on top, creating a picturesque scene reminiscent of a romantic painting. The temple was inspired by the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, Italy, and it offers a view of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica on Montmartre. A suspension bridge takes you to the top of the mountain, offering stunning panoramic views of the park's rugged cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and a serene lake below.
Walking time: To fully appreciate the park's beauty and tranquility, plan for at least 1-2 hours. However, you can easily spend more time here, especially if you choose to relax by the lake or explore its hidden corners.
Address: Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, 1 Rue Botzaris, 75019.
Parc des Princes
What's interesting? Parc des Princes is not to be confused with the stadium of the same name, which is located nearby but is not part of it. The stadium is home to Paris Saint-Germain football club and has hosted several major sporting events. The park itself is a simple green space with no remarkable features or attractions. It is located near the Bois de Boulogne in the 16th arrondissement of Paris and offers a serene environment for those seeking relaxation and leisurely walks. The park features expansive green lawns, tree-lined pathways, and several sports facilities, making it a favorite spot for locals to unwind and engage in outdoor activities.
Walking time: Depending on your preferences, you can spend a relaxing hour or more exploring the park's green spaces.
Address: Parc des Princes, Route des Tribunes, 75016.
Jardin des Plantes
What's interesting? The Jardin des Plantes is a captivating destination for both nature enthusiasts and those interested in history and science. Located in the 5th arrondissement on the left bank of the Seine River, this historic garden is home to the National Museum of Natural History, making it a unique blend of botanical beauty and educational experiences.
The garden was founded in 1635 as a royal medicinal herb garden by King Louis XIII's physician, Guy de La Brosse. The Jardin des Plantes boasts a diverse collection of plants and flowers, including themed gardens like the striking rose garden and the enchanting alpine garden. Additionally, a highlight of the garden is the Ménagerie, the city's oldest zoo, which features a range of fascinating animal exhibits.
You can also explore the area's several attractions, such as the Grandes Serres, the large greenhouses that display exotic plants from different climates, or the Galerie de l’Évolution, the Gallery of Evolution, which showcases a collection of animal specimens and skeletons.
Walking time: Depending on your interests and the areas you choose to explore, a visit to the Jardin des Plantes can range from one to three hours or more.
Address: Jardin des Plantes, 57 Rue Cuvier, 75005.
Bois de Boulogne
What's interesting? Bois de Boulogne, often referred to as the "Lungs of Paris," is a sprawling oasis of nature and tranquility on the city's western edge. It covers over 2,000 acres and offers a diverse range of outdoor activities and scenic beauty. This Paris park features serene lakes, dense forests, walking and cycling trails, as well as beautiful gardens. You can rent rowboats, go horseback riding, or simply take a leisurely stroll along its tree-lined avenues.
Bois de Boulogne is also home to several cultural attractions, including the Fondation Louis Vuitton, which showcases contemporary art in a stunning architectural setting. It also contains two horse racing tracks, the Hippodrome de Longchamp and the Hippodrome d’Auteuil, as well as a botanical garden, the Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil.
Walking time: Given the vastness of Bois de Boulogne, you can spend several hours or even an entire day exploring its natural wonders and cultural attractions.
Address: Bois de Boulogne, 75016.
Parc de la Villette
What's interesting? Parc de la Villette is a modern and innovative urban park located in the 19th arrondissement. What sets it apart is its contemporary architectural design and diverse cultural offerings. Parc de la Villette is also the largest park in Paris, covering 136 acres. The park features striking red structures, including the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, a science museum, and the Cité de la Musique, a music museum. You can also explore themed gardens, open lawns, and canals that wind through the park.
Walking time: Depending on your interests and the activities you choose to engage in, exploring Parc de la Villette can take 1-3 hours or more.
Address: Parc de la Villette, 211 Avenue Jean Jaurès, 75019.
Parc Montsouris
What's interesting? Parc Montsouris is a charming and peaceful park nestled in the 14th arrondissement. Its centerpiece is a serene lake surrounded by lush green lawns and mature trees. The park's English-style landscaping provides a relaxed and natural atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for picnics, leisurely walks, and outdoor sports like jogging or petanque. You can also find a charming stone bridge and a variety of bird species around the lake.
This famous Paris park is a delightful retreat for both locals and visitors seeking a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Parc Montsouris was designed by Jean-Charles Alphand, the same engineer who created Parc des Buttes-Chaumont and Bois de Boulogne. It also contains a meteorological station and an observatory, as well as a sculpture garden with works by Auguste Rodin and others.
Walking time: You can enjoy a leisurely walk around the park's pathways and lake in about 1-2 hours, but feel free to linger and savor the peaceful ambiance.
Address: Parc Montsouris, 2 Rue Gazan, 75014.
More things to do in Paris
Parc de Belleville
What's interesting? Parc de Belleville offers a unique and elevated perspective of Paris from its hilltop location in the 20th arrondissement. This park is known for its artistic and thematic gardens, including terraced vineyards, sculptures, and a beautiful waterfall. The design of Parc de Belleville reflects the multicultural spirit of the neighborhood and showcases a diverse range of plants and flowers. The park's highlight is the stunning panoramic city view from the Belvédère de Belleville, a terrace at the area's highest point. It's a perfect spot for taking in the skyline and capturing memorable photos. The park is also the highest one in Paris, with an elevation of 354 feet. It also has a cultural center, La Maison de l'Air, which educates visitors about air quality and environmental issues. Additionally, the park hosts an annual jazz festival, Jazz à la Villette, every September.
Walking time: Exploring the entire park, including the themed gardens and enjoying the panoramic view, may take 1.5-2 hours.
Address: Parc de Belleville, 47 Rue des Couronnes, 75020.
Parc Expo Porte de Versailles
What's interesting? While primarily known as an exhibition center, Parc des Expositions de la Porte de Versailles also includes green spaces and a contemporary garden dedicated to landscape architecture. The area features innovative, eco-friendly designs, showcasing different landscaping techniques and sustainable practices. It's an excellent place to explore modern gardening concepts and appreciate the intersection of nature and urban development. The park is also the largest exhibition center in France, with a total surface area of 708,661 square miles. It hosts some of the most important trade shows and fairs in Paris, such as the Paris Motor Show, the Paris Book Fair, and the Paris International Agricultural Show.
Walking time: The time you spend in the garden can vary, but a visit to explore the green spaces and the garden can take around 1-1.5 hours.
Address: Parc des Expositions de la Porte de Versailles, 1 Place de la Porte de Versailles, 75015.
Parc Floral de Paris
What's interesting? Parc Floral de Paris is a beautiful botanical garden located in the Bois de Vincennes in the 12th arrondissement. It's renowned for its diverse collection of plants and flowers, making it a paradise for botany enthusiasts. The park has a butterfly house, where you can observe different species of butterflies in their natural habitat. There's also a delightful playground for children and a small train that takes you on a scenic park tour.
Parc Floral de Paris features themed gardens, including a Japanese garden and a rose garden, showcasing a stunning array of botanical specimens. Throughout the year, the park hosts a wide range of events and festivals, including concerts and art exhibitions.
Walking time: Depending on your level of interest in plants and gardens, a visit to Parc Floral de Paris can range from 2-4 hours or more.
Address: Parc Floral de Paris, Route de la Pyramide, 75012.
Square du Vert-Galant
What's interesting? The Square du Vert-Galant is a small but charming park located on the western tip of the Île de la Cité in the 1st arrondissement. This tranquil oasis is named after King Henry IV, known as the "Green Gallant" for his many romantic escapades. The park provides a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle, offering a relaxing atmosphere with tree-lined paths, benches, and a lovely view of the Seine River. It's an ideal spot for a leisurely walk, a picnic, or simply taking in the serene ambiance.
The square is also located on the site of two former islands, the Île aux Juifs and the Île à la Gourdaine, which were merged with the Île de la Cité in 1607. It also has a plaque commemorating Jacques de Molay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar, who was burned at the stake on this spot in 1314.
Walking time: Exploring the entire square may only take about 15-30 minutes, but it's a great place to pause and unwind during a visit to Île de la Cité.
Address: Square du Vert-Galant, 75001.
Parc de Bercy
What's interesting? Parc de Bercy is a dynamic park located in the 12th arrondissement near the Bercy Village shopping district. Divided into three distinct sections, the park offers a range of experiences. The Romantic Garden, or Parc Saint-Émilion, features lush greenery and meandering pathways, creating a tranquil and picturesque environment. The Flowerbeds Garden, or Parc de la Cinémathèque, showcases vibrant seasonal flowers and a beautiful rose garden. The Modern Garden, or Parc du Belvédère, provides a stark contrast with its geometric design, reflecting a contemporary urban style.
In addition to its gardens, Parc de Bercy also has playgrounds, vineyards, and open lawns for relaxation. The park also has a cinema museum, La Cinémathèque Française, which is housed in a building designed by Frank Gehry. Additionally, the park hosts a skatepark, one of the largest in Paris.
Walking time: To explore all three gardens and enjoy the variety they offer, plan for at least 1.5-2 hours.
Address: Parc de Bercy, 41 Rue Paul Belmondo, 75012.
Parc André Citroën
What's interesting? Parc André Citroën is an innovative park situated in the 15th arrondissement along the banks of the Seine River. It's known for its unique design, architectural elements, and technological features. The park offers a serene environment with themed gardens, water features, and a calming atmosphere. One of its highlights is the tethered helium balloon, which provides visitors with stunning aerial views of Paris. The park is also built on the site of a former Citroën car factory, which gives it its name. It also has six themed gardens, each representing a continent and featuring plants from that region. Parc André Citroën combines contemporary landscaping with relaxation and outdoor activities, making it a delightful destination for both locals and tourists.
Walking time: Depending on your interests and whether you choose to ride the helium balloon, you can spend from one to three hours exploring the park.
Address: Parc André Citroën, 2 Rue Cauchy, 75015.
Parc Georges Brassens
What’s interesting? Parc Georges Brassens, located in the 15th arrondissement, is a serene and tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle. The park was built on the site of a former slaughterhouse, which explains the presence of sculptures of bulls and horses. It is named after the famous French singer Georges Brassens, who has a statue dedicated to him in the park. The park features beautiful green lawns, walking paths, and a pond where you can observe ducks and swans. You can also learn about beekeeping and honey production in the beehive area, or visit the charming vineyard. On weekends, a small book market takes place along the park's edges. It’s a perfect place to unwind, read a book, or enjoy a leisurely stroll.
Walking time: Exploring Parc Georges Brassens can take about 1-1.5 hours.
Address: Parc Georges Brassens, 2 Place Jacques Marette, 75015.
Promenade Plantée
What's interesting? The Promenade Plantée, also known as the Coulée Verte René-Dumont, is a unique linear park that stretches along a disused railway viaduct in the 12th arrondissement. This elevated park offers a different perspective on Paris, taking you above the city’s streets and providing glimpses into residential neighborhoods. Lined with trees, shrubs, and flowers, the Promenade Plantée is a peaceful and green oasis in the heart of the city. You can enjoy a leisurely walk or jog along its elevated pathways, which are adorned with sculptures and art installations. The park was inspired by the High Line in New York City, another elevated park built on an old railway line. It also passes through several historical sites, such as the Bastille Opera House, the Viaduc des Arts, and the Jardin de Reuilly.
Walking time: A leisurely stroll along the Promenade Plantée can take about 1.5-2 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to admire the scenery.