A tour to the most beautiful parks in Paris for those who are traversing France

Discover the enchanting parks in Paris, where lush greenery and serene landscapes offer a perfect escape from the bustling city life.

The NH Concierge’s Tips

France is a superb country able to inspire anyone, and that's not only for its beautiful architecture, because the Parisian gardening that accompanies the buildings it's very shocking. So, if you are a over of flowers and horticulture, and you're planning your trip to France, you must visit the most famous parks in Paris that will take your breath away. In this article, we share a compilation of them with you.

Famous Parks, gardens and greenspaces in Paris

Luxembourg Gardens

If you're looking for greenspaces that combine urban life with relaxation, you must check out the Luxembourg Gardens. This is a private park of the Luxembourg Palace, the headquarters of the French Senate, which is open to the public daily between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM until 1 hour before sunset. This space is ideal for walking, having a picnic, or simply relaxing among the park's 106 statues and fountains. Historically, this is an important space in Parisian culture because protests and political meetings occur here. In other words, it's a very central and key location in the city. 

This parks located between Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter. The easiest way to get there is by taking line 4 of the Paris metro to the Raspail or Saint-Sulpice station or by taking line 10 to Mabillon. From any of these stations, it is only a few minutes' walk to the gardens.

Tuileries Garden

On the other hand, in the center of Paris, between the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde, is the Tuileries Garden the city's first public park. They were the gardens of the Tuileries Palace, which construction began in 1564, and housed a tile factory or “tuilles” until 1870, which explains its name. But currently, the palace no longer exists, and the gardens managed to survive until our time, becoming a place of rest in the heart of Paris.

It's one of the locals' favorite places because its central avenue is full of trees and sculptures surrounded by typical Parisian buildings, which can be explored in approximately 35 minutes. Without a doubt, it's an ideal place to disconnect, after visiting the busy French center, to exercise outdoors, or discover the works of Monet and other artists in the Orangerie Museum (it's located at one corner of the garden). 

Moreover, you must take subway lines 1 and 7 to the Palais Royal - Musée du Louvre station to get there. Or walk from Concorde station through lines 1, 8, and 12.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Located at 1-7 rue Botzaris in the 19° arrondissement, this is a garden in the city that has 25 hectares of land near the Belleville neighborhood. There you will find hills, lakes, waterfalls, and the best views of the city. Also, you will find trekking trails, an area for kids, food places, a suspension bridge, native trees, and it’s common to see numerous birds throughout the place. So, it’s undoubtedly a place of exploration that you should schedule in your itinerary to visit Paris because seeing this oasis in the middle of the concrete. It is free and one of the most beautiful activities in the city

This park in Paris made by Napoleon is open everyday from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM or 08:00 PM in the winter, and is pet-friendly. So, to get there you can take the subway to Buttes-Chaumont using the line 7bis; or taking the bus lines 75, 26 and 48.

Parc Monceau

Parc Monceau is an oasis designed in the 18th century at the initiative of the Duke of Carters, and is currently one of the most elegant gardens in Paris. However, it's important to highlight that the landscaper in charge, Louis de Carmontelle, was inspired by the style of English gardens, which is why this garden is very different from the others. You can feel it from its entrance with large wrought iron doors embellished with gold; and also on the trails with the marble statues of famous writers and musicians, among others. 

It's located in the 8th arrondissement, and inside you will find the Cernuschi Museum, of Asian art, and the Nissin Museum of Camondo, with collections of furniture and objects from the 18th century. So don't miss the opportunity to see this park with your family taking the subway line 2 to Monceau station, or using line 3 to Wagram station.

Bois de Vincennes

The Bois de Vincennes is another very large park in the city of Paris, and this one is gigantic, with almost a thousand hectares, and was originally the private hunting area of the kings. It's a perfect plan for explorers who want to spend a day in nature, especially for lovers of picnics mid-morning or at sunset in the middle of pleasant weather. In this park, you can rent boats, and visit different places such as the Gravelle Fort, the Paris Zoo, a Buddhist temple, a theater, a velodrome, the hippodrome, its countless gardens, and its 4 lakes. 

We recommend visiting it by bicycle, to be able to admire its immensity and places full of history; and also go to the Castle of Vincennes, where the relics of the Passion of Christ were kept… But remember, you can get there using the metro to the Château de Vincennes station on line 1, or take the bus lines 46, 86, or 112.

Parc de Belleville

This is one of the modern parks in Paris in the 20th arrondissement It was inaugurated in 1988 on the top of a beautiful hill in Belleville. It has one of the best panoramic views of the city of Paris, ideal for a fun photo session with your family, or your loving partner. Also, you can enjoy art exhibitions and small musical shows in the middle of first-class flower gardens and native plants. Moreover, it has a special area for children, with a little wooden village with very fun slides; and is surrounded by cafes and restaurants. 

To get there you must take the subway to the Belleville station using lines 2 and 11. Or you can walk a few minutes from the Ménilmontant station via line 2.

Parc de la Villette

This park combines culture with nature greatly, because there you can find different facilities such as the science museum Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, and the conservatory and museum known as Cité de la Musique. Also, the different sculptures around the park and its large green areas invite you to enjoy numerous concerts, festivals, art exhibitions, and other outdoor activities. 

It's located in the 19th arrondissement of Paris, specifically at 211 Avenue Jean Jaurès, and you can get there using the subway to the Porte de Pantin station on line 5.

Promenade Plantée

The Promenade Plantée, also known as Coulée Verte Rene Dumont is a park located in 12th arrondissement in the Bercy-Gare district of Lyon. It has 4.5 km of paths with various types of vegetation, starting at the Opera Bastille and running along Avenue Daumesnil and the Jardin de Reuilly. It also passes through the section of Allée Vivaldi which is the commercial area, and then continues through tunnels and viaducts and ends at Porte Dorée. 

This is a very special place that combines the urban aspects of the city with nature, making it ideal for urban explorers, photographers, and lovers of Parisian culture in general. So if you want to get to this place, the fastest option is from the Bastille subway station, using lines 1, 5, and 8.

Champs-Élysées

This is one of Paris's most famous boulevards. It's known all over the world for its beautiful 1.9 km layout with trees and the best shops and bars in the city. From the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, this famous road is thought to be one of the most beautiful things to do in Paris. 

To get there, you must go to the 8th arrondissement, preferably by subway to the Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau station (lines 1 and 13), which will leave you in the center of the avenue. But, you should not miss the viewpoints located at the ends, because they are the ideal place to take photos and capture memories of this beautiful trip.

Things that you should experience in the parks and gardens in Paris

1- Picnic like a local

One of the good things about France is their food, and we're not talking about common food, we're talking about real delicatessens. Because despite how simple a baguette, cheese, salami, mortadella, and a bottle of wine may seem, in France these products can be found of high quality without sacrificing the budget. This is why picnics are so common in this city, because they have many greenspaces in Paris to do them, and it’s an activity that can be done on a low budget to spend some incredible hours.

2-Explore hidden pathways and gardens

There are some paths less known for tourists, especially in Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, where you can discover very curious paths that end in waterfalls, and the Temple of the Sibylle, among other hidden gems of the city. Another very special garden in the city is the Square du Vert-Galant, located at a hidden end of the Île de la Cité overlooking the Seine River. This charming garden is a favorite for romantic getaways because it is a perfect place for a quiet moment of reflection.

3-Participate in outdoor activities, sports, and events

One of the main charms of the city is there are a wide variety of events and activities throughout the year. So, if you want to participate in outdoor activities near to the best hotels in Paris, you are going to find a lot of stuff like renting boats, bicycles, yoga, or trekking along urban trails that you will surely love.

Seasonal events & festivals in outdoor places

There are other events that take place in the parks in Paris depending on the season, for example, in summer there are many open-air concerts, especially in Parc de la Villette. On the other hand, there are other types of activities such as open-air nighttime cinemas, in parks such as Parc de la Villette and Jardin de l'Atlantique.

In winter, you can find in the Jardin des Tuileries a festive Christmas market with artisanal gifts, seasonal treats, and a charming carousel. Similarly, during spring, parks like the Jardin du Luxembourg organize Easter egg hunts, inviting families to celebrate the season's renewal.

Tips for visiting the best parks in Paris

Ready to plan your Paris travel itinerary? Don't forget to write down these tips to enjoy every aspect of your trip. First of all, the easiest way to get around is by subway, so we recommend using it to get to the main parks and gardens in the city.

Secondly, you must take into account the opening hours of the greenspaces in Paris if you want to make the most of your visits. The larger parks usually open earlier, approximately 6:00 AM, and the gardens from 7:30 AM, and both close after sunset or 9:00 PM. To organize a comfortable outing, the ideal is to go very early in the morning, to avoid strong sun rays. Or go after 3:00 PM to take advantage of the afternoon and watch the sunset in one of the most romantic cities in the world.

And thirdly, you must respect the rules to ensure you have a good experience in these parks and gardens. For example, dispose of trash in designated containers, especially if they have recycling options. In the case of picnics, you should check if there are designated areas for them, and what types of items are prohibited. Also, pets are allowed in most parks, but they must be leashed.

Conclusions on greenspaces in Paris

The parks in Paris are true jewels that show the beauty of the city. That is why places like the Luxembourg Gardens and the vast landscapes of the Parc de la Villette are so visited for the unique atmosphere and charm found there. Because these greenspaces in Paris provide not only a place to relax and unwind, but also opportunities for cultural participation, seasonal events and recreational activities to your family. So don't hesitate to add these visits to your travel itinerary, so you can connect with the local community and immerse yourself in the beautiful Parisian lifestyle.

FAQs about visiting parks in Paris

What are the best parks for families in Paris?

Some of the best parks for families in Paris include the Tuileries Garden, which has playgrounds for kids, and the Parc de la Villette for its interactive exhibits.

Are there parks in Paris where I can play sports?

Yes, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont and Parc de la Villette also feature areas for jogging, outdoor fitness classes, and sports activities.

What are the opening hours for the parks?

Large parks typically open around 6:00 AM and close around 9:00 PM, however smaller gardens such as the Jardin des Tuileries, usually open at 7:30 AM and close by 7:30 PM. But we recommend you confirm the schedules according to the season in which you are traveling there.

Can dogs be brought into the parks?

Yes, dogs are allowed in most greenspaces in Paris, but they must be leashed, or some parks offers designated areas where dogs can run off-leash.

What are some picnic-friendly parks in Paris?

Many parks in Paris are perfect for picnics, like Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, with its impressive landscapes; and the Jardin du Luxembourg, where you can have a wonderful day in these beautiful gardens. But, you have to be sure to check if there are any specific rules about picnicking in certain areas.

Are there accessible parks in Paris?

Yes! Many of these parks are accessible to individuals with mobility challenges, like the Jardin des Tuileries and Parc de la Villette.

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