17 Most Beautiful Parks In Paris You Should Visit

Want to explore some of the beautiful gardens of Paris but not sure where to go? This post will show you all the best Parks in Paris that are worth visiting!

The landscape of Paris is genuinely made of four main things, the beautiful historical monuments, the winding cobblestoned streets, the gorgeous quaint cafés, and of course, its plethora of lush parks sprinkled across the city.

These expansive spots of green are a breath of fresh air in an otherwise very architecturally perfect city, and some might even say they are the jewels of Paris itself.

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The parks in Paris are well known amongst tourists and locals for being the best spots to picnic on a summer day, stroll amidst the fall foliage in the autumn, chase cherry blossoms in spring, and enjoy tranquility within the city that’s otherwise so happening!

Each of the Paris parks has so much to offer and is a must-visit, at least for a short walk with a Jambon-beurre in hand if you’re in the area.

Since I live in Paris, I’ve had the chance of exploring some of the most famous and hidden green spaces of Paris and today, I am sharing my best finds!

Whether you’re visiting Paris for the first time or you’re a return visitor, you’ll find one that suits you on this list of the 17 best parks to visit in Paris! I’ll also be telling you exactly where to find them, what to expect, and how to spend your time there!

Before You Go, Here’s How to Plan Your Visit To Paris: Practical Quick Tips

MUST-DO EXPERIENCES HAPPENING NOW IN PARIS
Luminiscence at Saint-Eustache Church: A music and lighting show in one of Paris’s most beautiful churches: (4.7/10)
Candlelight show: Perfect if you want to be treated to a candlelit music show in a beautiful Parisian venue: (4.8/10)
Cabaret at Moulin Rouge: A cabaret in the iconic Moulin Rouge is a must: (4.7/10)

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Best Parks in Paris

Read on to discover the most beautiful parks in Paris!

1. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Located in the 19th arrondissement of Paris, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is one of the most prominent green patches in the city.

Constructed by well-known architect and engineer Jean-Charles Adolphe Alphand during the rule of Napolean III, this is undoubtedly one of the best gardens in Paris.

With cascading waterfalls, a lake, suspended bridges, caves, and varying heights leading to unique overlooks, this is a sanctuary in the middle of the city, a favorite amongst locals and still relatively undiscovered by many tourists.

The park’s top attraction is Temple de la Sybille, a royal structure erected above the lake, well-known for being the spot with a famous myth; “if a couple kisses here, their love will be strengthened”.

You can also picnic on a sunny day, relax next to the artificial lake, and take in the views of the city and the gorgeous landscape.

2. Jardin du Luxembourg

Located in the 6th Arrondissement, Jardin du Luxembourg is one of the most ​​famous parks in Paris.

Spread across 57 acres in the heart of the city, it was constructed in 1612 as part of a new residence for Marie de Medici, the widow of King Henry IV, and has evolved to become a great place to spend a sunny afternoon in the city.

It boasts tennis courts, sailboats for kids in the Grand Bassin, beautifully-planned tree groves, sculptures and statues of former French royals, and fountains but the star of the park is the stunning Medici Fountain.

In the spring and summer, you’ll find beautiful blooming flowers and evergreen trees, get a chance to take a bee-keeping course, admire the replica of the statue of liberty, explore the Luxembourg Palace, or even rent a wooden sailboat for your kids; the list of things to do in Luxembourg Gardens is virtually endless.

3. Jardin des Tuileries

Situated between the famous Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde in the 1st Arrondissement is Jardin des Tuileries the first public park in Paris.

It was created as part of the Tuileries Palace by Catherine de Medici in 1564, opened to the public in 1667, and became the first park open to the public post the infamous French Revolution.

Jardin des Tuileries has a rich history and offers several activities and events throughout the year, some of which include riding on the carousel, trampolines, Ferris wheel, or even just relaxing at its famous pond and enjoying the tranquility of the fountain.

The park also routinely hosts exhibitions like the famous Jardins (or the garden fair), has countless sculptures which make it look like an open-air museum, and a number of guided walking tours are held here to truly experience the garden like a local.

It also has 2 museums, the famous one being Musée de l’Orangerie which is home to Monet’s work.

For a typical Parisian experience, take a stroll down the tree-lined avenue to truly soak in the beauty and charm of this expansive spot which has evolved to become one of the most famous gardens in Paris.

While any time is ok to visit, it’s during fall that it becomes picturesque with the tree-lined avenue adorned in fall colors.

4. Jardin des Plantes

Known as the central garden of Paris, Jardin des Plantes was officially known as Jardin Royal des Plantes médicinales, which translates to the Royal Garden of medicinal plants, the purpose of the park back when it was created in the 17th century.

It was opened to the public in 1650 and was gradually expanded to become a hotspot for scientific study, particularly in the botany and zoology fields.

The park is spread across 68 acres, with nearly 30 greenhouses and rare plant species like orchids, ferns, cacti, iris, and more.

This vast museum-garden area is also home to a petit zoo, natural-history exhibits, libraries, archives, historical buildings, and many more.

The garden has so much going on at all times that everyone who visits will have something to explore and enjoy.

While it’s beautiful all year round, it becomes even more magical in Spring when its largest trees bloom turning them into the biggest cherry blossom trees in Paris during the season.

And if you visit between November and January, you’ll be able to enjoy the exciting Jardin des Plantes Light Festival (Festival des lumières du Jardin des Plantes) which showcases endangered species in beautiful light displays.

5. Parc de Belleville

The highest park in Paris, Parc de Belleville is known for many things but it’s most notable for its panoramic vistas of the Paris skyline including the Eiffel Tower herself.

It is located in the 20th Arrondissement atop the hill of Belleville and was inaugurated in 1988.

One of the unique Paris gardens, Parc de Belleville is home to over a thousand trees, a hundred-meter-long fountain waterfalls which is truly a sight to see, and a playground with wooden swing sets, an amphitheater, ping-pong tables, and more.

And if you’re all about eco-friendliness, there is a petit museum; Maison de l’Air, dedicated to teaching people the dangers of pollution and the advantages of clean/fresh air.

The park is also famous for being a frequent winner of the Summer Floral Decoration Competition due to its display of beautiful annual flower beds.

6. Parc du Champs de Mars

Located in the 7th Arrondissement, adjacent to the Eiffel Tower and quite easily one of the best parks in Paris to picnic is Champs de Mars!

Besides harboring the most famous landmark in Paris and France as a whole, the park is a spot for several famous exhibitions and events like Christmas markets since its popularity grew and continues to be an excellent place for fairs or even just a quintessential Parisian picnic under the autumn sunshine, with fresh pastries, macrons, and iconic French vanilla lattes.

If you happen to visit and begin to feel a sense of deja-vu, it’s probably because the park was featured in the famous Bond film, A View to a Kill.

Some of the fun things to do at Champs de Mars other than taking in the views of the Eiffel Tower at a short-range include, picnicking, admiring the cherry blossoms with a backdrop of the iron lady in Paris spring, and watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night.

7. Parc Monceau

Created in the 18th century for Philippe Egalité, the father of King Louis-Philippe and cousin of the infamous Louis XVI, Parc Monceau is the perfect spot of green in the heart of Paris.

Amongst the many Paris parks and gardens, Parc Monceau is best known for its statues of famous French figures such as Alfred de Musset, Edouard Pailleron, Frédéric Chopin, Ambroise Thomas, and many others.

Besides the statues that make it look like an open-air museum, the park has unique features like an Egyptian pyramid, a picturesque Renaissance archway, a little bridge, and a pond, which altogether make it one of the unique and beautiful parks in Paris.

A family-favorite park, though usually missed by many tourists, it is great to visit with your kids, who can run about in this expansive garden while you enjoy a lovely picnic with some sparkling signature wine in these beautiful grounds located in the 8th Arrondissement.

Parc Monceau is one of those Parisian public gardens you can enjoy every season; fall puts on a beautiful display of fall foliage, spring comes with stunning cherry blossoms, and summer gives an opportunity to enjoy the sun on a picnic.

8. Coulée verte René-Dumont

Coulée Verte René-Dumont is located in the 12th Arrondissement and is an elevated linear park constructed atop an obsolete railway infrastructure.

It was created by Philippe Mathieux and Jacques Vergely in 1988 and has since evolved into a contemporary garden landscape with trenches and tunnels.

With various trees like lime, hazelnut, creepers, rose shrubs, and more, the landscaping is definitely worth a visit.

More importantly, a walk along this elevated 4.5 km long path with planted flowers offers spectacular views of the iconic parts of the 12th Arrondissement and beyond.

9. Jardin du Palais Royal

A lovely spot to picnic, walk and soak in the Parisian air, Jardin du Palais Royal is a somewhat petit but extremely popular garden in the city.

At the time of the French Revolution, this was a top place to gather to get the latest updates and political news.

In 1789, the park was the ultimate spot for discussions, political discourse, games, speeches, and more.

To this day, the garden of Palais Royal is surrounded by three arcades, namely the Galerie de Montpensier, Galerie Beaujolais, and Galerie de Valois, where you can shop until your heart is whole.

The park’s signature attraction is the 260 black-and-white striped columns made by sculptor Daniel Buren, which have become a sensation among photographers. In fact, they’re currently one of the famous Instagram spots in Paris.

In the middle of the park, there is also a fountain which is a great way to get some cool breeze on a summer hot day but if you visit in Spring, you’ll be welcomed by the beautiful cherry blossoms.

10. Parc Montsouris

A public park created by Napoleon III and Georges-Eugène Haussmann and located in the 14th Arrondissement, Parc Montsouris is an iconic garden that you must visit!

It was designed with simplicity and intelligence by Jean-Charles Adolphe Alphand and boasts cool features like a lake and cascade, several iconic trees and plants (adorned with the most beautiful flowers), expansive lawns (perfect for a springtime picnic), a meteorology station, café, a French puppeteering theater, and more.

The park also has several bronze and stone sculptures spread across the region, such as Thomas Paine, Shipwrecked, the Column of Armed Peace (which replaced the original bronze structure that the Germans burned down in 1942 as a way to assert dominance during the war), and Lion’s death.

11. Place des Vosges

Located on the 3rd and 4th Arrondissement border is Place des Vosges, originally known as Place Royale and the oldest planned square in the city.

The name change came after the French Revolution as an ode to the region of the Vosges, which was the first area to pay the taxes requested by the new government in charge.

The history of the square dates back to 1612 when it was unveiled as part of the engagement of Louis XIII and Anne of Austria, and its beauty and charm have remained magnetic ever since.

When you visit, you can take a walk under the arches, admire the red brick, shop at the Sunday markets, and even pay a visit to Victor Hugo’s home-turned-museum.

A quaint green space in the rather energetic Le Marais neighborhood, Place des Vosges is the perfect escape if you want to go back in time while enjoying a laid-back stroll in the park.

12. Parc André Citroën

One of the best Paris parks is Parc André Citroën which is located on the left bank of the Seine in the 15th Arrondissement of Paris.

The park was named after the founder of Citroën automobile, André Citroën, and in fact, built over what used to be the company’s manufacturing plant.

It is spread across 14 hectares and is known for its stunning vistas of the Seine and beyond.

You’ll get a chance to explore this new patch of green and discover new plant and tree species, play at the ping-pong tables, and if the weather is cooperative, even take a ride on a tethered air balloon!

If that’s your kind of adventure, be sure to book the hot-air balloon ride from this website.

13. Trocadéro Gardens

If you’re searching for one of the most loved parks in Paris, look no further than Trocadéro Gardens.

Located in the 16th Arrondissement in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, Trocadéro Gardens faces the River Seine and has scenic views in every direction you look.

The vast green patches in the center of the city are a great place to lounge on a summer Paris day. The park is a network of gardens, beautiful sculptures, museums, and the striking Warsaw fountain.

The area is also an iconic site for festivals, and celebrations coming alive in the wintertime with an annual Christmas Market accompanied by an Ice Rink or on Bastille Day when the fireworks are lit.

Besides the festivals, Trocadéro Gardens is a great spot if you want to watch a Paris sunrise, and being directly opposite the iron lady also makes it one of the best places to take photos of the Eiffel Tower, so make sure to carry your camera along.

14. Parc De La Villette

Located in the 19th Arrondissement and spread across 137 acres, Parc de La Villette is the third-largest of all the gardens in Paris!

It is a one-of-a-kind park that connects areas of planning, architecture, and nature to incorporate all parts of play and leisure.

Besides being massive, the park has one of the largest concentrations of concert venues, cultural arenas, and the famous Conservatoire de Paris.

You’ll also be able to visit Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, the largest science museum in Paris, Le Hall de la Chanson, a French music theater, and more.

The park is always bustling with events including music festivals, exhibitions in Grande Halle de la Villette, Paris Plages during the summer, and is also the annual venue for Cinéma en Plein Air festival, an open-air film festival.

Whether you’re into cultural events, music, movies, or history, there is something for you at Parc De La Villette regardless of the time of the year.

15. Parc de Bercy

Spread across 35 acres in the 12th Arrondissement of Paris is Parc de Bercy, a beautiful park sponsored by President François Mitterrand.

A modern park located in a place that used to house a wine warehouse, it’s the perfect place for a walk, irrespective of the season you happen to visit.

The region’s wine past shines through, with the park being home to a railway line and a vineyard.

The park also boasts Bercy Arena, the largest concert arena in the city, and consists of three different regions; the Flowerbeds, the Meadows, and the Romantic Garden, a petit garden region with a lake populated by ducks.

And for skate lovers, Parc de Bercy has a skatepark (the second largest in the city) to relish and practice your favorite sport.

16. Bois de Boulogne

Located along the edge of the 16th Arrondissement, Bois de Boulogne is a favorite relaxation spot amongst many Parisians and tourists.

The region used to be a royal hunting ground and has grown to become a lush public park with walking and biking trails, pristine lakes for boat rowing, horseback rides, and more.

The second-largest park in the city, it is spread across 2088 acres and houses an endless list of monuments and important attractions like the Stade Roland Garros (the site of the French Open), the Louis Vuitton Foundation, Jardin d’Acclimatation (a zoo and amusement park), and Parc de Bagatelle, one of the beautiful botanical gardens in Paris, the list goes on.

One downside of the park is that it is synonymous with being a prostitution and nudist area but usually only at the night.

17. Bois de Vincennes

The largest public park in all of Paris, Bois de Vincennes, was created by Napolean III and designed by Jean-Charles Adolphe Alphand (much like many other famous Paris parks).

It is located adjacent to Château de Vincennes, (one of the castles near Paris) which used to be a residence for the Kings of France.

The park itself is home to several other parks like the famous English landscape garden, Parc floral de Paris, an arboretum, and other attractions like a horse-racing track, the velodrome (which was the site for several events as part of the 1900 summer Olympics).

On top of this, the park has various features like human-made lakes where you can go on a boat ride, a Zoological Park which harbors over 2000 animals, Grottoes, cascades, and more.

An urban retreat amidst the otherwise cobblestoned city, Bois de Vincennes is a perfect place to go on a solitary walk, immerse yourself in the region’s history, and have a blissful naturistic afternoon!

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Final thoughts on the best parks in Paris

Whether you’re looking to picnic near the Eiffel Tower on a hot summer day with a bottle of French wine accompanied by French pastries and fresh fruits or take a stroll through the autumn foliage before your dinner reservation, these parks of Paris are sure to impress you, delight you, and make you feel like you’ve taken a short escape from the bustling city into the tranquil woods yet still within the city bounds.

NEVER TRAVEL TO PARIS WITHOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE

One of the biggest mistakes you’ll ever make when planning a trip to Paris is to forego Travel Insurance!

You might think that it’s expensive, but when you think of how much it will save you when you lose your valuables or even get sick, then you’ll know that it’s NOT that expensive!

Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for
more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more. If you’re considering travel insurance for your trip, check out World Nomads.

Check out these posts to help you plan your trip to Paris

• Best Things to do in Paris in April
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• What to do in Paris at night
• Best things to do in Paris in January
• What to do in pairs in February
• What to Pack for Paris in winter
• Fun facts about Paris
• Best things to do in Paris in Spring
• Where to find the best views of Paris
• Big mistakes to avoid in Paris
• What to Pack for Paris
• Skip the line tickets for Paris’ popular attractions
• Interesting jokes about Paris
• Paris captions for Instagram
• Famous quotes on Paris

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