Parks and Gardens

At a first glance, Paris may seem a wash of traffic jams, pollution and urban greyness; but there is far more to the capital of France than initially meets the eye! With its several hundred acres of parks and gardens, including the Bois de Vincennes and the Bois de Boulogne, Paris is one of the greenest city in Europe. You never have to look far to find yourself a nice patch of grass to sit back and relax on for a moment of calm amidst the hustle and bustle of the urban surroundings. There are a whole host of different places to enjoy depending on how you’re feeling on the day. Whether you are romantic at heart, fancy some rural tranquility or love a tropical setting, Come to Paris has put together a list of must-see parks and gardens in the capital, organised according to your mood.

Parc Monceau: an endless source of inspiration for Claude Monet, as well as for numerous photographers and film makers, Parc Monceau is undoubtedly among the most romantic of Paris. Weeping willows, marble statues and groves, not to mention the ruins of the temple de Diane, this park is a blend of tranquility, ideal for couples wanting a moment of peace and quiet.

Jardin du Musée de la vie romantique: hidden behind the Musée de la Vie Romantique, this garden is a real piece of paradise. Visitors in search of a special romantic moment will be charmed by the selection of greenery on display here, not to mention the small interior courtyard and beautiful rose garden incorporating Mediterranean painted shutters from the museum. After a roam around the love-themed museum, what better than to sit back and enjoy a cup of mint tea accompanied by an indulgent pastry in the garden? This is undeniably one of the most romantic spots in Paris.

Bois de Vincennes: spanning across more than 2000 acres, there is an abundance of green here making it very easy to get lost! The park features four lakes with sailing boats, several green lawns, and pathways for walking or biking. All-in-all, this is a great location if you’re looking for some relaxation time with your loved one.

Jardin des Tuileries: this garden may be the oldest of the capital, but it is definitely a contender for the most romantic. Long flowery alleyways snake through it, marble sculptures ornate it, and beautiful fountains and ponds attract children and their toy boats. Overall, this is an idyllic location for lovers or for a simple stroll.

Jardin du Luxembourg: situated in the heart of Paris and created upon the request of Marie de Medicis, wife of Henri IV and mother of Louis XIII, this garden remains one of the most popular in the capital due to its central location (between Saint-Germain-des-Pres and the Latin quarter. Its water features, wide lawns and superb historical statues also attract passers-by.

Jardin Tino Rossi : The length of the bank of the Seine, the Jardin Tino Rossi is similar to an open air museum. Featuring sculptures from César, Zadkine and Brancusi, this original space of beauty stretches out along the river and accommodates small amphitheatres, practical for picnics or simply for relaxing.

Jardin du Musee Rodin: at a modest price of 1 euro for entry (museum excluded), this garden masks beautiful statues by Auguste Rodin between its pathways, trees and groves. The famous Penseur (the Thinker) is a definite must-see.

Jardin d’acclimatation: Cornered in the heart of Bois de Boulogne, this vast garden is the ideal place for family walks. There is a puppet theatre, a river with small boat trips available, a small farm and even a theme park. This is a great place for a day out for all ages!

Parc de la Villette: different in that it is the largest green area in the capital, this park has the advantage of being able to accommodate a wide choice of things for children, teenagers and adults to do. The Cité des Sciences, the Géode, the Cité de la Musique, the water sports centre, and the Zénith concert arena, offer numerous fun and interactive activities for all age groups. The themed gardens for children, also make it a nice place for general recreation, and therefore a perfect location for family days out.

Parc des Buttes Chaumont : for lovers of nature, this vast parkland features numerous pathways winding themselves around bridges, caves, woodland and a stunning reservoir, home to meandering swans and other birds.

Parc Monsouris: Similar to the Buttes Chaumont, this garden houses a beautiful lake, a small puppet theatre for children and is perfect for nice countryside walks.

To uncover all of green Paris, we recommend a Paris city tour.