Bonjour Paris Events: Top 10 Parks
Paris is known just as much for its green spaces as its concrete jungle. Whether you are looking for a family outing, a perfect picnic, a place to exercise, a spot to people watch or a setting for a romantic lover’s stroll, there is a Parisian park with your name on it. Here are the top 10 places to ‘park’ yourself in Paris.
Top 10 ….
- Jardin du Luxembourg: The 25 hectare gardens of the equally stunning Luxembourg Palace, is one of Paris’ most beloved parks. Originally built for Marie de Medici in the 17th century, the place is brimming with family fun including a puppet theater, live music, and a sparkling pond. Luxembourg is located in 6e off of the Odeon or Saint-Placide metros.
- Place de Vosges: This spot, in the celebrated Marais neighborhood, is a tranquil oasis amidst a bustling city. It abounds in shade trees, paths, and bubbling fountains. Vosges is located in 4e off of the Chemin Vert or Saint-Paul metro.
- Parc Monceau: These grounds have an interesting history. The park’s commissioner, Louis Philippe Joseph, developed it in 1778 but was later sent to the guillotine during the Revolution. Artist Carmontelle also designed several unique additions including a Dutch windmill, a Roman temple, a small farm, medieval ruins, and a pagoda – perfect for an afternoon of exploring. Monceau is located in 8e off of the Monceau metro.
- Parc Andre Citroen: The site of a former automobile plant, this 14 hectare plot now features beautiful botanical gardens and sculptures. But it is most noted for its water works that include fountains, waterfalls, pools, and a canal. Citroen is located in 15e off of the Balard metro.
- Jardins des Tuileries: This 17th century garden features a wide center lane for strolling and many unique geometric topiaries. Its grounds once held the proud Palais des Tuileries that was burned down by the rebel Communards in the later part of the 19th century. Regardless, it is one of the most celebrated gardens in Paris. Tuileries is located in 1e off of the Tuileries metro.
- Promenade Plantee: What was once a railway is now the lush The Planted Promenade. This stretch is a wonderful place to get some fresh air while taking in dazzling botanical arrangements. There are also benches every couple of yards so your stroll can be extremely leisurely. Because the Promenade is set above ground, there are also excellent views below. The Promenade is located in 11e off of the Bastille metro.
- Bois de Boulogne: One of the most mythical parks in Paris, it was once a vast hunting ground but now offers a great daytime alternative for walkers, bikers, joggers, rowers, and strollers. At night the park can be a bit rough so it is advised to come here during daylight hours. Boulogne is located in 16e off of the Porte Maillot, Porte Dauphine, or Porte d’Auteuil metros.
- Jardin des Plantes: These beautiful old fashioned botanical gardens house three history museums, an alpine garden, zoo, aquarium, maze, and a number of hothouses. It is the perfect place for families to spend a day frolicking, learning, picnicking and exploring. Jardin des Plantes is located in 5e off of the Censier-Daubenton, Monge, or Gare d’Austerlitz metros.
- Parc de Bercy: This park tickles all of the senses making it a very dreamy place to be. There are endless lawns, a romantic garden, vegetable garden, fragrant garden, an orchard, and a large terrace overlooking the Seine. Parc de Bercy is located in 12e off of the Bercy metro.
- Bois de Vincennes: A longtime family favorite, this park has zoos, museums, a royal chateau, four lakes (yes, there is boating too), a lovely flower garden, and many annual events like the Foire du Trone carnival and Foire a la Feraille de Paris, an antique fair and flea market. Vincennes is located in 12e off of the Porte Doree or Chateau de Vincennes metros.
