Best Parks in Paris

Description:

Situated right in the heart of Paris, the Jardin des Tuileries stretches from the Louvre to Place de la Concorde. Commissioned by Queen Catherine de Médicis and created in 1564 at the same time as the Palace of the same name (which was later destroyed), it was redesigned in 1664 by architect André le Nôtre, who was responsible for the layout of its paths, its symmetrical flowerbeds and its terrace overlooking the Seine. As delightful as ever, the garden is perfect for strolling and relaxing in (there are even donkey rides!). From 21st June until 25th August every year the garden plays host to a fun fair whose big wheel gives visitors a fabulous view over Rue de Rivoli. The garden is also home to the Orangerie and the Galerie nationale du Jeu de Paume. Admission is free.

Description:

The story of this park with flowerbeds, protective trees and white statues of artists started in 1769, the year the Duke of Chartres acquired a hectare of the Monceau plain (where the famous patriot Joan of Arc camped in 1429). A dozen hectares were added between 1773 and 1778; this ground was transformed into an English style garden and became the setting for many revolutionary festivals. In 1860 it was bequeathed to the city of Paris and was converted into a public park by the préfet Hausmann. It was opened a year later by the emperor Napoleon III. To the original pyramid he added a bridge, a cave and a waterfall. The statues date from the turn of the 20th century.

Description:

This charming park, opened in 1867, is one of the many masterpieces of Baron Haussman, who shaped so much of modern Paris. The park is a popular city centre haven for nature lovers and walkers as well as families and sportsmen. The varied setting includes open lawns, trees, a lake and a hilltop 'temple' reached by a suspension bridge and offering splendid views. Don't forget to visit the famous grotto and waterfall. A miniature version of New York's Central Park in the heart of Paris!

Description:

Like many other green Parisian parks, the Andre-Citroën park is quite formal in its design: terraces, lawns and symmetrically arranged flower beds. It is dedicated to the famous car inventor, Citroën, whose first factory was situated near the banks of Javel nearby. Divided into 'black', 'white', 'red', and 'blue' gardens, it has a modern, futuristic aspect, emphasised by the large concrete patio, which dominates the 'white' garden. Mostly visited by Parisians living in the area, it is fairly sheltered from the crowds of tourists who flock to the more famous parks. The visit is worthwhile though to see its cascades, luxurious plants, towers, lilies and its tranquillity. Admission is free.

Description:

This immense site, spread over three kilometres, is first and foremost a park to play and relax for children and parents alike. With its wooded islands, its canal across the lawns, transparent escalators and skate parks, this place is very popular on sunny Sundays. In this green universe, there is no limit to your imagination: Dragon Gardens, acrobatics, dunes, fog gardens, etc. If you linger for awhile in the Bamboo Garden you will be able to listen to the wind blowing in the trees and imagine you are in the deepest of jungles! Opposite the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, there is the Géode and its multi-faceted mirrors give the park an impression of infinity. Admission: free

Description:

Until its decline in the 1960s, the area now covered by the Parc de Bercy was the bustling centre for wine importation and storage in Paris. Wine arrived by barge and by train; the rails of the latter can still be seen in what are now the pathways of the park. The long-abandoned warehouses have been replaced by a neat garden, with wide lawns at one end and lines of plants, including a small vineyard, in the centre. Landscaped hills, with fountains and ponds, manage to make the bizarre architecture of the nearby Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy (Paris-Bercy Multipurpose Sports Arena) a little less of an eyesore. In order that the illustrious history of the spot not be forgotten, there is a little exhibition telling the story of wine in Paris. The Maison du Jardinage (Gardening Centre) is in the Parc de Bercy.

Description:

Created in 1629 for Cardinal de Richelieu, this garden has witnessed many of the events that have marked the Palais-Royal's history. Redesigned in the 18th century by landscape gardener Desgots, it was made smaller by Louis-Philippe d'Orléans in order to accommodate buildings and arcades where merchants were to set up their stalls. Later, in the 20th century, famous writers Colette and Cocteau lived blissfully here, enjoying the greenery. Today, with its statues, bushes and trees, the garden has become a favourite meeting place where visitors can relax right in the heart of the capital.

Admission: free

Description:

This small park is adjacent to the famous Avenue des Champs-Elysées, near the Place de la Concorde and the Palais de l'Elysée. Having stopped for a drink or done some window-shopping on the 'Champs', take some time to wander and relax in these gardens. Surrounded by flowerbeds, fountains, paths and pavilions, this spot offers a taste of tranquility right in the heart of the capital. Popular towards the end of the nineteenth century, chic Parisians that frequented the park at this time include the renowned author, Marcel Proust.

Description:

Spread over a total of ten hectares, the Trocadero gardens stretch from the Palais de Chaillot to the Seine and the Eiffel Tower. A pond surrounded by an array of stone and gilded bronze statues and fountains forms a delightful centrepiece. Rollerblade enthusiasts meet here to practice in the midst of this harmony, weaving their way past surprised onlookers and lovers clasped in a warm embrace. Although this is a pleasant place, the rollerbladers' presence tends to spoil the gardens' tranquillity, making them a lot less peaceful than the Tuileries gardens, for example. However the view you get from here of the Eiffel Tower (especially at night, when it's lit up) and over the Palais de Chaillot more than makes up for this, giving these gardens their own special charm.

Our Local Expert Says:

Recently renovated, under visited.

Description:

This imposing building wasn't built in a day. In the 12th century, king Philippe-Auguste commissioned the construction of a manor house in the Bois de Vincennes. It was fortified two centuries later. Its flamboyant gothic style chapel wasn't finished until the 15th century and it was king Louis XV who, in the 18th century, added the King and Queen's pavilions. The First Empire saw the take over by the army of the castle, which became an arsenal. There are today two museums in the dungeon and the royal pavilions. The Sainte-Chapelle has a nave and rose-windows in magnificent stone.