gardens to visit outside paris

THE 10 BEST Paris Gardens

Gardens in paris.

• Playgrounds
• Bodies of Water
• Hiking Trails
• Motorcycle Trails
• Nature & Wildlife Areas
• Equestrian Trails
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 20th Arr. - Ménilmontant
• 17th Arr. - Gobelins
• 14th Arr. - Observatoire
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Big Groups
• Hidden Gems
• Adventurous
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Luxembourg Gardens

2. Jardin des Tuileries

3. National Academy Of Pharmacy Botanical Garden

4. Coulée Verte René-Dumont

5. Jardin du Palais Royal

6. GALERIES, JARDINS, ZOO

7. Les Jardins du Trocadero

8. Square du Vert-Galant

9. Square des Batignolles

10. Jardin de l'Hôtel de Sully

11. Parc Andre-Citroen

12. Square du Temple - Elie-Wiesel

13. Jardin des Rosiers - Joseph-Migneret

14. Parc Georges Brassens

15. Anne Frank Garden

16. Jardin Tino-Rossi

17. Garden of Tropical Agronomy

18. Jardin du Carrousel

19. L'Oasis d'Aboukir

20. Jardin des Grands-Explorateurs Marco-Polo et Cavelier-de-la-Salle

21. École Du Breuil

22. Jardin Eugenie-Djendi

23. Jardin Catherine Labouré

24. Square Jehan Rictus

25. Square Boucicaut

26. Jardin de Reuilly Paul Pernin

27. Jardins des Archives Nationales

28. Jardin de l'Hotel de Sens

29. Jardin de l'Intendant

30. Le Jardin des Ambassadeurs

What travelers are saying.

• Luxembourg Gardens
• Jardin des Tuileries
• Coulée Verte René-Dumont
• Jardin du Palais Royal
• GALERIES, JARDINS, ZOO
• Les Jardins du Trocadero
• Jardin Villemin

12 Best Places to Visit in France Outside of Paris (Plus Map!)

When it comes to picking the best places to visit in France , there are many to choose from. Besides Paris, France is home to many regions to love and well worth exploring.

As a French-American, I have spent most of my life visiting France. I love it there and what I love most is how diverse France is. It is so much more than the big city of Paris (still well worth a visit.). I have a few favorite places that I recommend to everyone to visit in France.

And if I may say one thing — if you go all the way to France, do try to get outside of Paris. There is so much that awaits outside of the capital city.

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When it comes to planning your time in France, you’ll likely fly into Paris’s CDG airport. It’s a great way to kick off a trip exploring the “quartiers” of Paris, and enjoying the food, shopping, and museums. And now after, it’s time to get out and explore.

From countryside escapes to seaside shores, there is so much more to explore besides Paris. Read on to see the best places to visit in France that are beyond Paris. I hope this list gives you a few ideas on just where to go.

Best Places to Visit in France Besides Paris

A helpful map for where to go in france.

I put together a Google Map for all of my favorite places in France to visit. It’s separated by regions first with the orange pins. Then the blue pins are all places you could consider visiting in those regions. Open the maps to be able to fully explore.

Bordeaux is a renowned wine-producing region located in southwestern France, known for its exceptional vineyards and winemaking tradition. It’s literally surrounded by hundreds of vineyards and wineries in the region. What most people think of is the city of Bordeaux itself!

Bordeaux is a historic and beautiful city, with so many fun day trips nearby to places like Saint Emilion . It is the capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and is situated along the River Garonne. The city is known for its beautiful 18th-century architecture, including neoclassical buildings, grand boulevards, and picturesque squares.

I’ve had the chance to spend extended time in Bordeaux when we lived there for six weeks last year. I absolutely love how walkable this city in France is and the ease of using the metro line. There are so many fun things to do in Bordeaux , lovely coffee shops , and incredible dining. And don’t miss these best hotels in Bordeaux for a stay.

If you’re coming from Paris, you’re also in luck — there is a super fast train that is directly right into the city center. Bordeaux is one of my first recommendations for those wanting to get out of Paris, no car is needed.

Popular Places to Visit in the Bordeaux Region:

• Bordeaux City
• Saint Emilion
• Soulac Sur Mer
• The Medoc Wine Region

The Alsace region is located in northeastern France, bordering Germany to the east. It is known for its picturesque villages, charming architecture, and distinctive culture, which bears the influence of both French and German traditions. All of this is due to its historical frontier position on the Franco-German border.

This may be one of my top areas of France to explore year-round. Alsace is home to two very well-known cities, both Strasbourg and Colmar. These Alsatian towns, near incredible vineyards, have lovely historic centers to explore. You can also take a direct train to Strasbourg from Paris which I always recommend using as a homebase for this region. (Here are the best hotels in Strasbourg. )

Come late November to December, this whole region is iconic for its Christmas Markets. The Strasbourg Christmas Market is the most famous, followed by the Colmar Christmas Market . It’s a bucket list experience in France!

The rest of the year is equally lovely. You could rent a car as well and get into the smaller towns of Alsace like Riquewihr, Obernai, and Kayserberg. But for ease, the direct to Strasbourg is from Paris.

Popular Places to Visit in the Alsace Region:

The dordogne and the lot.

The Dordogne, also known as the Périgord, is a picturesque region located in the southwest of France. It is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, historic villages, prehistoric sites, and rich culinary traditions. The Dordogne region boasts diverse landscapes, including rolling countryside, lush river valleys, limestone cliffs, and dense forests.

The Lot is a department in the Occitanie region of southern France, known for its stunning natural landscapes, picturesque medieval villages with timbered houses, and rich history. It borders right next to Dordogne and you can easily visit both on a trip.

I’m partial to this area, my grandmother was raised in The Lot so I’ve spent many trips back visiting this area. But my absolute favorite is being in the heart of the Dordogne Valley near Sarlat-la-Canéda . It is truly one of the most beautiful regions of France that American tourists completely skip over.

The amount of “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” (which literally translates to “the most beautiful villages of France”) here is incredible. There are chateaux, incredible dining, and a lot to visit in day trip form like these 7 villages of Dordogne . It honestly feels like a fairy tale.

The caveat with this region is you do need a car to get around. The easiest access is to train directly to Bordeaux and rent a car from there to explore the region.

Popular Places to Visit in the Dordogne Region:

• Sarlat-la-Canéda
• Beynac-et-Cazenac
• La Roque-Gageac

Popular Places to Visit in the Lot Region:

• Saint-Cirq-Lapopie

Provence, situated in southeastern France, lies in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur department of France. Often when people think of Provence, they’re mostly thinking of areas like the hilltop villages of the Luberon, the French city of Aix-en-Provence, and nearby countryside towns of Avignon and Arles.

Provence is ever-so-lovely to visit, with each season having a unique experience. The spring through fall months are the best times to visit, where lavender fields bloom and the area becomes very lush. This part of France is known for historical towns, the best farmer’s markets, and historic sights.

When we go, I love to use Saint-Rémy-de-Provence as a home base, there are some lovely hotels here . From there you can easily take a drive to Luberon to visit famous villages like Gordes, Roussillon and more. Having a rental car here is a must to get out to see these areas!

One quintessential part of being in Provence is taking part in famed regional gastronomic dining. So be sure to hunt out a few restaurants beforehand. These charming countryside hotels in Provence all have wonderful stays plus many have restaurants right on the property.

For those wanting to make it out to the Provincial coastline, make your way to the small town of Cassis . Just next to Marseille, Cassis might be my favorite coastal town on the Mediterranean. Super quaint, great beaches and hiking , and lovely restaurants to enjoy here!

Popular Places to Visit in Provence:

• The Luberon (Gordes, Ménerbes, Bonnieux, Lacoste, Roussillon, Oppède, Lourmarin)
• Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
• Aix-en-Provence

Normandy, situated in northwestern France, is a region of profound historical significance and breathtaking natural beauty. Known for its pivotal role in the D-Day landings during World War II, the region’s beaches like Omaha and Utah Beach stand as solemn reminders of the Allied invasion.

Normandy’s landscapes are equally diverse, with rolling green countryside, coastal cliffs, sandy beaches, and picturesque apple orchards. Historic towns such as Rouen, Honfleur, and Bayeux offer glimpses into the region’s rich architectural heritage, featuring medieval and Renaissance buildings and towering Gothic cathedrals.

The iconic Mont Saint-Michel, perched on a rocky island, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a marvel of medieval architecture. Normandy is celebrated for its culinary traditions, including creamy cheeses like Camembert, apple-based products such as cider and Calvados, and fresh seafood from coastal towns.

It has also inspired Impressionist painters like Monet, with Giverny serving as a testament to the region’s artistic allure. Seaside resorts, Calvados and cider routes, festivals, and peaceful countryside make Normandy a captivating destination that seamlessly blends history, culture, and natural beauty in the heart of northern France.

Popular Places to Visit in Normandy:

• Mont Saint-Michel

One of my favorite, often overlooked, regions of France is the Languedoc . Languedoc-Rousillon, also known as Occitanie, is a captivating region in the south of France that boasts a diverse and culturally rich landscape. From its picturesque Mediterranean coastline with sandy beaches to the rugged Pyrenees Mountains in the west and the rolling vineyard-covered hills of its interior.

Steeped in history, the region features medieval treasures like the walled city of Carcassonne, and it played a significant role in the Cathar movement during the Middle Ages. Carcassonne is an absolute treasure to not miss while in this region.

Languedoc is also renowned for its wine production, with vineyards producing a wide array of wines. Its cultural heritage, celebrated through festivals, music, and the Occitan language, adds depth to the region’s charm, making it a captivating destination for history buffs, wine enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and those seeking a taste of Mediterranean culture.

Languedoc sits right next to Provence, so if you’re looking for something a bit more quiet, this is another option to consider. It’s quieter here, more rugged, but very much worth the visit.

Popular Places to Visit in Languedoc:

• Carcassonne
• Montpellier
• Canal du Midi

The Loire Valley

The Loire Valley, nestled in the heart of France, is a region of unparalleled beauty and historical significance. It is renowned for its magnificent châteaux, each a testament to different periods of architecture, and its lush vineyards producing some of the country’s finest wines.

The Loire River stands as France’s final untouched waterway, stretching for 1000 miles and winding through nature’s unspoiled landscapes. Along the way, scenic towns, castles, and wineries are here to enjoy.

My family is from Poitiers just south of the Loire Valley. We’ve spent many day trips visiting up into this fairytale land to explore. So many wonderful fortified towns like Chinon and Amboise which you can also easily visit by way of Paris.

In the Loire Valley, you can’t miss impressive castles like Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau, Château de Villandry, Château de Azay-le-Rideau, and Château de Amboise are a must-see.

From Paris, I’d rent a car or train into Tours and grab a car there to start a road trip in this area. Public transport is more limited so a car is needed to explore.

Popular Places to Visit in The Loire Valley:

French riviera.

The French Riviera, also known as the Côte d’Azur, is a captivating stretch of coastline along the Mediterranean Sea in southeastern France. Renowned for its glamour and natural beauty, the French Riviera has stunning azure waters, sun-kissed beaches, and a Mediterranean climate.

The region encompasses glamorous cities like Nice, Cannes, and Monaco, where upscale resorts, world-class restaurants, and vibrant nightlife are well known. The smaller towns of Èze, Saint-Tropez, Antibes, Menton, and Villefranche-Sur-Mer are also well worth a visit.

Beyond the coastal towns, the French Riviera offers picturesque vineyards and scenic hikes in the Alpes-Maritimes. Bucketlist towns like Saint Paul de Vence should not be overlooked when down in this area.

With its combination of cultural richness, breathtaking landscapes, and a touch of luxury, the French Riviera remains a timeless destination. This is probably the most visited area of France after Paris, so try to time your travels for late spring or early fall to skip the crowds!

If you’re coming from Paris, one recommendation is to consider flying to Nice Airport. It’s much quicker and from there you can access most of the coastline by train.

Popular Places to Visit in The French Riviera:

• Villefranche-Sur-Mer
• Saint Paul de Vence

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region

The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France is a blend of incredible landscapes, historical cities, and gastronomy. It encompasses a wide array of landscapes, from the majestic French Alps with world-class ski resorts to the idyllic vineyards of the Rhône Valley. The region’s cities, including Lyon (the largest city in this area), Grenoble, and Annecy, offer a vibrant mix of art, culture, and gastronomy, with Lyon being particularly renowned for its culinary excellence.

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes also boasts historic towns, such as Vichy and Chambéry, along with numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, making it really great for both adventure seekers and those looking to immerse themselves in the heart of French culture. This area is home to many of the alp destinations of France, like Mont Blanc.

I’m a big fan of this region, mostly because one of my favorite places to visit outside of Paris is here. Annecy, France , in the Haute-Savoie part of this region. It’s one of the most magical places in France to visit, where cobbled streets and winding canals lead to the turquoise-colored lake. With so many things to do in Annecy , I always recommend booking at least 3 nights in a local hotel .

The food here is incredible, very rich, with dishes like raclette and tartiflette. It’s also not very far from Lyon , so you could easily visit both at the same time.

Popular Places to Visit in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region:

• Aix-les-Bains
• Côtes du Rhône

Burgundy, situated in east-central France, is a region that has cultural and gastronomic significance. It is internationally acclaimed for its exceptional wines, with vineyards gracing its picturesque landscapes. The region’s historic treasures include magnificent châteaux and abbeys, such as the Hospices de Beaune and Château de Vougeot, offering glimpses into Burgundy’s rich past.

The cities of Dijon and Beaune showcase well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture, while the capital, Dijon, has a vibrant cultural scene. Iconic French dishes like coq au vin and escargot all originate from this region!

You can really visit this region in a few different ways, but most visitors start in Dijon. From there, you can do several day trips depending on how much time you have.

Popular Places to Visit in the Burgundy Region:

• Canal de Bourgogne
• Pays d’Auxois
• Chalon-sur-Saône

Champagne in northeastern France, is the birthplace of the world’s most iconic sparkling wine, Champagne. The cities of Reims and Epernay serve as gateways to this wine lover’s paradise, housing renowned Champagne houses where visitors can explore historic cellars and savor the effervescent nectar.

The region is steeped in history, with the impressive Cathedral of Reims as a symbol of its past significance. Picturesque vineyards, charming villages like Hautvillers and Aÿ, and scenic routes offer glimpses of its countryside charm. Beyond its wine culture, Champagne’s natural beauty, from the Marne River to the Montagne de Reims Natural Park, adds to the region’s allure.

If you’re in Paris, taking the train to Reims is one of the easiest trips to make. The direct train is around 1.5 hours, and Reims itself is a vibrant city to visit. Reims serves as a great base for day trips to other charming towns and villages in the Champagne region, including Epernay, Châlons-en-Champagne, and the vineyard-covered hillsides of the region.

Popular Places to Visit in the Champagne Region:

• Châlons-en-Champagne
• Hautvillers

French Basque Country

French Basque Country is one of my favorite parts of France. We grew up going as kids to Biarritz to see family, and I have some of my fondest memories here. In the southwestern corner of France, it’s a captivating region renowned for its distinct cultural identity and traditions.

Here, Basque culture is vibrantly celebrated, from the use of the Basque language, Euskara, to lively music, dances, and traditional sports like pelota. Coastal gems like Biarritz, with its beautiful beaches and surf culture, and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, known for its charming bay and seafood cuisine. The historic city of Bayonne has incredibly well-preserved architecture and annual Fetes de Bayonne festivities.

Inland, Espelette’s red peppers are an icon to the region’s cuisine, while those who want to be outdoors can explore the Pyrenees mountains and the Atlantic coast. This region truly has it all.

I think a proper week or two would do to visit this area if you want to explore all corners of it. For sans a car, I’d take the train from Paris into Biarritz and enjoy one of my favorite Atlantic beach towns in France.

Popular Places to Visit in the French Basque Country:

• Saint-Jean-de-Luz

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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Car

Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

• World Nomads (best for all-around)
• Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

Related Posts

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Dordogne

The 7 Most Beautiful Villages in Alsace, France to Visit

The 18 Best Hotels in Paris with Eiffel Tower Views

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Most Beautiful Parks & Gardens in Paris (and a Bit of History)

Last Updated on December 14, 2023

Compared to London, Madrid, and other European capitals, Paris isn’t an especially “green” city. Only 9.5% of the capital is currently consecrated to parks and other green spaces — against 33% for London and an astounding 45% for Vienna. Luckily, the Parisian government has been working hard to change all that, with ambitious plans in the works to add more ecologically friendly “corridors” and green spaces in the coming decade. And there are, of course, already several stunning parks in the capital that offer refuge from the urban bustle. Without further ado, here’s more on the most beautiful gardens and parks in Paris– and a bit of history for each.

Explore This Article

1. Jardin du Luxembourg

Nestled between the Latin Quarter and the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district on the left bank, the Jardin du Luxembourg reminds one less of the cold, tiny Northern European city with which it shares a name, and far more of a sun-drenched garden somewhere in Florence.

There’s a very good reason for this, too. The lush, Renaissance-style gardens and palace looming over them at the north end were both the brainchild of Italy-born Queen Marie de Medici, who commissioned their creation in 1612 following the death of her husband, French King Henri IV.

Today, the Palace is owned by the French Senate, while the vast gardens and wooded paths surrounding it are coveted by residents and tourists. The grounds of the Jardin de Luxembourg feature a central, low-lying area near the palace, studded with lawns, fountain, elaborate parterres and flowerbeds, and ponds on which children sail miniature boats.

{Related: How to Travel to Paris With a Baby or Toddler?}

This central area–a popular spot to pull up a green metal chair to read a book or devour a sandwich– offers interesting views over the Eiffel Tower. On the upper terrace overlooking the beds, pond, lawns and palace, statues of notable French women– including Queens, writers, and other famous figures– are punctuated by large earthenware pots filled with flowers.

Further beyond, you’ll find wooded lanes and pathways ideal for a stroll, large-scale sculptures, lawns designated for picnics (primarily at the southern end of the gardens), greenhouses, and more.

{Related: The Best Places for Picnics in Paris}

Beautiful in all seasons (in my humble opinion), the poetic lanes and meandering paths of the Luxembourg gardens are arresting in fall and winter, when autumnal colors give way to bare trees and sharp late winter light.

The Palais de Luxembourg, closest to the Odeon metro stop, now houses the Musee de Luxembourg, staging several popular modern-art exhibits each year.

A Bit of History

The newly widowed Queen (and Regent of France) Marie de Medici conceived the palace and garden in 1611, hoping for a final result that would resemble Pitti Palace in Florence. She hired an architect and landscape designer named Solomon de Brosse to construct the palace and the large fountain at the center of the garden to come.

A troupe of gardeners added greenery-lined terraces, balustrades, and parterres around the Palace, as well as a fountain named after the queen just east of it, complete with an artificial grotto surrounded by trees and shrubs.

This initial garden was tiny compared to what the Luxembourg would become in the later part of the 17th century. It was extended with more traditional French neoclassical elements, including rectangular parterres and basins. Later, an orangery and several greenhouses were added.

After the French Revolution, the gardens were again extended when the city acquired lands once belonging to a Carthusian monastery in the area. The gardens were soon opened to the general public.

In the 20th century, the Luxembourg gardens were a favorite stomping ground of noteworthy artists and writers, including the so-called “Lost Generation” of Americans (Gertrude Stein James Baldwin, and many others). Stein’s apartment and famous literary salon lay in close reach of the gardens, on Rue de Fleurus.

{Related: 8 American Women Who Moved to Paris, Then Made History}

Getting There

The main gates to the gardens face the Place du Panthéon on Boulevard Saint-Michel. For the Musée du Luxembourg, access is through the gates at 19 Rue de Vaugirard (Metro Saint-Sulpice) (buy priority entrance tickets via Tiqets).

• Address: Jardin du Luxembourg, 75006 Paris (6th arrondissement)
• Metro/RER: Luxembourg (RER B), Odéon (Metro Line 4), or Saint-Sulpice (Metro Line 4)

2. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Possibly the city’s most-overlooked park (at least by tourists), the vast, Romantic-style Buttes-Chaumont takes up a huge swathe of the northeastern area connecting the 19th and 20th arrondissements (districts).

With its dramatic green slopes, artificial lakes and grottoes, thousands of trees (themselv es harboring numerous species of wild birds, including invasive colonies of green parrots!), and some 1.5 miles of meandering paths, this is simply one of the loveliest spots in the city for a relaxed stroll or picnic.

Especially if you tend to prefer the more relaxed, sprawling, naturalistic landscaping of Romantic-style parks, this is a green space to explore in the capital.

You can stumble on quiet little green corners, climb to high points (such as the famous “Temple of Sybille”), which is perched high on a cliffside above the artificial lake, and wander across a 12-meter footbridge, suspended 22 meters (over 70 ft) above the water.

Not-so-incidentally, it was built by a certain Gustave Eiffel, who is also responsible for designing “some tower” elsewhere in the city– what was it called again?

After a stroll and exploration I recommend grabbing drink out on the terrace at the hip-yet-traditional “guinguette” (musical cafe), Rosa Bonheur (at the Botzaris metro entrance)– or at the Butte’s two other watering holes, spotlighted in our related piece on Parisian cafés haunted by a new generation of writers.

A word of warning about visiting in the summer: If you’re at all crowd-averse, or are simply after a contemplative nature walk, the Buttes-Chaumont isn’t ideal in the warmer months, when nearly every available nanometer of grass is snagged by picnic-goers and sunbathers.

The ambience is great, though, if you want to get a slice of authentic local life (again, few tourists bother to make the trek to this far edge of northeastern Paris.)

The history of this particular park is a fascinating (and rather grim) one, wrapped up in the 19th-century project to create large green spaces in working-class areas that were all but deprived of them.

Prior to the mid-nineteenth century, the area now comprising the 19th arrondissement (and the park’s grounds) lay outside the Paris city limits. The hilly area where the park now stands was an austere, barren place referred to as Chauve-Mont, or ‘bald hill’.

It was nearby that a place of execution for hanging and displaying the bodies of criminals, called the Gibbet of Montfaucon, stood. It had been dedicated to these gruseome acts for centuries, between roughly the 13th and mid-18th centuries.

{Related: Paris City Hall’s Square Was Once a Gruesome Execution Site}

Following the French Revolution, the area was used to dump refuses and animal carcasses, as well as for sewage disposal. As you can imagine, the area did not (from all reports) emit pleasant odors. Jean-Charles Adolphe Alphand, the public works director charged with building the later park, once said that the wind spread the “infectious emanations” over the whole city.

Another end of the hilly site was a limestone quarry, used to extract the raw materials that would be used to build much of Paris. But by the mid-19th century, its limestone had been badly depleted. Archaeologists found giant prehistoric mammal fossils in the site during a period of exploration.

Despite (or perhaps because of) the area’s reputation as one of both misery and waste, the city planner Baron Haussmann chose Chauve-Mont as the site for an enormous new public park. This followed the annexation of the area into Paris, and the creation of the 19th and 20th arrondissements– new working-class areas in Paris.

Construction on the park began in 1864 under the direction of Alphand, who had also designed the (Romantic-style) Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes (see below). A thousand workers were hired to complete the monumental project.

Explosives were employed to sculpt the park and quarry into a landscape that resembled a mountainous area complete with cliffsides and grotto complete with interior areas. Hydraulic pumps were brought in to fashion an artificial waterfall, transporting the waters from the Ourcq canal to the highest point in the park.

You might say this is the sort of park that preceded the modern-day amusement park; the simulation of natural forms are nothing short of uncanny. For me, it’s an intriguing testament to the history of park-building in the nineteenth century, which was conceived as one for the public good.

There are several entrances to the park, the most popular being the one at the Buttes-Chaumont metro station (line 7bis). You can also get off at Botzaris (also line 7bis), the best entrance to access the popular Rosa Bonheur bar and restaurant .

3. Jardin des Tuileries

The Tuileries– a vast green space adjoining the Louvre, is practically synonymous with Parisian grandeur and prestige. Pronounced twee-luh-rEEh , its name refers to the tile factories that once stood here, prior to the creation of the gardens by Queen Catherine de Medici in the 16th century.

The style of the gardens is resolutely formal and classical, like those at the Jardin de Luxembourg, they were inspired by Italian and Florentine design principles.

The impeccably maintained lawns, parterres, tree-lined paths, shrubs, ponds, ornate statues, and elaborate floral beds at the Tuileries are preferred stomping grounds for Parisians and visitors alike, and a welcome reprieve from the pollution and noise of the city center.

Around 35 species of trees and dozens of varieties of blooms can be admired at the garden, making it ideal for a spring stroll.

{Related: How to Make Paris in the Springtime Live Up to the Legends}

Perch on a bench to enjoy a picnic, sail boats on the ponds, and, in the summer, enjoy the old-school fair that springs up on the northern edge, adjacent to the Rue de Rivoli. Complete with rides, treats and games, it’s an ideal way to enjoy the space with younger visitors.

The sculptures scattered throughout the garden are also impressive, and include moving, sensuous figures from the likes of Rodin, Maillol, and Giacometti.

{Related: The Maillol Museum in Paris is a Breathtaking Collection of Sculptures, Modern Art}

Finally, the Musée de l’Orangerie , at the western edge, is a fantastic small museum housing Monet’s stunning mural series Nymphéas ( Waterlilies ), as well as a basement collection of impressionist and expressionist masterpieces.

Between the 14th and 16th centuries, the area was mostly occupied by tile-making artisans, before Catherine de Medici built the Palais de Tuileries there, and commissioned gardens in the style typical to ones in her native Florence.

To achieve this, she entrusted Florentine landscape architect Bernard de Carnesse to conceive and execute an Italian Renaissance-style garden. Henri IV added hunting grounds and equestrian paths.

Under the reign of Louis XIV, in the late 17th century, famous landscape architect André le Nôtre was entrusted with the redesign of the Tuileries, bringing in many elements already seen in Le Nôtre’s grandiose French style-formal gardens at the nearby chateaux of Vaux-le-Vicompte and Versailles.

During the pre-revolutionary period, the gardens remained closed to the general public, and were strictly reserved for royal strolls and affairs. But following the French Revolution of 1789, the Tuileries were made into public gardens.

Then, in the revolt of 1871 of known as the Paris Commune, a fire broke out at the Tuileries, destroying the Palais de Tuileries where Catherine de Medici and other royals had taken up residence.

• Address: Jardin des Tuileries, 75001 Paris (1st arrondissement)/entrances at Rue de Rivoli or Place de la Concorde
• Metro: Tuileries or Concorde (Lines 1, 8, 14)
• See more practical info at this page (Tourist Office)

4. Bois de Boulogne

One of two enormous forested parks situated just outside the city limits (and forming “the lungs of Paris ” as a local saying goes), the Bois de Boulogne lies at the western edge of the city, adjoining some of its most affluent neighborhoods.

Boasting hundreds of thousands of trees, four artificial lakes connected by footbridges, islands occupied by thematic kiosks, as well as grottos and waterfalls, old-fashioned pavilions, enormous lawns perfect for picnics, and ambling footpaths bordered by woodlands, it’s a true green haven. Occupying over 2,000 acres, it’s some two-and-a-half times bigger than New York’s Central Park.

Parisians come in droves for boating on the lakes, lazy picnics in the sun, bike rides, or to bet on horses at the races taking place at the Hippodrome de Longchamp.

The site is also, more recently, home to the Fondation Louis Vuitton , a new contemporary art museum with an avant-garde design from architect Frank Gehry.

{Related: The Best Contemporary Art Museums in Paris}

The history of the enormous, English Romantic-style Bois de Boulogne goes back hundreds of years. A forest called the Forêt de Rouvray, mentioned in medieval texts as early as the 8th century, formed the far western, wooded border of what were then farmlands outside of the Parisian city walls.

First occupied by monks at long-since-defunct monasteries in the area, most of the forest grounds were later appropriated by the French monarchy and made into hunting terrain. In 1256, a new Abbey, the Abbaye de Longchamp, was established here by Isabel of France, daughter of King Louis VIII.

In the early 14th century, a church was erected in the wood on the order of Philippe le Bel. It’s nnamed Notre-Dame-des-Menus de Boulogne-Billancourt . It became an important site during the high medieval period.

But in subsequent centuries the wood became a place of disrepute, notorious for its bandits, prostitutions, and even murders. It was re-planted many times after falling into ruin.

It was only under the Emperor Napoleon III, in the mid-19th century, that the grand wood so beloved today by Parisians gained its current shape and look. The Romantic-style English park complete with artificial natural features– waterfalls, lakes, grottos, etc, was very much en vogue at the time, and Napoleon III approved the construction of vast new green space in the old wood in 1852.

Adolphe Alphand, who also created the Bois de Vincennes and the aforementioned Buttes-Chaumont, was commissioned to help design the space.

Some 200,000 trees were planted, the grounds and contours were shaped to resemble a natural, semi-hilly landscape punctuated with lakes, waterfalls, and small rivers, and two artificial islands were formed, joined by footbridges.

Painted by impressionists and other artists during the nineteenth ce, the Bois de Boulogne soon became a fashionable place for the upper-classes to stroll, attend horse races at the new Hippodrome, and dine at expensive restaurants (it’s still notably home to Michelin-starred tables such as Le Pré-Catelan .)

Nevertheless, the Bois’ seedy legacy remains visible after dark to this day (it’s a well-known spot for prostitution and drug deals after the sun sets).

The easiest way to reach the Bois de Boulogne is via Metro Line 1 (direction La Defense). Get off at Porte Maillot and follow the directions to the par entrance. You can also access from the Porte Dauphine station (Metro Line 2) or Porte d’Auteuil (line 10) .

5. Jardin des Plantes

This classic Parisian green space at the edge of the Latin Quarter is also an immense scientific and educational resource. Established in the 17th century as a royal botanical garden, it’s in reality a collection of eleven different gardens and open-air botanical laboratories, where specialists continue to cultivate and study rare, eye-catching flowers, trees, and other plants. The grounds are home to roughly 8,500 different species and varieties of plants and flowers, including rare hybrid varieties.

Roaming the main gardens, spread across some 69 acres, is free for all– and a wonderful way to both get some fresh air and potentially learn something about plant biology and botany.

There’s an Alpine garden, rose and rock garden featuring numerous, breathtaking varieties of roses in the late spring months, botanical school, ecological garden, large hothouses where you can see rare tropical plant species, peony and iris gardens, bees and birds garden, maze/labyrinth (a fun activity for younger visitors, and a “Perspective Squares” garden whose fine geometric beds lead you on a path to the buildings of the Museum of Natural History.

Entry to the gardens is free, with the exception of certain greenhouses and temporary exhibits. See more below for information on tickets.

This is also an excellent park for a family outing, not least because the Jardin des Plantes is also home to a zoo (Ménagerie) , where zoologists tend to species from monkeys to leopards and kangaroos, and which is managed as a refuge for engangered species.

Overall, visitors of all ages can view and interact with some 1,200 animals at the zoo, which is manageable in a couple of hours.

Unlike the main gardens at the Jardin, entrance to the Ménagerie is ticketed; you can find more info here.

Meanwhile, The onsite National Museum of Natural History is also fascinating and educational, with its iconic “Grande Galerie de l’Evolution” (Grand Evolutionary Gallery) making jaws regularly drop with enormous models and/or genuine skeletons of wooly mammoths, giraffes and elephants, and dinosaurs.

{Related: The 5 Best Museums for Kids in Paris}

The permanent exhibit at the museum is fun, interactive, and educational, combining old-world “curiosity cabinet” charm with newer, high-tech displays that encourage visitors to interact.

First opened in around 1635 as a medicinal and royal garden, the Jardin des Plantes was taken over by the state (and fully opened to the public) in 1793, a few years after the French Revolution of 1789.

It was in 1793 that the gardens, natural history museum, and Ménagerie opened to the public. Later, from the 19th century, botanists and other scientists working at the Jardin established new gardens, collections and research areas.

It was during this “golden period” in state-run museums that the Grande Galerie de l’Evolution opened, alongside the zoology and paleontology galleries.

New interest in and knowledge around tropical plants led to the opening of the hothouses, while discoveries around the medicinal properties of Alpine botanical ingredients in part spurred the creation of an Alpine garden.

The 20th and 21st centuries have seen growing concerns for sustainability and conservation, leading the Jardin and the Ménagerie to adopt practices aiming to protect and safeguard rare species of plants and animals. These days, it’s less about “displays”, and more about ecological responsibility and protection.

{Related: Paris Re-Imagines Itself as Green for the 21st Century}

Approaches to research and curation at the Jardin, zoo and Natural History Museum have evolved quite a bit from their early days, when the notion of “Man” dominating and controlling “Nature” was the reigning philosophy of the period.

• Address: Jardin des Plantes, 57 Rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris (5th arrondissement)
• Metro: Paris Austerlitz or Quai de la Rapée (Lines 5,10 )
• See more practical info at the official website

6. Bois de Vincennes

Less frequented by tourists than the Bois de Boulogne, its counterpart to the east is arguably just as beautiful– and even more sprawling.

The Bois de Vincennes stretches for some 995 hectares (almost 2,500 acres), forming the eastern “lungs” of Paris and adjoining the charming suburb of Vincennes (side note: it’s worth a look). This makes it the largest public park in the greater Paris area.

{Related: Take a Stroll on the Promenade Plantée, an Above-Ground Linear Garden}

Boasting enormous grassy spaces, four lakes connected in places by small streams and ideal for boating, verdant walking trails, grottoes, gazebos, snack bars and restaurants, and a “floral garden” where jazz concerts are staged on the lawns every summer, it’s an idyllic space that’s popular with locals.

{Related: The Best Annual Jazz Festivals in Paris}

This is especially the case since, like the Bois de Boulogne to the west, the Bois de Vincennes is so easily accessible by metro or bus from the city center.

The park also houses a zoo ideal for family visits, a recently opened nature trail ( espace naturaliste ), Buddhist-style pagoda (on the Lac Daumesnil), and tropical garden (located in the area of the park closest to the Nogent-sur-Marne RER station).

The public park grounds that you see today were created on the order of Emperor Napoléon III in the mid 19th-century, and completed around 1866.

But, true to its name which suggests an older “Wood”, the Bois de Vincennes has been in use as woodlands since the Gallo-Roman period, when Paris was a humble settlement called Lutetia. Interestingly, the Romans referred to the woodlands as Vilcena — from which its name evolved to Vincennes in French.

During the Middle Ages, French monarchs established formidable military defenses by building the Chateau de Vincennes (the mighty premises of which are still well-preserved today). Wide lanes were cut through the old forests to create royal hunting grounds in the Bois in around 1150, by King Louis VII. By the 13th century, a fortified wall was built around its grounds.

The Chateau de Vincennes , a 14th-16th century castle and fortress, is well worth a look in its own right. Curiously overlooked by most visitors, it’s the most impressive intact castle (aside from the Palais du Louvre, of course) in close reach of the city limits.

{Related: The Best Day Trips from Paris by Train}

Especially remarkable is its donjon (keep) which rises to 52 meters/170 feet, and its well-preserved fortifications.

In sum, if time allows, consider paying a visit to the Chateau and learning about its remarkable history as part of a day out to Vincennes. You can book priority entrance tickets here (via Tiqets).

The easiest way to get to the Bois de Vincennes is to take Metro Line 1 (Direction Chateau de Vincennes) and exit at the Chateau de Vincennes station . The entrance to the park (and the Chateau, if desired) is easily accessible on foot.

You can also take Metro Line 8 to the Porte Dorée or Porte de Charenton stations, then walk to the nearest entrances (around 10 minutes). Porte Dorée is the best stop for access to the zoo (Parc Zoologique de Paris) .

7. Parc de la Villette

The most recent (and postmodern) of Paris’ main parks and gardens, the P arc de la Villette is less a traditional park and more a complex network of green spaces and thematic gardens, elaborate playgrounds, architectural “follies” from the 20th century– think awe-inspiring geodesic domes and brightly colored towers connected by bridges– museums and cultural venues.

I’d be tempted to call it an “amusement park”, but that somehow doesn’t quite capture the arty, open spirit of the place. Nor would it accurately describe how its (mostly free) grounds have successfully “grafted on” to surrounding neighborhoods, becoming as much a part of public space in Paris’ 19th arrondissement as ordinary streets and squares.

Like the Centre Georges Pompidou, La Villette is (in my sense, anyway) wildly successful as a democratic cultural space, open and accessible to all. It stages summer concerts and open-air cinema on its wide lawns. Its numerous thematic gardens, each created with an artistic and sometimes whimsical spirit, offer both havens of greenery and architectural interest.

Kids will scramble to take advantage of the bright, engaging playgrounds and fairground-style rides. And the onsite Science and Industry Museum (Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie) is one of the best spots in the city for a family outing.

And music lovers (whether classical, rock or jazz is your preferred genre) have plenty to do here, from exhibits to philharmonic concerts.

The Parc de la Villette opened to the public in 1987, as part of a bid to revamp, green, and inject more cultural vibrancy into northeastern Paris and the 19th arrondissement, traditionally a bit neglected and underprivileged.

It was built on a site that formerly housed numerous slaughterhouses, moved to northeast Paris from the city center as part of 19th-century renovation and modernization plans from the Baron Haussmann.

The cattle markets held here only closed in 1974, and it would take over a decade for an enormous park and cultural complex to replace them– and revitalize the whole area.

Prior to the park fully opening, the enormous geodesic dome known as “La Géode” was inaugurated in 1985, generating considerable excitement around the futuristic new space.

The Museum of Science and Industry opened in 1986 with the larger complex inaugurated the following year.

From the 1990s to the present day, La Villette has continued adding new features and attractions, from the Cité de la Musique (comprising a music museum and exhibition space) in 1995 to the Philharmonie de Paris opening its doors in 2015.

Best Metro Stops and Entrances: T he easiest way to reach the park from Paris’ city center is to  take Metro Line 7  from the Châtelet-les-Halles station to the Porte de la Villette stop. Follow directions to the park entrance from the Metro.

There’s another popular entrance point not far from the Porte de Pantin metro stop (line 5) , which may be more practical if you plan to first visit the Cité de la Musique or the Paris Philharmonic.

See more practical info in our full guide to La Villette

8. Parc Monceau

Last but not least, this green oasis in west Paris is a welcome source of fresh air, birdsong, shade and poetic perspectives in a neighborhood that can often feel a bit staid and grey.

Boasting lawns ideal for a picnic or break from sightseeing, walking and jogging paths lined with flowers and trees, ornate architectural details (handsome gates and rotunda around the main entrance, dainty footbridges, statuary and sculptures), Parc Monceau is an ideal stop after exploring areas such as the Champs-Elysées and “Madeleine”.

The park, stretching over 20 acres, blends romantic and classical elements to charming effect. Meandering, English-style paths, flowerbeds and bridges overlooking water features, and faux “ruins” or “follies” (including a mini Egyptian pyramid and Dutch-style windmill) share space with statues and stately mansions in and surrounding the park.

Countless species of trees, flowers, and wild birds can be spotted on a stroll or picnic in this smaller, but enchanting, green space. And literary types will enjoy spotting busts and statues of French luminaries including author Guy de Maupaussant, composer Frédéric Chopin, poet Alfred de Musset, and many others.

Parc Monceau was conceived in the late 18th century by Philippe d’Orléans, the Duke of Chartres and cousin to King Louis XVI. In 1778, the Duke decided to open a public park (rare at the time), and hired the writer and artists Louis Carrogis Carmontelle to design gardens on the premises, hoping for a hybrid space that would blend English and Asian elements.

Architectural “follies” were popular at the time, so Carmontelle planned to fill the garden with several of these. Completed in 1779′, Carmontelle’s design featured a Roman-style colonnade, water lily ponds, a Dutch windmill, mini Egyptian pyramid, temple of Mars, an Italin “vineyard” an an “enchanted grotto”.

More amusement park than public space, this initial space was staffed by servants donning “exotic” costumes, as well as harboring a small zoo with non-native animals like camels.

By 1781, the garden was redesigned to reflect changing aesthetic preferences, and traditional English-style elements were added. A classical rotunda, modelled on a Doric temple from Greece, was added in 1787. It housed a small apartment reserved for the Duke.

Following the French Revolution of 1789– an event that saw the Duke perish at the guillotine– the park was taken over by the state. In the 19th century, the Baron Haussmann renovated its grounds almost entirely, adding more typical elements from the period, including wide walking paths and alleyways, new trees and beds, statues and busts. The park we see today far more closely resembled Haussmann’s version.

• Address: 35 Boulevard de Courcelles, 75008 Paris (8th arrondissement)
• Metro: Monceau, Courcelles or Villiers (Lines 2,3 )
• See more practical info at this page (Paris Tourist Office)

More on Parks, Gardens & Green Spaces in Paris

For more ideas on green spaces and gardens to visit in Paris (including ones ideal for kids and families), browse these features at Paris Unlocked, and see this page (at the Paris Tourist Office) .

Editor’s Note: This post contains some affiliate links. While booking tours and experiences through them comes at no additional cost to you, they do help fund more free and in-depth features here at Paris Unlocked. Thank you.

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Courtney Traub is the Founder and Editor of Paris Unlocked. She’s a longtime Paris resident who now divides her time (as well as she can manage) between the French capital and Norwich, UK. Co-author of the 2012 Michelin Green Guide to Northern France & the Paris Region, she has been interviewed as an expert on Paris and France by the BBC, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Le Figaro, Matador Network and other publications. Courtney has also written and reported stories for media outlets including Radio France Internationale, The Christian Science Monitor, Women’s Wear Daily and The Associated Press. In addition to going down various rabbit holes of curiosity when it comes to French culture, history, food and art, Courtney is a scholar of literature and cultural history whose essays and reviews have appeared in various forums.

4 thoughts on “ Most Beautiful Parks & Gardens in Paris (and a Bit of History) ”

Buttes-Chaumont is by far my favorite park in Paris, even though I have never lived anywhere close to it. You have a photo of the suspension bridge over the lake. Did you know that the bridge was designed be a young engineer, who 30 or so years later became famous as the designer / engineer of a radio tower? Gustav Eiffel.

Thank you for pointing out this interesting detail around the suspension bridge! I will add it soon. Thanks for reading and all the best.

A fantastic and comprehensive article on Paris parks! One correction: “To achieve this, she (Catherine Medici) entrusted the famous landscape architect André le Nôtre with the design of … “(Tuileries Gardens). Actually, le Notre redesigned the original Tuileries Gardens in a different style a century later. Catherine M. died in 1589, but le Notre wasn’t born till 1613. He was employed by Louis XIV in the late 1600’s to redesign Catherine’s gardens (and also to design the new Versailles Gardens). It was his design that resulted in the Historical Axis of Paris and mostly survives in the Tuileries Gardens we have today.

Thank you for reading and for the correction. It has been amended.

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Paris: Getting to the Famous Gardens

Inside Out: A Sampling of Paris’ Spectacular Green Spaces

By Faye Wolfe Senior Writer

There are many reasons to be inside in Paris —dozens of museums, 400-plus Michelin-starred restaurants, stellar department stores, and specialty shops—but insiders know that the city’s green spaces are equally irresistible.

Besides being plentiful and beautiful, most of them are free and open to the public, great for travelers on a budget. Parisian parks and gardens are also terrific places to relax, regroup, and, on sunny days, reset your inner clock to stave off jet lag.

The Luxembourg Garden, the Tuileries, and the Bois de Boulogne are among Paris’ most famous parks; others well worth seeing are less known.

A friend, a travel writer who has visited Paris frequently for 60 years, told me she had never been to the Jardin des Plantes.

Paris’ Cultivated Gardens

For centuries, Parisian landscape designers have heeded Voltaire’s advice to “cultivate your garden,” creating highly civilized versions of the Great Outdoors that are attractive all year round.

In fall, the leaves on the trees gleam gold and bronze. The city’s parks and gardens have, by one tally, 36,500 trees. That’s a lot of foliage.

In winter and early spring, the architectural elements, the spare, elegant layouts, and the contours of the trees come to the fore.

One of my most memorable experiences in the City of Light was a December visit to the Musée Rodin . Under moody, broody skies, with a chill in the air, the gardens looked far more romantic and atmospheric than they would have on a sunny July day.

Still, traveling to the French capital in October, I had modest expectations. Assuming that most of the flowering plants had run their course, I was pleased to see the show was still going on. The balmy weather during my stay added to the illusion that it was still high season.

A Garden of Plants

On my first morning in the city, at 10 a.m. Paris time, 4 a.m. my time, I made my groggy way to the Jardin des Plantes , one of the world’s premier botanical sites, just a 10-minute walk from my hotel, the Serotel Lutèce. It was like stepping inside a dream.

The beds were a riotous but artful display of vermilion canna, violet monkshood, mauve verbena, blue salvia, black-eyed Susans, coppery ornamental grasses, poppies and dahlias in a panoply of colors, and more. (According to the garden’s website, more than 700 plant varieties bloom from June into fall.)

Morning glories in profusion fluttered on seven-foot-tall circular trellises. The rose garden was winding down, but I found choice blossoms on many of the modern and heirloom species and varieties.

Located in the fifth arrondissement, the Jardin’s roots go down nearly four centuries. In 1635, King Louis XIII decreed that a garden be established, on this doctor’s advice, as a place for growing herbs and instructing medical students in their use. From the beginning, it was open to the public.

Early specimens included coffee plants, pistachio trees, and a cedar of Lebanon planted in 1734 and still standing tall today. Legend has it that eminent botanist Bernard de Jussieu brought the cedar seedling to Paris from England in his hat after its pot broke.

The Jardin is really a set of gardens, including the Alpine Garden, the Garden of Useful Plants, and the Ecological Garden (access via guided tours only), with massive greenhouses, a maze, and a zoo also on the premises. In turn, the Jardin des Plantes is part of the National Museum of Natural History.

Sharing the site, monumental 19th-century buildings house the Grand Gallery of Evolution, the Paleontology and Comparative Anatomy Gallery, and the Geology and Mineralogy Gallery. Their holdings are spectacular: Life-size elephant models! Dinosaur skeletons! Meteors from Mars!

That first morning, though, I was content to stroll the gravel paths, admiring the flowers, the towering hedges, and the mottled trunks of the plane trees, then plop down on a bench. Nearby, toddlers “planted” sticks in the ground. Two little boys were deep into an imaginative adventure.

Chic grandmothers kept an eye out. A school field trip came through. A pack of runners did laps around the 480-meter walkway. A coven of Goths studied their phones. A gray-haired man fed pigeons. Office workers unwrapped their lunches. I was reminded that sometimes, the best thing to do when you travel is nothing, nothing but observe the life all around you.

Sculptures en plein air

Whatever part of the Musée Rodin ’s seven acres of green space you gravitate to, you’ll find a spot to match your mood. The magnificent grounds, in the heart of the city, have both formal and naturalistic gardens. Dozens of rose bushes in garden beds bracket the front cobblestone courtyard.

Boxwood cones, with nary a leaf out of place, enshrine The Thinker, perhaps Rodin’s most famous work. An axial garden framed by linden trees and broad flower borders, extends from the rear terrace of the l’Hôtel Biron to a circular pool.

Past the marble galleries, in the sous-bois, you almost expect to see “innocent rabbits,” as did the poet Rainer Maria Rilke, Rodin’s secretary 100-odd years ago. Instead, tourists snap photos of more statues among the trees.

The 18th-century Hôtel Biron, home at various times to dukes, schoolgirls, and Isadora Duncan, is a gorgeous, light-filled setting for the many art treasures on exhibit. (“Hotel” in this case is hôtel particulier, a private mansion.)

Often called the father of modern sculpture, Auguste Rodin lived here from 1911 until his death in 1917. From its windows, you’ll catch enticing views of the gardens.

But if you’re pressed for time (and what traveler isn’t?) or just experiencing museum fatigue, you might skip the Biron and instead get closer up to the gardens. Besides The Thinker , The Gates of Hell, Monument to Balzac , and other major works are displayed to maximum dramatic effect.

Having seen a beautifully curated Rodin exhibition recently, I still think nothing beats seeing his work in this outdoor setting. The gardens’ free-form and highly groomed elements complement the sculptures, themselves often a hybrid of the rough and the smooth. (The Musée Rodin is located at 77 rue de Varenne, in the seventh arrondissement.)

Speaking of Artists’ Gardens…

“I felt slightly melancholic after dinner to find myself uprooted once more. I gradually became reconciled with the idea and went to bed delighted … The view of my little garden and the cheerful appearance of my studio always make me happy.”

The celebrated French Romantic painter Eugène Delacroix was speaking of moving house, but he could have been describing the mood swings travelers sometimes experience in a new place.

Seeing his garden, studio and apartment, which now comprise the Musée national Eugène Delacroix , made me very happy.

It’s off a lovely little square, the Place de Furstemberg, in the seventh arrondissement, a stone’s throw from that famous writers’ and artists’ hangout Les Deux Magots.

Unlike Rodin’s former digs, the museum is not grand, but delightful nonetheless. The apartment is now a set of galleries exhibiting Delacroix’s works and those of his fans, of which he had many during his lifetime and after.

In fact, in 1929, it was the Society of Friends of Eugene Delacroix who successfully prevented the building’s being razed, and the garden uprooted, to make way for a parking garage.

An outdoor stairway connects the apartment to the studio, an inspiring space overlooking Delacroix’s “little garden.”

Petite it is, yet within its walls are several fruit trees, a tall tree encircled by a bench, flower beds, and a patch of emerald lawn.

Spared uprooting, the garden was redone sensitively a few years ago: You can almost imagine the artist daydreaming on a pale green chair. The serene ambiance was enhanced when I was there by the quiet, evocative carved wood sculptures of American artist Thaddeus Mosley, part of Paris+ par Art Basel.

Place des Vosges

Built in the early 1600s, the Place des Vosges , in the fourth arrondissement, was conceived by King Henri IV as an incubator project to develop a silk industry in France. That initiative never got off the ground.

Instead, the brick-and-stone pavilions forming a square around a park “immediately became the center of the city’s fashionable society,” according to Paris Through the Ages .

Galleries, restaurants, and shops open off the building’s arcades. Like a square-cut emerald, a park occupies the center of the Place.

With its high, ornamental fence two wide walkways at right angles, and two narrower diagonal paths, the park is very French, very formal, its use, informal.

People sunbathe on the lawns on warm days or lounge on benches beneath the central cluster of horse chestnut trees and the clipped lindens on the perimeter. It’s a perfect spot for a pique-nique.

A Secret Garden

Beyond a doorway, in the southwest corner of the Place des Vosges, lies a garden, part of the landmark Hôtel de Sully , once the private mansion of the Le Duc de Sully, now the headquarters of the Center of National Monuments.

Hardly a secret garden, but coming upon it feels like a discovery. (A woman 20 steps ahead of me let out a little gasp as she went through the open door.)

On the near and far sides are two exquisite buildings. At the Place des Vosges end is the former orangery, which once sheltered citrus trees in winter.

Parterres enclosed by low box hedges end in a stone balustrade and cobblestone paving that leads to the second building, ornamented by bas reliefs of women symbolizing spring and summer. (Don’t miss the stone lobster over Summer’s head.)

My favorite part of the garden was a tree with an enormous canopy, an old soul, by one wall.

A second, paved courtyard, reached through a short, arched passageway, has no greenery, just a buxom sphinx, but the bookstore on the far side of the court has an extensive collection of books about aspects of French culture.

The garden has closed for renovations that include adding four orange tree standards. (Le Duc would approve.) The work will be completed in early 2023, and the bookstore remains open.

Jardin des Tuileries

Like the Place des Vosges, the Tuileries was originally a workplace. In 1564, Queen Catherine de Medici had the tile factories cleared away and built a palace with an Italian garden. A century later, after a flood, André le Nôtre, designer of the gardens of Versailles, was charged with restoring the garden, and his design remains largely intact.

Le Nôtre came to his trade naturally. His father and grandfather were Tuileries gardeners, and he was born and died in a house on the premises.

Footsteps away from such major attractions as the Louvre and the Place de Concorde, the Tuileries itself plays host to millions every year, tourists and natives, even hardy souls who jog its snowy paths in winter. One of the first public gardens in Europe, its long allées.

Manet, Monet, Pissarro, Eugène Atget, and André Kertész are among the artists who found it inspiring; another famous admirer was Thomas Jefferson, who soared above its trees in a hot-air balloon in 1784.

Art lovers can seek out sculptures by Maillol, Rodin, and Giacometti or recline in a little green chair by the fountains, before or after tackling the Louvre’s infinite halls.

Bouquets and sachets

Neither park nor garden, the 200-year-old Marché aux Fleurs Reine Elizabeth II , in the fourth arrondissement, is a lovely green space all the same. Not far from Notre Dame, in the Place Louis Lépine, vendors sell bouquets, orchids and cacti, bulbs, shrubs, and more.

The colors, the scents, the history: there’s something about it that goes straight to the heart. Chances are, you won’t be picking up an azalea to bring home, but the fragrant lavender sachets on sale there make wonderful souvenirs.

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Famous Paris gardens. The top 6

The many Paris gardens and tree lined boulevards add vegetation to many districts of an altogether dense city. The top six famous Paris gardens to visit are the romantic Luxembourg Gardens, the royal Tuileries Gardens, Parc de La Villette, Place des Vosges, Bois de Boulogne and Versailles Palace Gardens near Paris. The lovely and very parisian Parc Montsouris, Buttes-Chaumont and Parc Monceau attract few tourists. Paris gardens map . Sightseeing in Paris .

Romantic Paris gardens

Parisians love the romantic Luxembourg Gardens. The classical Tuileries Gardens are part of the famous triumphal way from the Louvre Museum to the Arc de Triomphe.

The Place des Vosges in Le Marais, Parc de Bercy , the hilly Parc des Buttes-Chaumont , the classical Parc Monceau and Parc Montsouris are great gardens too. The Giverny Gardens near the city may be the most famous of all through their link with impressionist painter Claude Monet.

Under Napoleon III and the prefect Haussmann, Paris was reorganized: it was an opportunity to offer new "lungs" to the city by offering its inhabitants new spaces intended for vegetation. Indeed, the squares and gardens were one of the most visible changes in the Parisian landscape. Thirty squares were designed and now adorn the city. Many boulevards were lined with trees at the same time so that the city altogether has many trees and green spaces.

Paris parks and forests

The Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes are large and pleasant parks in the city with many first class attractions including the Fondation Louis Vuitton and Paris Zoo.

The magnificent royal Versailles Gardens are the perfect example of 17th century French parks around the city. We love the large Compiègne and Fontainebleau forests. These royal forests attract many Parisians for hiking, cycling and horse riding during a day or a weekend. Both feature a spectacular royal castle and other top attractions.

Paris apartment and hotel map

Parc de la villette.

On the north-eastern side of Paris, Parc de la Villette is a beautiful park, the largest and one of the bests in the city.

Its planted 55 hectares are crossed by romantic canals and feature key attractions: La Cité des Sciences, the city Science Museum, La Géode, a spectacular movie theater, the Zenith concert hall, the Museum of Music and the Philharmonie de Paris concert hall, with Orchestre de Paris in residence. Altogether, La Villette deserves a whole day of your time.

Giverny Gardens near Paris

In early 20th century, the famous impressionist painter Claude Monet worked hard to turn his colorful Giverny Gardens near the city into a source of inspiration. Maintained in their original design, Giverny Gardens will remind you of famous paintings by Monet such as the Japanese bridge and the waterlilies.

A simple way to visit Giverny Gardens is on a guided tour (not available in winter). You can combine the visit of Giverny with a visit to Versailles , a one day tour.

Giverny Gardens

Parc de Sceaux cherry trees

The 264 Japanese cherry trees of Parc de Sceaux offer an unparalleled show in Grand Paris. They are like a fireworks that would last several days in spring. Each year, the Hanami, the flower festival in Japan, is celebrated.

Everyone is invited to extend their picnic table, to attend a free show of taiko (drum) and awa odori (traditional dance).

April is therefore a very good time to visit the Parc de Sceaux , the most beautiful pedestrian green space of Grand Paris.

Gardens and parks history: the green spaces of the Second Empire

From 1852 to 1870, under Napoleon III and the prefect Haussmann, Paris was reorganized. It was an opportunity to create new spaces intended for vegetation. The squares and gardens were one of the most visible changes in the Parisian landscape. With the help of Alphand, his engineer-gardener, Haussmann planted the city like never before. All the plantations carried out in Paris were organized according to a coherent, hierarchical and systematic program. They must be present throughout the capital and well distributed in the East as in the West. The presence of vegetation in the urban universe was ensured in continuity with the large woods by large avenues. For this, Haussmann continued the idea of ​​Rambuteau who planted two rows of trees in certain streets and who also planted the Grands Boulevards.

Haussmann was inspired, according to the tastes of Napoleon III, by the London model with regard to the interweaving of plants in urban areas. However, the Parisian creations have their own style, not allowing them to be confused with the English model. As early as 1852, all the boulevards and avenues were planted with the exception of the avenue de l'Opéra, according to the choice of its architect, Charles Garnier. The streets, for their part, were never planted, except rue des Pyrénées and rue Faidherbe. Before Haussmann's work, there were 50,000 trees in Paris. He would double this number.

The urban squares were one of the main innovations of the Second Empire. Despite its English name, the urban square is very Parisian: it is a public garden. The squares are distributed throughout the capital but mainly in the oldest districts that needed it most. Today there are around thirty. They are built on old squares or old private squares. The square was organized so as to create a certain intimacy for the people who walk there, by surrounding them with relatively thick plantations. Sometimes a small river flows there. The Haussmannian square is in fact a heritage of the French private garden as could be found at the beginning of the XIXth Century, adorning private mansions.

The city woods are ancient royal forests that have been redeveloped. Arranging the Bois de Boulogne was one of Napoleon III's first decisions. Being an old royal forest, it underwent some changes and was ceded by the State to the city in 1852. Located in the West, the Bois de Boulogne, forms, with the acquisition of Bois de Vincennes (East) and parks (smaller) of Buttes-Chaumont (North) and Montsouris (South), a network of large natural spaces in Paris.

The 10 Most Beautiful Parks and Gardens in Paris

Make time to stop and smell the roses during your next trip.

So the next time you're in Paris, celebrate the natural beauty of the city, breath in the fresh air, and take time to smell the roses in one (or all 10) of these beautiful parks and gardens.

Jardin des Plantes

Located within the Museum of Natural History in the 5th arrondissement, Jardin des Plantes is the premier botanical garden in Paris.

Founded in 1626, the garden wasn’t planted until 1635 by Guy de La Brosse, Louis VIII’s physician. The garden is known for its glass houses that represent the garden’s main galleries, each with its own specific focus: evolution; mineralogy and geology; paleontology and comparative anatomy; and botany.

Jardin du Luxembourg

Bordered by Saint-Germain-de-Prés and the Latin Quarter, Jardin du Luxembourg bridges together the best of English and French gardening. Inspired by the Boboli Gardens of Florence, Jardin du Luxembourg is split into English and French gardens.

Visitors can find a relaxing pond and forest in the center of the garden, along with more than 100 statues and the Medici fountain. The Orangerie and Pavillon Davioud house art exhibits throughout the year within the garden’s grounds.

Coulee Verte

Coulee Verte can’t be contained within one, or even four, square kilometers. Created in 1988 alongside a former railway line, Coulee Verte spans across the 12th arrondissement, linking Place de La Bastille to Varenne-Saint-Maur.

The park begins behind the Bastille Opera House and courses through Avenue Daumesnil to Jardin de Really. Along the way, trees, climbing plants, and rosebushes complement modern landscapes.

Jardin du Palais Royal

Just a short walk from the Louvre, Jardin du Palais Royal offers an oasis for travelers looking to take a break in the middle of the city.

Created in 1633, Jardin du Palais Royal and its surrounding palaces are rich in history. It's known for the Colonnes de Buren, 260 black and white striped octagonal columns that stand at varying heights in the garden’s inner courtyard.

Jardin des Tuileries

The Jardin des Tuileries has served multiple functions throughout its history. The park is named for the tile factories that once stood in the same spot before Queen Catherine de Medici commissioned the Palais des Tuileries in 1564. (It was redesigned in 1664 by André Le Nôtre for King Louis XIV.)

The garden separates the Louvre and the Place de La Concorde. Visitors can relax by ponds, marvel at artworks by Monet at the Musée de l’Orangerie, and, in the summer, enjoy the park’s carnival during the Fête des Tuileries.

Pont des Arts

The Pont des Arts is not a typical park. Located between the Institut de France and the Louvre, the Pont des Arts is the city’s first iron bridge and was finished in 1804.

Crossing the Seine with loved ones on this bridge is a very popular activity. Tourists can find hundreds of locks connected to the bridge, symbolizing couples’ commitments to one another. Don’t worry about bringing your own lock and key though; due to engineering concerns, the city launched its “Love Without Locks” campaign in August 2014.

Parc Monceau

The Parc Monceau is regarded as one of the most elegant parks in Paris. Located in the 8th arrondissement, the park was commissioned by the Duke of Chartres in the 17th century. The park has always been a popular place for a peaceful stroll near nature.

Today, Parc Monceau maintains its regal reputation with iron gates donning gold embellishments, statues, trees, ponds, and a Renaissance archway from the former Paris City Hall.

Interior Garden at Petit Palais

The Petit Palais is stunning work of architecture that houses all a tourist could hope to see in one place, including the Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris. The palace is located in the 8th arrondissement on the avenue des Champs-Elysée, opposite of the Grand Palais.

Inside the Petit Palais, a small garden allows the eye and mind to wander while taking a stroll across the palace grounds.

Parc floral de Paris

Nature lovers flock to the Parc floral de Paris . Located in the 12th arrondissement near Château de Vincennes, the park was opened in 1969 and has served many roles throughout the years. In the summer, Parc floral de Paris hosts the Festival Classique au Vert, Paris Jazz Festival and Pestacles, a youth music festival.

Parc de Belleville

For a true escape from the city, travel to the 20th arrondissement to the Parc de Belleville . Once home to farms, windmills, and endless countryside, Belleville was a modest village that has undergone an intense transformation in the last 30 years. The Parc de Belleville was built in 1988 and is surrounded by waterfalls, streams, and tower staircases. See the city from a new point of view by climbing to the top of the park where visitors will discover a panoramic view of Paris.

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The Insider’s Guide to the Must-See Gardens of Paris

There are so many reasons to love Paris – museums, monuments, boutiques, food and atmosphere. However, an often overlooked element that largely contributes to all these experiences are its gardens. After Paris’s urban foundations were laid down by Louis XIV, the 19th century saw Napoleon III and his dream team of engineers, landscapers and gardeners put parks and gardens at the centre of their extension and embellishment projects for the city.

So how to choose from the nearly 500 parks, gardens, squares, promenades, and community gardens there are today? I have picked some of my favourite gardens, highlighting their seasonal features and places to see nearby, as well as tips to make the most of your visit.

Timing is a key factor – weekends are always more crowded than Monday to Friday. Early morning trips result in even fewer fellow visitors, and greater perfume from the flowers. Experiencing a garden at the end of the day is also a wonderful moment – again, it’s less crowded and the sunlight has a magical glow as it cuts through the trees. I’ve found this to be a good time to visit high-traffic gardens, such as Giverny. Opening and closing times and their exact addresses can be checked at www.parisinfo.com.

Do use your senses when exploring a garden. Sight and smell are obvious, but the variety of leaf and bark textures can be surprising. The presence (or absence) of sounds also tells you something about the space, whether it’s leaves rustling, acorns crunching beneath your feet or the music of nearby water – cascading, bubbling or simply silent.

Parc de Sceaux. Photo: Flickr, Linh Nguyen ( CC BY 2.0 )

Parc de Sceaux

Having fallen in love with Paris 25 years ago, I have to admit that the songs and clichés about the city in the springtime are all true. I still remember leaving language class at the Sorbonne during April and discovering the double cherry blossoms. Their eye-catching nosegays are scattered through the city’s streets and squares – notably at the Jardin des Plantes and in the courtyard of the Petit Palais.

However, to truly experience their beauty, the Parc de Sceaux, situated just south of Paris on the RER B train line, offers two bosquets worthy of the Japanese Hanami. André Le Nôtre conceived the entire garden for Louis XIV’s finance minister, Colbert, in 1670, although it was completed by his son and modified thereafter.

The castle is now an interesting museum about the Île-de-France region. Like many of the gardens designed by Le Nôtre, it’s composed around far-reaching perspectives and features a multitude of spaces and fountains, including the recently renovated boxwood parterres, an Orangerie, rolling lawns and the beautiful Aurora pavilion. Le Nôtre’s gardens were planned with eternity in mind, as reflected by the choice  of such evergreens as boxwood and yew. The ephemeral charm of the park’s ‘North’ and ‘South’ cherry bosquets are all the more delightful and precious, not to mention a perfect picnic location.

Train: RER B to ‘Sceaux’ or Parc de Sceaux

Albert Kahn, Musée et Jardin

A hidden treasure along the quays of the Seine in the town of Boulogne-Billancourt are the gardens of the Musée Albert Kahn. Having created a sizable fortune and a bank of his own by the age of 40, Kahn devoted the rest of his life and his wealth to promoting world peace through engendering knowledge and respect among people. His estate and garden mirror the cultural diversity he so admired and became the backdrop for his foundation.

Kahn’s eight-acre park was restored in the spirit of its creator and displays a range of styles in a complementary fashion. There are two Japanese gardens illustrating his passion for Asian plants, featuring a typical village scene and a contemporary space designed around a water pool and a mountain of azaleas. Man-made elevations and narrow winding paths completely erase the garden’s boundaries and the city’s presence. A formal French garden is lined with climbing roses and spring-flowering fruit trees that lead to an English meadow filled with fritillaria and daffodils. Three distinct forests are evoked through the colours and scents of cedars, spruces and pines, and a water lily pond and prairie.

Metro: Boulogne-Pont de St Cloud

Parc floral de Paris. Credit: Wikipedia, Alexandre Vialle ( CC BY 2.0 )

Parc Floral

On the eastern edge of Paris sits the Parc Floral, the largest of the city’s five botanical gardens. It faces the Château de Vincennes and was carved out of an old military site before being transformed into a valley of flowers in 1969. The permanent collections include peonies, irises, medicinal plants and riotous flower beds that give a new meaning to the words ‘Flower Power’.

The park is punctuated with contemporary sculptures and the open-air Delta auditorium, which hosts jazz and classical concerts in the summer. It’s also home to two international floral competitions, which see 250 varieties of tulips displayed in the spring, and just as many dahlias each autumn. An amazing parade of colour occurs under the shade of the park’s Corsican pines from March to May, thanks to the camellia, magnolia and rhododendron collections. A playground, picnic area and mini-golf course make the Parc Floral a very child-friendly destination.

Metro: Château de Vincennes

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. Credit: David Lefranc/ ParisTouristOffice

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

During the summer months in Paris, the days grow longer and the Parisians start to leave the city – it’s a great time to visit the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, which is situated in the 19th arrondissement. One of Paris’s most popular and extraordinary parks, it’s perched up on one of the highest corners of the city and offers fantastic sunset views.

This former quarry and garbage dump was remodelled in record time during the ‘Second Empire’, to provide a sumptuous park for the 1867 World Fair. The park was originally meant to display then-recent innovations and modern day visitors still marvel at its 32-metre waterfall, 20-metre grotto with man-made stalactites and the romantic Temple de Sybille, which is surrounded by an artificial lake. The park’s numerous beautiful focal points can be appreciated from its many different levels and bridges, one of which was designed by Gustave Eiffel, and it also boasts a number of charming restaurants.

Metro: Buttes-Chaumont or Botzaris

Versailles hosts seasonal spectaculars like the Les Grandes Eaux Nocturnes fireworks. Credit: Credit: Thierry Nava Groupe F

Jardins du Château de Versailles

The gardens of Versailles don’t require a pitch from me. However, I’d encourage you to discover its grounds later in the day, on a long summer evening. One excellent way is to stroll through the bosquets of Le Nôtre, Hardouin-Mansart and Louis Benech to the music of Lully, with the fountains in play, during the Les Grandes Eaux Musicales show, which runs each weekend, April-October.

In addition, from mid June until mid September, an evening fireworks show, Les Grandes Eaux Nocturnes, takes this enchanting display one step further with a ballet of fireworks that would impress Louis XIV himself. Check www.chateauversailles-spectacles.fr for exact dates.

Train: RER C to Versailles-Rive Gauche

Credit: Paris Tourist Office/ Amelie Dupont

Parc de Bercy

Like the Jardin des Tuileries, the Parc de Bercy runs along the Seine, and despite its contemporary design, has a history spanning several centuries. Once known for its 17th-century château by Le Vau, the quays at Bercy were later filled with warehouses, and it was the largest wine and spirits market in Europe up until the 1950s. To preserve this history, the garden maintains traces of its past and replanted 400 grapevines. Harvesting is weather-dependent, as with Paris’s other vineyards – in Montmartre, Belleville and the George Brassens garden.

The Parc de Bercy also boasts a vegetable garden, a scented rose garden and the ‘Romantic Garden’, which can be accessed by a footbridge over the Rue Kessel.

Metro: Bercy or Cour Saint-Émilion

Jardin du Luxembourg. Credit: Paris Tourist Office/ Amelie Dupont

Jardin du Luxembourg

This garden’s seasonal floral displays, in both English and French styles, are at their peak in the fall – hundreds of chrysanthemums fill the urns that decorate the terrace. Despite its size, central location and prestige role as the French Senate’s ‘backyard’, there’s something intimate and personal about these paths and fountains. For over 400 years, artists, writers and students have found inspiration here, some of whom are now represented as statues.

Metro: Notre-Dame-des-Champs or RER Luxembourg

Serres d’Auteuil. Credit: Paris Tourist Office/ Amelie Dupont

Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil & Jardin des Plantes

The grey winter months in Paris aren’t devoid of horticultural havens. The historical Auteuil greenhouses and the recently restored Jardin des Plantes hothouses both offer an evasion of tropical and subtropical forests.

You can lose yourself in their luxurious foliage, beautiful orchids and arid landscapes. Auteuil’s 19th-century Palmarium has a few tables and chairs inside, making it a lovely place to sketch or snack, and the Jardin des Plantes boasts a zoo and the Natural History Museum next door.

Metro: Porte d’Auteuil (Auteuil) & Jussieu (Des Plantes).

Parc de Bagatelle. Credit: Yvette Gauthier

Parc de Bagatelle

One of my truly favourite gardens is Bagatelle, on the far side of the Bois de Boulogne. This multifaceted gem offers a harmonious succession of landscapes throughout the year. The castle on the grounds was born out of a bet between the Comté d’Artois and his sister-in-law, Queen Marie Antoinette. His picturesque garden gave way to an English-style park in the 19th century, under the ownership of Lord Seymour and his son, Richard Wallace, which then became one of the city’s botanical sites.

Each February, gorgeous waves of colour from three million naturalized bulbs fill the lawns, which are followed by the peony and iris collections. These give way to the water lilies and more than 10,000 roses, many of which flower into October. The autumn is also ablaze – with asters, dahlias and the seasonal beds, all framed by centenary trees.

The winter graces of the Parc de Bagatelle are unveiled to the discerning eye and nose with fragrant Lonicera and Daphne. Between January and March, all the roses in the park are pruned, making this an ideal time for privileged conversations with the gardeners.

Although snow is rare in Paris, the Bois de Boulogne is often a few degrees cooler than the city and even light frosts can turn the park into a crystal palace, before the sun creeps across the lawns, thus returning its myriad attractions to their earthy tones.

Metro: Porte Maillot, then four stops on bus 244

I’m often asked when is the best time to visit a Parisian garden or park, and I most often reply “Now”, for there is always something to see and enjoy!

From France Today magazine

Upstate New York-born Amy Kupec-Larue moved to Paris in 1989 and began giving bilingual botanical tours of Parisian gardens in 2006. For further details, please visit www.gardenguideparis.wordpress.com

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. Credit: Andy Stafford

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By amy kupec-larue.

Upstate New York-born Amy Kupec-Larue moved to Paris in 1989 and began giving bilingual botanical tours of Parisian gardens in 2006.

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11 Best Parks And Gardens In Paris That You Must Visit

By: Author Christine Rogador

Posted on Published: July 12, 2020  - Last updated: October 28, 2022

Paris doesn’t seem to run out of beautiful places to see and visit . From its iconic landmarks to museums , bridges , and stunning buildings, the city is like a vast repository of beautifully crafted structures. In between these attractions are scenic gardens and parks.

They offer spectacular views of other landmarks, a lovely space for picnics, or a quiet respite from exploring the city. Here are some of the best gardens and parks in Paris that you must visit.

Things you'll find in this article

1. Parc Des Buttes-Chaumont

2. jardin du luxembourg, 3. parc monceau, 4. jardin anne-frank, 5. jardin des serres d’auteuil, 6. parc montsouris, 7. jardin des plantes, 8. proménade plantée, 9. jardin des tuileries, 10. place du trocadéro, travel tips and resources.

Built by the erstwhile city baron, Georges Eugène Haussmann, Parc de Buttes-Chaumont is now known for its Zen atmosphere.

Back when the park was established, Parc Des Buttes-Chaumont was one of those parks that were built for the recreational use of the people of Paris. Before it became a park, this area was a limestone quarry.

Now, it is home to one of the most loved parks in Paris that features a serene lake, a miniature statuette of the famous Temple to Sybil, and waterfalls .

A place that was created especially for Queen Marie de Medici (wife to Henri, the IV), Jardin du Luxembourg is now one of the most popular gardens in Paris.

It covers 25 hectares of family-friendly space that’s a favorite among Parisians and tourists alike.

The garden park is best known for its flowerbeds, sailboats on its basin, vast lawns, tree-lined promenades,  and the exquisite Medici Fountain.

There are also fun activities that you can enjoy here such as pony rides,  carousels, and théatre des marionettes (puppet shows).

READ MORE: Jardin de Luxembourg (Luxembourg Garden) Guide .

Easily one of the most unique and romantic gardens in Paris, the elegant Parc Monceau is a must-visit. This garden was built in the 17th century by the Duke of Chartres.

Located in the 8th arrondissement , one of the garden’s most beautiful features is the pond surrounded by Corinthian columns on one side. It is such a poetic spot that’s a favorite among visitors looking for a quiet stroll.

If you’re looking for a romantic spot in the City of Love , this is one of the perfect spots for a romantic date.

Apart from its lush landscape, the garden welcomes visitors through its gold embellished iron gate.

Along the park, you’ll see old trees, statues, and a beautiful Renaissance archway from the old City Hall.

Opened to the public in 2007, the Jardin Anne-Frank is smaller than other green spaces in Paris.

However, despite being not as popular, the area is considered as a wonderful hidden gem tucked in the Marais.

This charming little garden has a pond in the center, and seats surrounded by a trellis. It is the perfect little escape from the city hustle, where you can enjoy a quiet walk or relax by the pond.

Jardin Anne-Frank also occasionally hosts art exhibitions, which adds character to this delightful green space.

Walkthrough romantic glasshouses, surrounded with greenery in the Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil.

Founded in 1985, this is where plants for other Parisian parks and gardens are cultivated.

One of the best places to see here is the tropical pavilion, where you’ll find palm trees, birds, and a pond with fishes. This garden is home to seasonal displays of a variety of orchids and begonias.

Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil is also a lovely green sanctuary when the weather isn’t so good but you want to enjoy some time in a garden.

Located in the south of Paris, Parc Montsouris has remained non-touristy and doesn’t get crowded. It is a favorite for families and friends for picnics and cozy get tog ethers.

Its traditional English garden design and serene artificial lake are just some of the park’s best features.

Parc Montsouris is one of the best parks in Paris if you want to enjoy some quiet time surrounded by greens.

Jardin des Plantes was founded in 1626 and regarded as the premier botanical garden in Paris. It is in the 5th arrondissement , situated within the Museum of Natural History.

Jardin des Plantes has glasshouses that contain its main galleries,  divided into different areas. Spend an early morning or late afternoon here and get to know more about plant life.

Explore different areas of the garden such as those that focus on comparative anatomy, botany, evolution, geology, mineralogy, and paleontology.

Built on what was once a railway, the picturesque Proménade Plantée is one of the best gardens in Paris for a leisurely walk.

This is also one of the best places to visit in Paris at springtime, aa it fills with cherry blossoms, colorful vines, and wildflowers.

Situated on elevated ground,  Proménade Plantée offers views of distinctly Parisian lofts and terraces, colorful rooftops, and balconies.

Visitors can also spot a variety of bird species from here, even while sitting in one of the benches along the garden’s path.

A Parisian garden that has a long, colorful history, Jardin des Tuileries is a great place to relax after you’ve spent hours at the Louvre .

Adjacent to the French capital’s premier museum, and the Place de La Concorde, this garden hosts the  Fête des Tuileries every summer. This garden used to have a palace on its premises before it was destroyed by fire.

The area was then redesigned into the lovely garden that it is today by André Le Nôtre for King Louis XIV in 1664.

Jardin des Tuileries is now one of the most visited gardens in Paris, and this is also home to some stunning artworks by Monet at the Musée de l’Orangerie.

READ MORE: 13 Interesting Facts About Tuileries Gardens

Considered as one of the best places for great views of the Eiffel Tower, Place du Trocadéro has plenty to offer to its visitors. The Chaillot Palace is where you can enjoy stunning views of the iconic Parisian landmark.

On either side of the palace are beautiful English gardens, while the center stage has the spectacular Warsaw fountains.

At springtime, Place du Trocadéro is a haven for colorful blooms surrounding its many daisy chain basins.

11. Bois de Vincennes

Bois de Vincennes is about three times the size of New York’s Central Park, and nicknamed the ‘Paris lungs’.

This haven of lush green spaces is a massive English-style garden park that is home to a botanical park, a farm, permanent fairgrounds, and a zoo.

Visitors to Bois de Vincennes love its pretty gazebos, scenic lakes, pathways, and picnic areas. It is the perfect place for a quiet stroll among the trees, or a relaxing time boating on the lake.

Travel Insurance: I never leave home without travel insurance. My personal opinion is if you can afford to travel, you can afford to buy a travel insurance. All things can happen while on the road and you can never be too sure. And it's something that you'll be glad to have when you need it. For my preferred travel insurance, I use Safety Wing .

What To Wear: If you want some ideas on what to pack for France, check out this packing list guide for France .

Where To Stay: I personally use Booking.com for all my accommodations. Check out for their latest deals here .

Reading Resources: Check out our best reading resources here .

Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.

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Best Free “Stroll-Worthy” Gardens & Parks in Paris

Sean Finelli Last Updated: March 26, 2024

If you have been to France, you know the French really know how to do gardens and the Parisians may be the best in France. If you haven’t been, get ready for some of the world’s best kept and curated parks and gardens in Paris.

Pro Tip: Consider bookmarking this article into a “Paris” folder in your browser. This way you can circle back to it while planning. Also, check out our Paris tours and other great experiences .

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Paris’ 5 Free Must-See Gardens & Parks

5. bois de boulogne.

Of all the gardens on this list, Bois de Boulogne is the only extremely large park that you could really get lost in. You will also find an extremely high concentration of Parisians here as most tourists would gravitate towards a more famous park.

It is home to several lakes, one of which is large enough to have two islands in it. You’ll see people rowing, exercising, walking around, and generally enjoying nature.

This park is also home to the Louis Vuitton Foundation Museum. You’ll find a lot to do with kids here such as the Jardin d’Acclimatation . Cool little spot with rides and such.

A very cool experience for romantics is to eat at Le Chalet des Iles . It is located on an island in Lac Inférieur and you have to take a boat ferry to get over. It is pretty expensive so this would be a great place to go for a fancy night out. These are the types of things we arrange for our trip planning service .

This park is free and doesn’t close but I don’t recommend going too deep into the park too late at night.

Address Bois de Boulogne Paris

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Not ready to book a tour? Check out Paris Guide for more resources.

4. Jardin des Plantes

You could probably guess the English translation to this one. The Plant Garden is very beautiful and quite large weighing in at 69 acres (28 hectares).

This garden is really about plant diversity. You’ll find row after row of flowering trees as well as a Museum/Gallery dedicated to botany. After a visit to Paris, you’ll realize that Parisians take gardening very seriously and this garden really drives that home.

There are a lot of things to do in this garden including the Gallery of Evolution which is a real treat for children of all ages. It is a natural history museum but so much more beautiful and stylish than any others I have seen. If I was heading to Paris with my kids, this is where I would go.

Address: 57 Rue Cuvier (5th arrondissement)

3. Tuileries Garden

Jardin des Tuileries is a no-brainer when you are visiting Paris. It is right outside the Louvre so you will almost certainly see it and walk through it after your visit or Louvre tour . That said, I recommend scheduling an extra hour to walk about and even just grab a drink from a stand and relax.

There is a great little fountain in the center with seats all around which is truly inspirational and mind-clearing at the same time. The garden is absolutely free and spotted with statues, hedges, and fountains. It is 74 acres (30 hectares) bordering the Louvre museum and the Museum l’Orangerie is situated on the southeast corner. There is even a Ferris wheel on the premises.

Address: Place de la Concorde (1st arrondissement)

2. Champ de Mars & Trocadéro

As far as vegetation and curation, Champ de Mars or Trocadéro don’t light a match to the other parks listed above. That said, none of the other ones have the Eiffel Tower.

Similar to Tuileries Garden, Champ de Mars will happen if you plan it or not. No trip to Paris is complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower up close and Champ de Mars is where the tower lives.

My recommendation is to take a little walk over Pont d’Léna to Jardins du Trocadéro. It has a great view of the tower and the gardens are slightly nicer in my opinion. You won’t fully connect with nature like at Bois de Boulogne, but you will definitely get some epic photos!

Address: 2 Allée Adrienne Lecouvreur (7th arrondissement)

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Versailles isn’t that difficult to get to by train, but why deal with the stress on your own? Our guide will meet you in central Paris, purchase your train tickets, and ensure you get off at the right stop in Versailles. With skip-the-line tickets, you’ll bypass the crowds and get right into this incredible palace as your guide explains the most incredible (and controversial) history of France’s favorite palace.

1. Luxembourg Gardens

The Luxembourg Gardens are gorgeous, expansive and right in the center of the city. They are undoubtedly a must-visit park while in Paris. Definitely my, Sean from Youtube, go-to choice for a park in Paris.

The gardens were created in 1612 by Marie dé Medici of Florence. It is a 56 acre (23 hectares) garden in the center of Paris. As you could expect in Paris, they are manicured to perfection and absolutely free to enter. You can stroll around for hours and get lost, watch kids race sailboats, and kick up a great conversation with whomever you are with.

Address (6th arrondissement)

Paris Overview

Paris is the capital of France and home to over 2 million people in the 35 sq mile city (87 sq km). The Seine river splits the city into two sections, the Right Bank and the Left Bank with two islands, île Saint -Louis & Île de la Cité. It is a relatively flat city with two more elevated areas, Montmartre and Belleville which are home to fabulous views!

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About Sean Finelli

Sean is a co-founder and owner of The Tour Guy and its subsidiary The Roman Guy. He studied finance and statistics, but that is his "Dr. Jekyll" side! His "Mr. Hyde" is in love with travel, art, history, and culture. Sean has read libraries of historical text and believes that all internet content should come from books. A practice he follows!

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Best Paris Parks & Gardens

Best Parks and Gardens in Paris

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

If you're at all familiar with impressionist painting , which so often depicts Parisians at lazy picnics in romantic green settings, you know that Paris' myriad parks and gardens have long been a source of inspiration. In Paris, a park is almost never a mere plot of grass reserved for sports, and a garden is rarely a random selection of flowers and plants. Parisians pride themselves in making their city's parks and gardens places of elegance, artistic detail, and symmetry-- even the romantic gardens have been carefully planned to imitate nature. Take a stroll, picnic, and revel in these idyllic green spots.

Jardin du Luxembourg: Marie de Medici's Dream Garden

Established by Italian monarch Marie de Medicis in the mid-17th century, le Jardin du Luxembourg and its Florentine-style palace are arguably Paris' most popular places to seek fresh air and sun, stroll, and play. On the weekends the park is brimming with strollers, and children enjoy traditional puppet shows ("guignols") and boating on the park's ponds. Adults will appreciate the park's botanical arrangements, dramatic Renaissance-style layout, elegant statues of France's queens, and iron chairs for reading or lazing. One downside: there is little picnic space at Luxembourg, as most of the grass is "at rest".

Bois de Vincennes: "Les Poumons de Paris"

Affectionately dubbed "Paris' lungs", the Bois de Vincennes (Vincennes Wood) is a sprawling, English-style romantic park at Paris' eastern border famous for its lyrical lakes, pathways, gazebos, and hilly picnic areas. The park is almost three times larger than Central Park in New York. There is also a zoo, a farm, permanent fairgrounds, and a botanical park where open-air jazz concerts are held in the summer. If you want to get a breath of bucolic air but want to stay close to Paris, this is the place for you. Try a boating picnic on the lake, rent a bicycle, or amble among the trees.

Tuileries Garden: A Regal Spot Indeed

The Tuileries is Paris' oldest and most lavish garden. Its royal roots stretch to the 16th century when Marie de Medicis commissioned a palace behind the Louvre. Henry IV and Louis XIV would pursue construction and the palace housed the last monarchs of France until it was burned down in 1871. The elaborate royal gardens remained.

Today, the gardens are the starting point of a gorgeous and edifying walk from the Louvre to the Champs-Elysées, forming what is referred to as the "triumphant line". The gardens also feature sumptuous sculptures by Rodin and Maillol and eye-catching, artful symmetry. Great for kids, too.

Jardin des Plantes: For Educational Strolls

TripSavvy / Leopoldine Bauer

A scientific hotspot located in the learned Latin Quarter , the Jardin des Plantes is the site of the city's excellent Museum of Natural History . Built in 1635 as a royal botanical garden, the Revolution of 1789 transformed the garden into a public site.

The park features thousands of species of plants, including tropical varieties, roses, irises, and a botanical garden. A labyrinth adds a poetic touch.

If you're looking for an educational and picturesque visit, the Jardin des Plantes is a great choice. Kids will enjoy the onsite museum, where they can see realistic models of all types of animals. They'll also have fun at the zoo (Menagerie) at the Jardin des Plantes, the oldest in the world and full of odd creatures.

Buttes-Chaumont: For Romantic Picnics

This reigning favorite of romantic-style parks is in Paris' northeastern 19th arrondissement , little-explored by tourists and prized by locals. The enormous park's steep man-made bluffs, bridges, lake, and 30-foot waterfall all perfectly mirror the 19th-century romantic movement's desire to bring nature back into urban spaces. Here you'll find none of the formalist pomp and rigid symmetry of places like the Tuileries garden. Buttes-Chaumont is a great place to read, picnic, nap, or act out torrid scenes from Wuthering Heights . Another perk: you'll get off the postcard trail and see one of Paris' secret corners.

Parc Montsouris: A Quiet Spot in South Paris

Nestled in a quiet corner of south Paris, Montsouris is an English-style park complete with imitation-wood pathways, rolling hills, a pond, and statues. Its nearly 1400 trees, many of them at least a century old, provide poetic shade, and there's plenty of room to sprawl out and picnic.

Kids will enjoy the park for its many playgrounds, pony rides, and traditional puppet theatre.

The Montsouris park has been referenced in French literature and film, including Jacques Prévert's amorous poem "The Garden".

Bois de Boulogne

The western counterpart of the Bois de Vincennes, the Bois de Boulogne is a vast expanse of green on Paris' west outskirts. Originally the site of royal hunting grounds and a monastery, the Bois de Boulogne has been thoroughly adopted by today's Parisians as an essential place to breathe and play.

Another romantic-style park, the tamed wood offers visitors waterfalls, bluffs, lakes, and breathtaking walks among oaks, cherry trees, and countless other varieties. The park is also known for its devoted cyclists, its enormous children's garden, and its seedy night scene--incidentally, stay away from the park at night.

Promenade Plantée (The Planted Promenade)

Built above ground on a defunct railway, this unique 2.7 mile stretch of gardens is one of Paris' most charming places to take a stroll. As soon as spring rolls around, the ​ Proménade Plantée bursts into dazzling color and features cherry and chestnut trees, climbing vines, and all variety of wildflowers and botanical plants. Benches all along the path offer great opportunities for sitting back and people-watching, cuddling, or just enjoying the spring aromas. There are also some great views of tucked-away Paris lofts and terraces, sculpted rooftops and balconies. Bird-watching opportunities abound, too.

Parc de la Villette: Ultracontemporary Paris

Perched high in North Paris, not far from Buttes-Chaumont, is a contemporary park situated between the Cité des Sciences et de L'industrie and the Cité de la Musique, both important cultural spots. The park is designed in an urban spirit, bringing together greenery, architecture, and contemporary sculpture. Several thematic gardens, galleries, eateries and cultural centers are found throughout the park. Vast open spaces also referred to as "prairies," provide great opportunities for picnics. In the summer, free open-air movies are screened at the park.

This is another educational spot that is great for kids .

Jardin d'Acclimation

TripSavvy / Leopoldine Bauer 

Established by Napoleon III as Paris' first amusement park for the general public, the Jardin d'Acclimation offers old-world fun in the form of rides, a petting zoo, gardens and restaurants, a puppet theatre, and much more. This one's great for the kids.

Parc Andre Citroen

This ​ultra modern park was built on a former industrial site on the left bank and named after the French automobile manufacturer Citroen. A hybrid of styles, including French, Japanese, and English, come together to create a unique contemporary setting. The park features several thematic gardens, including an herbal botanical garden, a garden especially for children, and a resolutely contemporary garden that plays on color and light and fuses water, metal, and greenery. The park's large greenhouse hosts summer exhibits.

Try exploring the Parc Andre Citroen to get a glimpse of Paris' modern face.

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Top 21 Most Beautiful Parks and Gardens in Paris

Paris is far more than just the iconic Eiffel Tower or the glittering Champs-Elysées Avenue. The City of Light is also a haven of greenery. Take the opportunity to relax, recharge, or enjoy a picnic in its numerous parks. Below are our favorite Parisian parks and gardens.

1 – Jardin du Luxembourg

Originating from Marie de Médicis’ desire to beautify the namesake palace, the Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Gardens) is a must-visit in your exploration of the most beautiful parks and gardens in Paris.

Spanning 22.5 hectares, the garden unveils a kaleidoscope of colors through its flowering borders, showcasing both English and French patterns, a lush expanse of greenery, and its orchard.

For those who appreciate exquisite flora, the journey continues into the greenhouses.

Visitors can also enjoy an impressive collection of statues, including a minimalist interpretation of the Statue of Liberty and sculptures of renowned writers like Baudelaire.

2 – Square des Batignolles

Square des Batignolles is a lush and tranquil oasis nestled in the heart of its namesake neighborhood in the 17th arrondissement.

Commissioned by Napoleon III, who sought to bring English-style gardens to Paris, it’s a picturesque enclave hosting a variety of exotic species. From the thorny locusts of America to the date plum trees of Japan, the garden offers a rich tapestry of flora in a verdant setting. Within this lush landscape, you’ll find a cave, a river, and a lake, each adding to the charm of the place.

Over the years, these aquatic spots have become a favored habitat for various waterfowl, especially ducks and swans, creating a lively and serene environment for visitors.

3 – Parc des Buttes Chaumont

An expansive green oasis covering 25 hectares in the 19th arrondissement in northeast Paris, this public park is one of the largest green spaces in the city.

Built on a former quarry, the park maintains significant elevation changes, attracting joggers and fitness enthusiasts.

As you wander its slopes, you’ll find yourself shaded by a variety of trees, from Lebanon cedars to pagoda trees.

Parc des Buttes Chaumont is particularly beloved for its large lake, at the center of which sits the Belvédère Isle, home to the charming Temple of Sybille, inspired by an Italian counterpart.

4 – Jardin des plantes

Established in 1635 in the 5th arrondissement, the Jardin des Plantes combines the contrasting styles of French and English gardens.

The garden presents a diverse array of plants under the shadow of its greenhouses, boasting remarkable botanical richness.

From the tropical plants in the winter garden to the lush flora in the Mexican, Australian, and paleobotanical glasshouses, the garden is a haven of discovery.

Its extensive rose garden, featuring around 170 varieties, is a highlight. The Menagerie, one of the oldest zoological parks in the world, is also located here.

5 – Parc Monceau

Nestled in the 8th arrondissement and surrounded by elegant hotels and grand buildings, Parc Monceau offers an idyllic romantic setting.

The park is characterized by its colonnade encircling the oval pond of the Naumachie, lending a timeless charm to this popular gathering spot for Parisians.

Intersected by winding paths and floral grass beds, the park also features notable monuments, including a rotunda and a pyramid, as well as a collection of statues, among which are representations of Chopin, Maupassant, and Musset.

6 – Parc Montsouris

Opened to the public in 1869 in the 14th borough, the Parc Montsouris is a wide expanse of green taking up about fifteen hectares.

Set up with a lake, that’s the popular playground of numerous birds. Swans, crested tits and rose-ringed parakeets are only a few species that found refuge in this park.

The walks happened at the shadow of close to 1500 varieties of trees whose major part is aged over hundreds of years.

Some notorious monuments stand in the heart of the park such as a building inspired by the Bardo palace, which welcomes, today, the meteorological observatory.

7 – Jardin des Tuileries

Charming French garden in the 1st borough and the most ancient of the capital, by the way, the Jardin des Tuileries had been created on bygone tiles, thus the name.

Skillfully fitted out with precise shapes flowerbeds surrounding nice ponds, the park has been listed as a Historical monument.

Even though it is a place of wonderful promenades, it is also a remarkable cultural break in Paris.

The Jardin des Tuileries, indeed, welcomes the Louvre Museum set in the palace of the same name and the Jeu de Paume, an exhibition place completely devoted to photography and contemporary art.

8 – Parc Bagatelle

The Parc Bagatelle is an ode to the countryside having flowered in the Bois de Boulogne.

The park was created after a bet between the Count of Artois and Marie-Antoinette on the building of the eponym castle and of the park in 64 days. Sure bet.

Today, this huge space welcoming Anglo-Chinese gardens doesn’t run out of visitors.

The Parc Bagatelle is above all well-known for its two rose gardens counting all in all 9000 plants offering a show highly colorful at the moment of their flowering in June.

9 – Parc George Brassens

Homage to this French singer-songwriter-performer with sharp writing who lived not far away from here, the Parc George Brassens bedecks the 15th district.

Located at the place of former slaughterhouses of which it kept some legacies such as its imposing doors and a belfry dominating the lake, this garden displays of an apiary and a beautiful wine-making space.

By the way, this vineyard is one of the biggest in its category. It produces a delicious vintage named le Clos des Morillons that is auctioned each year.

To brighten up this verdant space, a garden full of scented plants and another one with aromatic and medicinal plants flourished.

10 – Parc de la Butte du Chapeau-Rouge

Little known by the Parisians, the Parc de la Butte du Chapeau-Rouge yet doesn’t lack charm.

Rolling out grass carpets staked with trees providing shade for relaxation, this public garden which opened in 1939 can be visited in the 19th district in the quarter of America.

Stretching on slightly less than 5 hectares on gypsum quarries, this charming verdurous sanctuary is characterized by a pretty monumental fountain.

11 – Champ-de-Mars

It is certainly the most well-known of Parisian parks: the Champ-de-Mars spreads across the 7th arrondissement.

It has been used as a meeting and celebrating area ever since the 18th century, and is one of the most popular parks for locals, thanks to its 25 ha and the Eiffel Tower standing at its end.

Visitors can walk between numerous types of trees There are also merry-go-rounds, a puppet theater, and many statues as well.

It is also the ideal place to have a picnic during the summer evenings, as many people can attest, and enjoy the sight of the Tower lighting up every hour for five minutes.

Aside from the wide lawns and large alleys, the Champ-de-Mars also provides many popular events, such as the Bastille Day fireworks or concerts.

12 – Parc floral de Paris

In the Bois de Vincennes, in the 12th arrondissement, the flower park is both an urban park and a botanical garden.

This 30 ha park (one of the biggest in Paris), created in 1969, was freely inspired from Japanese gardens, as seen in the numerous pavilions and floral arrangements.

It is home to several thousand flower species, notably irises and tulips, which make for spectacular colors during blooming time.

It also hosts peacocks walking freely next to visitors.

You may also enjoy shaded paths and the welcoming fresh air of the pinewood in the summer.

Access to the park must be paid for (€2.50 at full price and €1.50 at a discounted price) between April 1st and September 30th. Yearly subscriptions are also available.

13 – Parc de Belleville

This 20th arrondissement park makes for a welcome green and cool break since 1988.

Its wide lawns are an open invitation to picnics and outdoor games, while a cascading fountain falls to the bottom of the hill, and makes for an appreciable refreshing opportunity during warm days.

During a walk, you might also notice several tree species, from the most common ones (oaks, beech trees, chestnuts, apple trees) to the more exotic varieties (Mexican orange blossom, golden rain trees, pagoda trees).

As the park was used for a long time to produce wine, some vines were planted at its reopening, in memory of the celebrations that would once take place there.

14 – Jardin d’acclimatation

In the 16th arrondissement, the Jardin d’Acclimatation (“acclimatization garden”) not only offers more than 40 attractions for children and adults but also 18 ha for walking and strolling.

The park, which was inspired by Hyde Park in London, hosts over 1,800 diverse species of trees, such as common oaks and pines, as well as more exotic ones such as sequoias and Himalayan cedars.

The paths spread through the park and wind around lawns, lookouts and ponds in a calm, natural and relaxing walk.

The park also hosts a farm, animals, an aviary, beehives and vegetable patches, as well as an original, pretty Korean garden.

15 – Parc de Bercy

Built on top of former vineyards in the 12th arrondissement, Parc de Bercy is actually made out of three separate gardens:

• The “romantic garden” makes for a walk among flowers, ponds and reed beds; a perfect place for a peaceful afternoon;
• The “flowerbeds” are used as an educational place thanks to its “gardening home” and its chiseled gardens, vegetable patches, vineyards and rose gardens;
• Finally, the “meadows” are a set of shaded lawns which are ideal to spend part of the day outdoors.

This is a perfect place to stay at before or after a concert at the AccorHotels Arena or a visit to Bercy Village , the pedestrian area that makes you feel like you’re out of Paris.

16 – Square Jean-XXIII

This square located in the center of the Île de la Cité lies right behind the Notre Dame cathedral.

Originally created in 1848 as the “Archbishopric Square”, it was renamed in 1970 in honor of Pope John XXIII.

Sprinkled with benches and trees and generally little known among tourists, it serves as a peaceful haven in the middle of the city, with a fantastic view over the back facade of Notre Dame.

At its center stands the Fountain of the Virgin Mary, a neo-gothic sculpture perfectly imitating the cathedral’s style.

17 – Parc Clichy-Batignolles – Martin-Luther-King

Located just next to the Parc des Batignolles in the 17th arrondissement, this park is situated on top of a former train station of the SNCF.

Its rolling lawns are interspersed with playgrounds for children and sports grounds such as the skate park and football basketball and boules pitches.

The former train tracks can still barely be seen rising from the ground at places.

An area wooded with pines and an orchard completes the set by bringing some enjoyable shade and coolness to the table.

A tranquil haven away from mayhem and tourists.

18 – Parc André-Citroën

Created in 1992 on the site of a former Citroen plant, this park spreads over almost 15 ha and is completely open to the Seine riverside.

The docks, lawns and thickets mold together in a splendid green harmony that everyone can enjoy.

Two greenhouses are also open to visitors, one for exotic plants and one for Mediterranean plants.

The Ballon de Paris is also located there: a hot-air balloon permanently anchored to the ground, which rises up to 150 meters above ground to offer an aerial view of Paris.

19 – Parc Cité internationale universitaire

As it spreads over more than 30 ha, this university park in the 14th arrondissement is the third largest park in Paris.

Open to the public, its size and atmosphere make it a nice and familial place for walking and resting.

It serves as a nesting area for many bird species, including some very rare ones, such as the mistle thrush or the Eurasian tree sparrow.

Several remarkable tree varieties were also planted there, such as Caucasian wingnuts, American tulip trees or giant sequoias.

20 – Jardin du Palais-Royal

In the 1st arrondissement, barely a few steps away from the Louvre museum, the gardens of the Palais-Royal were originally ordered in 1633 by Cardinal de Richelieu.

Amidst 17th to 19th-century architecture, the alleys spread between the flower beds, the well-placed tree rows and a few marble statues.

Ponds and water sprays bring a noisy and relaxing hint of coolness to the place.

The several benches spread across the park allow for nice breaks and people-watching, as do the cafés and restaurants patios around there.

21 – Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil

As the name indicates, this park in the 16th arrondissement is largely recognizable thanks to its huge cast iron greenhouses.

These host more than 5,000 plant species, among which are succulents, plants from Sahel and New Caledonia, and even begonias and azaleas…

Even though they are the main attraction, the greenhouses are far from the only point of interest in the park, which also hosts several French and Japanese gardens, with many kinds of statues and fountains scattered around.

Several rare tree species can also be seen along the alleys, such as a Chinese wingnut, a ginkgo or a crape myrtle.

I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!

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These 10 Landmarks In France Are Worth Skipping Paris To See

• France is more than just Paris. There are countless places outside of the city to explore, from ancient ruins and art museums to stunning gardens and natural wonders.
• Arles offers a glimpse into French history with its ancient Roman Amphitheater and ties to Vincent van Gogh. Visitors can learn about both at the Foundation Vincent Van Gogh Arles.
• The Loire Valley is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts and biking enthusiasts alike. Visitors can enjoy beautiful countryside, explore châteaux, and indulge in delicious French cuisine and wines.

Paris is universally heralded as the city of love . Visitors from all over the world flock to this destination for a selfie with famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or with the hope of meeting that special someone. But what about the rest of France? Have the wonders of the Camargue, the Riviera, and the Loire Valley been overlooked in favor of the city of lights?

Well-versed travelers will know that France is more than just Paris. There are hundreds of different places to see and explore, with some of the world's top landmarks worth visiting located there. France is a romantic country filled with unique nooks for travelers to fall in love with. Nearly every city has its own charm, its own delicious local wines, and artistic wonders to see—not to mention the stunning European architecture. In a country with a history that stretches back to the Paleolithic era, visitors have thousands of years of human culture to explore.

Find out the best locations in France (outside of Paris) to learn about hidden French gems, the best places for wine, spectacular gardens, and ancient ruins!

Visit Arles: The Roman Amphitheater And The Once-Home Of Vincent van Gogh

France is a country with a long and rich history. One of the best places outside of Paris to experience that is at Arles. This Camargue city has been inhabited for millennia but truly came into its own during the Roman period when the city's famous Amphitheater was built.

With a capacity to hold 20,000 people, visitors today can still hear echoes of the roaring crowds that once came here to watch gladiator fights and chariot races. Arles' history, however, didn't end when Rome fell; later on, in the 19th century, Arles was home to world-famous artist, Vincent van Gogh for a year, and is the subject of many of his paintings.

Visitors can learn about him at the Foundation Vincent Van Gogh Arles , a local museum that hosts Van Gogh-themed events.

• What to do here: Learn about French history from Rome to the modern era, visit the spectacular Roman amphitheater, visit the Foundation Vincent van Gogh Arles

Related: 10 Most Historic Attractions In France And The Amazing Stories Associated With Them

Bike The Loire Valley

Known as the Garden of France, the stunning Loire Valley is famous for its lush agricultural land . Tourists here will find beautiful countryside rich with asparagus, artichokes, cherries, and grapes. This area is also famous for its architecture, gastronomy, its many châteaux, its delicious wines, and its long-standing role in history; inhabitation in this area goes back at least 57,000 years!

The top thing to do in this area, however, has to be to travel the Loire by bicycle. With dozens of cycling tours for travelers to enjoy, visitors can either take a relaxed approach or a more rigorous one. The possibilities are endless!

• What to do here : experience some of the best French wines and foods, visit many different châteaux, go on a biking tour

Dune du Pilat: France's Surprising Natural Wonder

Who would've thought that the tallest sand dune in Europe is located in France? Dune du Pilat, a 2.7 km long sand dune located on France's Atlantic coast, draws millions of tourists every year.

Visitors here can not only see this marvel of nature but can enjoy the many sports and recreational activities that make this area famous, like paragliding.

• What to do here: visit a 2.7 km long sand dune (the tallest in Europe), engage in sports and recreational activities like paragliding

Step Back In Time At Lascaux

One of the most important educational experiences in the world is visiting the Lascaux IV Museum . The original Lascaux Cave, located near the village of Montignac, was first discovered by local teenagers in 1940. The beautiful artwork depicting bulls, horses, giant elk, and bison was determined to date back to at least 15,000 BCE.

Although the actual cave is currently closed for preservation reasons, the Museum of Lascaux IV seeks to give visitors a similar experience by utilizing replica artwork created by a team of 50 artists.

Visitors will be able to find a newfound connection with Paleolithic hunter-gatherers when walking through the reconstructed tunnel lined with replica artwork.

• What to do here: learn about Paleolithic history, find a greater understanding of the human experience, see stunning replica artwork at Lascaux IV

Related: The Submerged Cosquer Cave In France Holds Some Of The Most Well-Preserved Paintings From The Stone Age

Fall In Love With Beautiful French Architecture At The Pearl Of France, Menton

When traveling to Menton, tourists will quickly learn why this city has been nicknamed "The Pearl of France." The sight of pink, yellow, and orange buildings rising up along the hillside, with their brilliant colors reflected in green water is enough to take even the hardest of hearts' breath away.

This spectacular city is filled with adorable cafés, exquisite gardens, informative museums, and stunning beaches. The many palm trees and bright colors found here make this a perfect winter destination for those who need an escape from the snow or rain!

• What to do here: see some of France's most beautiful urban architecture, sit at a café, enjoy the city's museums

See The Spectacular Gardens At Pont du Gard

Located just near the historic city of Nîmes towers one of the Mediterranean's premier Ancient Roman sites: the aqueduct-bridge of Pont du Gard. This aqueduct is the perfect showcase of Ancient Roman engineering; this aqueduct would have provided a life-giving source of water for thousands of people in the region.

For tourists today, this site is a reminder of the labor and hard work that humans historically have had to do to stay alive and meet basic needs. However, this site is not just a utilitarian one. Pont du Gard is now a popular hiking spot, where tourists can walk through some of the most peaceful gardens in southern France.

Here, tourists will see a vast array of wildflowers and can rest under the shade of ancient olive trees.

• What to do here: see one of Europe's most important Ancient Roman sites, learn about the human experience, hike, see wildflowers, sit under an olive tree, visit nearby Nîmes

Related: Discover This Underrated, But Well-Preserved Roman City In Southern France

Marvel At The Orchards, Hills, And Ochre-Rich Gorges Of Roussillon

A unique, mountainous landscape with fertile orchards defines the small village of Roussillon. This area is known for its delicious fruit, like cherries and peaches, and for its rosé wines. What makes this village special, however, and ranks it as one of the best non-Paris places to visit in France are its stunningly beautiful clay deposits that historically were used to make paint pigments from the 18th-20th centuries.

Today, visitors can hike along the brilliant orange and golden cliff sides. The natural ecology is actually reflected in the local architecture of the town; many of the historic buildings here are bright orange, like the clay deposits. It is truly a sight that has to be seen to be believed!

• What to do here: hike along historic ochre mining sites, see brilliant orange and yellow cliff sides rich with clay, marvel at local architecture, taste delicious cherries and peaches from local orchards

Visit The Purple Lavender Fields Near Aix-en-Provence

Visiting France in the summer is popular for a reason. One of those reasons is to see the summer-blooming lavender fields of Provence. Tourists come from far and wide to see the purple and blue fields surrounded by dense green forests and rough-stone country buildings.

The perfect place to stay to see this iconic French agricultural wonder is Aix-en-Provence, a Roman-era town known for the victory site of the infamous general Gaius Marius in his Cimbrian War. This city is famous for its medieval cloisters, tranquil cafés, towering cathedrals, and picturesque views.

• What to do here: Visit the summertime purple lavender fields, visit Aix-en-Provence to view medieval cloisters, sit in a café, visit local cathedrals

Related: Road Trip France: Explore 10 Beautiful Towns On The French Riviera

Drink In The World's Wine Capital At Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a wine lover's paradise! This metropolitan area, which is the fifth largest in France, is internationally heralded as the best place for wine in the entire world. With over 10,000 châteaux in this area and 285,000 acres of vineyards, it is no surprise that this area has become famous for its red and white wines.

Tourists can enjoy a professional wine-tasting tour or can set off on their own. Some of this area's other main attractions include the Place de la Bourse, the Bordeaux Cathedral, the Grande Synagogue, and the Rue Sainte-Catherine.

• What to do here: try some of the world's best red and white wines, go on a wine-tasting tour, visit many different picturesque châteaux, visit the Place de la Bourse, the Bordeaux Cathedral, the Grande Synagogue, and the Rue Sainte-Catherine

Stroll Through Monet's Gardens At Giverny

For some of the best gardens in France, a great place to visit is Giverny, the historic home of Claude Monet. Visiting here, tourists will realize that even the incredible artistry of Monet's Water Lilies series could not truly capture the splendor of these gardens. This area is at its most gorgeous in late spring and early summer when the majority of the flowers are in bloom.

The green water of the area's ponds surrounded by lush trees and water flora will give visitors a sense of lasting peace that will follow them even to their next adventure.

Visitors here should stop by the two major museums in this area, the Museum of Impressionism Giverny and the Foundation Claude Monet. The Foundation Claude Monet is especially enthralling, as it is the actual home where Monet lived, and includes the expansive gardens where he painted many of his significant works.

• What to do here: see the beautiful gardens of Claude Monet at the Foundation Claude Monet, visit the Museum of Impressionism Giverny, see local and exotic plants, learn about Claude Monet

Home > Best Gardens in Paris to Visit

Best Gardens in Paris to Visit

Romance is always in the air in Paris , but so is pollution and stuffiness, synonymous with bustling European cities. Luckily, there is a large number of beautiful gardens in Paris that gives you just enough room to get out of the concrete and into some semblance of nature.

These Paris gardens are spaces where you can sit back and break open a baguette , just like the movies tell you all Parisians do. So, stop and smell the roses at these famous gardens in Paris tous les hours .

In general, all the gardens of Paris to visit are free and they usually open with sunrise and close at sunset. The Paris gardens may be closed without prior notice in case of violent winds or thunderstorms, or heatwave episodes.

Most Beautiful Paris Gardens

1. tuileries garden.

When you think of a Paris garden, this is undoubtedly the one that springs to mind. The Tuileries Garden is so iconic it was even captured by Manet in one of his seminal works, La Musique aux Tuileries .

The Tuileries Garden is the oldest of the Parisian gardens. The garden was commissioned in 1564 by Cathérine de Medici as the garden of the Tuileries Palace but became a public space after the French Revolution, and to this, we say vive la revolution !

In 1664 André Le Nôtre redesigned the entire garden and transformed it into a formal jardin à la française, a style he had first developed at  Vaux-le-Vicomte  and perfected at the Gardens of Versailles , based on symmetry, order and long perspectives.

The park is centrally located in the 1st Arrondissement , between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde and was the blueprint for many parks to follow. The central Grand Axe is a spacious walkway that runs through ponds and splits off into smaller walkways and gardens. You can find the Paris Ferris whee l close to the Louvre or go on the hunt for smaller landmarks like the vast number of statues decorating the grounds.

TIP: learn the history and legends of the Tuileries Garden while having fun with our Tuileries Garden Scavenger Hunt (self-guided)

2. Jardin du Luxembourg

This stunning garden in Paris is heightened in popularity thanks to its family-friendly atmosphere and perfect central location close to the neighborhoods of Saint-Germain-des-Près and the Latin Quarter . You only need to walk seven minutes east of the Panthéon or just over one kilometre to see Notre Dame .

The creation of the garden began in 1612 when Queen Marie de Medici, the widow of King Henry IV, constructed the  Luxembourg Palace  as her new residence. The garden today is owned by the French Senate, which meets in the Palace regularly. This beautiful garden covers 23 hectares and is known for its lawns, tree-lined promenades, and flowerbeds, as well as the picturesque Medici Fountain .

The Jardin du Luxembourg is one of the most romantic places in Paris. On any given day, you will see scores of people sunbathing and hear the joyful hollers of children enjoying the sandpits and pony rides. You can get stuck in a chess game or watch families sail miniature boats on the octagonal Grand Bassin . This is also where you will find one of the versions of the Statues of Liberty in Paris and the puppets from the Luxembourg Gardens’ theatre.

TIP: find Queen Marie’s hidden treasure with this fun Treasure Hunt in the Luxembourg Garden (self-guided)

3. Jardin des Plantes

The Jardin des Plantes sits on the south bank of the Seine River in the Latin Quarter and is also the grounds for the National Museum of Natural History .

These botanical gardens in Paris have a fascinating history which dates back to the 1600s during the reign of King Louis XIII. The Jardin des Plantes was first established as a royal medical garden, but it opened to the public not long after.

Most of the diverse garden area is free, and you can pay to visit the large art déco greenhouses and the Ménagerie , which houses a few small exotic animals. There is also an impressive botanical library to visit and one of the best carousels in Paris , but you will want to spend most of your time outside, admiring the nearly 10,000 species of plants that flourish in Jardin des Plantes.

If you visit Paris in winter , don’t miss the Paris Festival of Lights , which takes place after sunset in the garden’s main alleys. This unique show usually starts at the end of November and lasts until the first week of January. If you visit Paris in spring , head to the garden’s main alley to admire some of the most spectacular cherry blossoms in Paris .

4. Parc Monceau

This is one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris and sits in the affluent 8th Arrondissement . It is about a 20-minute walk northeast of the Arc de Triomphe , and you can get off the train at the Monceau metro stop and walk right into the garden. The garden is surrounded by lavish private mansions (hôtels particuliers) and Haussmannian buildings, emblematic of the city’s upper classes.

What makes this Paris garden unique is that it is based on an English Garden rather than a more structured French one. Walkways wind seemingly aimless through the dense vegetation, and miniature structures like an Egyptian Pyramid and Corinthian pillars decorate the gardens and pond. These make for excellent, albeit unexpected, photo opportunities.

Parc Monceau was one of the favorite painting spots for Monet in Paris . Nine of his masterworks from 1876 to 1878 were inspired by these Monet gardens in Paris though it is difficult to find the exact spots where he put his easel.

5. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

This unique park is a little out of the normal tourist routes and it was built at the site of an old quarry, hence its hilly layout. It is just north of Belleville in the 19th Arrondissement and around a 30-minute walk from Gare du Nord railway station.

This is where you come to escape tourists and just meander in a space that feels slightly removed from the city. You can enjoy the serenity of the lake, lush trees, and rocky cliffs and also visit a few man-made points of interest like the hidden waterfall, the metallic bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel or the mysterious Temple de la Sybille overlooking the lake from the cliff.

This is one of the favorite picnic spots in Paris for locals. When the weather is good, visitors like to enjoy some drinks in the park’s two guinguettes ( Pavillon Puebla and Rosa Bonheur ) or a meal indorrs or outdoors at the more fancy Pavillon du Lac .

6. Jardin du Palais Royal

If the French Ministry of Culture officially classifies a place as a “Remarkable Garden”, you better pay attention. One of the best gardens in Paris also for its history, the Jardin du Palais Royal had its origins in the 1600s and was Louis XIV’s playground during his first years and later one of the hotspots of the French Revolution in Paris .

Le Jardin du Palais Royal remains one of the most beloved spaces in the city. And don’t let its diminutive size fool you either. This small garden just north of the Louvre has a few tricks up its tree-lines sleeves.

One of the most charming attractions in the garden is the Petit Canon (sundial noon canon) that sits on a pedestal and is no bigger than your average bottle of Bourdeaux red. The Alley of Colette is another iconic pathway, lined on both sides with impossibly green trees while the Buren Columns are a must of any Instagram account. If you visit Paris in February , the magnolia blossoms cover the garden in pink.

7. Parc Montsouris

This park is slightly out of the way and sits on the southern edge of the inner ring road of Paris, not far from the Cité Universitaire and the Catacombs of Paris . This is where you will find markers of Paris’s imaginary meridian that runs from north to south and was long used as the zero point for longitude on French maps.

You can also visit the impressive Column of the Armed Peace that shoots up from the sprawling lawns or walk along the circle path around the lake.

8. Parc de Belleville

If you are after a park with a view, look no further than Parc de Belleville . Located in the 20th Arrondissement , you will have one of the best views of Paris , and yes, that includes the Eiffel Tower . It is one of the newer parks in the city and was built in the late ‘80s but it doesn’t make it any less special.

One of the most popular aspects of the park is the wooded village for children that was built on the slopes. Let the young ones clamber up and down the robes and walls while you unwind on the grass and soak in the scenery. The park also features a charming 140-vine strong vineyard with pinot Meunier from Champagne and chardonnay from Bourgogne.

9. Promenade Plantée

The Promenade Plantée (also known as Coulée Verte ) is one of the best off-the beaten path gardens of Paris. The viaduct that once connected the former train station of Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes had its swan song in the 60s but it has been given a new lease on life as the world’s first elevated park walkway. This 5km garden is just 10 meters above street level but for a city almost devoid of skyscrapers, this is plenty.

The Promenade Plantée runs from the intersection of rue de Lyon and avenue Daumesnil in an easterly direction towards Saint-Mandé. One of the most popular aspects of this Paris garden are its quirky views of Paris from above and the bicycle paths that take you away from the busy streets and sidewalks of Paris.

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Quirky parisian explorers with a preference for lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas and tips to bring you the best of the city of light read more about us ., we’re elisa, norbert, valérie, and cédric, four travel bloggers and friends living in paris. quirky explorers with a preference for the local side of our city and its lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas to enjoy the best of paris & around . do you want to go beyond the louvre museum or the eiffel tower keep clicking for first-hand information & our best tips learn more about us.

8 Parks & Gardens to Visit in Paris

April in Paris has an aura of romance around it. There is something special about the spring energy emitting from the blooming flowers that makes the city come alive in a way it hasn’t been in months.

The sun shines bright and the grass glows green, beckoning us city dwellers to come sit and appreciate the fresh bounties of the season which we may sometimes forget are all around us. At the numerous public parks and gardens easily accessible around Paris, tulips pop up for our attention, cherry blossoms expand in puffy clouds of pink, and daisies delicately dance in the wind.

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Whether you are a nature lover or simply looking for a serene spot to relax and soak up some fresh air, Paris has plenty of options to offer. From the grandeur of the Jardin des Tuileries to the tranquil paths in Parc Monceau, each garden and park has its own unique charm that will leave you feeling refreshed, recharged, and ready to return to absorb it all over again.

Jardin des Plantes

Jardin des Plantes is a garden lover’s gem on the edge of the Latin Quarter. With a history dating back to the 17th century, it is home to more than 10,000 species of plants and several historic buildings, including the Natural History Museum. The garden is also home to a zoo, a maze, and two impressive greenhouses that showcase rare and exotic plants. In April, one of its most special features is the monstrous cherry blossom trees that bloom bursts of pink for a short few weeks.

Jardin du Luxembourg

One of the most picturesque and popular gardens in Paris is Jardin du Luxembourg, located down the hill from the Pantheon in the 6th arrondissement. A few of the many things you will find in this animated park are manicured lawns with open space to picnic, flowerbeds that are updated seasonally, tennis and pétanque courts, and a central fountain with mini sailboats. This garden completely springs to life when the sun comes out with everyone hunting for a seat in one of the park’s green reclining chairs. It is also home to the Luxembourg Palace, the former home of Queen Marie de Médici, which today houses the French Senate.

Jardin des Tuileries

The lungs of Paris, sandwiched between the Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde, is Jardin des Tuileries, one of the most historic and grand gardens in the city. Originally designed in the 16th century, these royal gardens were re-landscaped by André Le Nôtre, the famous gardener of King Louis XIV, in 1664 to give them the French formal garden style which it still features to this day. You will find several sculptures by famous artists like Rodin and Giacometti, outdoor cafes and restaurants, ponds with reclining chairs to relax in, and the Musée de l’Orangerie which houses Monet’s famous water lilies series.

Parc Monceau

Tucked away in the 8 th arrondissement down the road from the Arc de Triomphe is an intimate park surrounded by impressive luxury Haussmann buildings. Parc Monceau is a favorite public space among locals, and you will find it packed with families on the weekends. Built in the 17 th century, the garden features an idyllic pond with a classical colonnade, a beautiful bridge, and several sculptures and monuments. The park is a popular spot for people picnicking and relaxing as well as for runners who enjoy a perfect path around the perimeter.

Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil

Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil, situated in the 16th arrondissement on the southwest corner of the city, is a unique public garden that features a collection of botanical greenhouses. It is home to over 6,000 species of plants and trees from around the world, including multiple varieties of palm trees, desert succulents, and tropical rainforest plants. The serene space is both a peaceful place to relax and also an exciting opportunity to travel to gardens around the world in just a few steps!

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

To experience one of the most unique and natural gardens in Paris, head to the hills of Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in the famed Montmartre neighborhood. The park is built on the site of an old quarry and features steep cliffs with caves and waterfalls, a suspended bridge, a manmade lake, and stunning views of the city. If you like to picnic, this is a perfect location to lounge on the hillside with a bottle of wine, but if you prefer a proper table to eat at, you can also visit the lively Rosa Bonheur restaurant and bar situated at the top of the park for casual fare and fun music.

Parc Floral de Paris

In the heart of Bois de Vincennes, the massive forest to the east of the city, is one of the largest and most diverse public gardens in Paris, Parc Floral de Paris. With thousands of species of plants, a butterfly house, and a bonsai garden, this is a perfect destination for nature lovers and those seeking a meditative break from the bustle of the city. Steps away from the gorgeous Château de Vincennes, the park also hosts several music festivals and cultural events throughout the year including the Paris Jazz Festival all summer long.

Parc de Bagatelle

Parc de Bagatelle, located in the Bois de Boulogne forest to the west of Paris, is one of the most romantic and picturesque botanical gardens. This charming space is home to a stunning array of flora and fauna that will leave you breathless. In addition to the impressive château, a main highlight of Bagatelle is the magnificent rose garden which features 10,000 rose bushes from 1,200 different species. From the vibrant colors and smells of the romantic roses to the tranquil sound of the waterfalls and streams, this park is a feast for the senses.

No matter the season, the parks and gardens are an integral part of this vibrant city and a must-visit to experience the botanic history and natural beauty of Paris.

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The Most Beautiful Gardens To Visit In Paris

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The beauty of Paris comes not only from the city’s landmarks and stately buildings, but also from its lush green parks and gardens. These gardens beckon to locals and visitors alike to sit and relax, rest those weary feet, forget the cares of the day, and enjoy the trees and brightly colored blooms. This being Paris, a palace may be nearby, and world-class sculptures often adorn the grounds. Ponds, lakes, and fountains add to the ambience.

Some of these gardens date back hundreds of years or feature close-up views of Paris landmarks. One is a botanical garden and gemology museum where scientists still study. And one of the most famous gardens of Paris can be found at the unparalleled Palace of Versailles.

Here are some of the most beautiful gardens in Paris . Be sure to add these to your list of must-see attractions on your next visit.

Sharon Odegaard

Luxembourg Gardens

The lovely Luxembourg Gardens offer a green oasis in the middle of the city. You’ll find them along the border between the Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Pres. Mingle with happy Parisians as you explore shaded paths, discover historic fountains and sculptures, walk across wide expanses of lawn, and claim a chair beside the pond. The gardens, complete with a palace, date to 1612. They were designed for Princess Marie de Medici, who became the Queen of France. The palace is now used by the French Senate.

French gardens and English gardens are set apart by a geometric forest. The flowers include orchids and roses as well as other seasonal blooms.

My favorite part of the Luxembourg Gardens is the toy boats. On weekends, children can sail colorful wooden boats in the pond. The young ones run around the water’s edge, chasing the boats and laughing. Watching them, you can’t help but smile.

The Luxembourg Gardens also boast more than 100 sculptures. You’ll even find a small-scale replica of the Statue of Liberty! Somehow, the friendly French folks took one look at us and knew we were American and that we should wind around the paths to see this. Since their directions were in French, we had to follow their waving arm signals and almost gave up. But rounding a bend under the trees, we finally found Lady Liberty herself. If you want to make new French friends, ask for directions and smile.

Other attractions include puppet shows, a playground for the young ones, and an apiary where you can learn about beekeeping.

And of course, you’ll find outdoor cafes where you can pick up a sandwich for lunch or order a coffee.

Pro Tip: You will notice green metal chairs in many of the gardens of Paris. These were designed by Fermob in 1923 for the Luxembourg Gardens. They are now a design icon of Paris. All the chairs I’ve seen in Paris are green, although the company sells the original design in 24 colors. Be sure to take the time to sit for a while in a Parisian garden to get a feel for the local life .

Tuileries Garden

Located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde, the Tuileries Garden is the most famous of the many parks in Paris. The name comes from the tile factories that occupied the area when Queen Catherine de Medici built her palace here in 1564. A hundred years later, King Louis XIV had his gardener redesign the gardens in their current French formal style.

As you stroll from the Louvre into the gardens, you’ll find two large ponds as well as several sculptures. A triumphal arch that looks much like Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate graces this garden.

Pause to sit a while in one of the green chairs scattered about, and maybe stop for a cold drink or snack at the little cafe. Visit the small museum of Monet’s paintings, the Orangerie , at one end of the gardens.

After you’ve sauntered through the Tuileries, you’ll emerge at the Place de la Concorde, the busy circle at the heart of Paris.

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Trocadero Gardens

Would you like to lounge on a lawn with an unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower directly in front of you? Then head to the Trocadero Gardens . This open space in Paris, located in the 16th arrondissement, stretches out from the banks of the Seine, with the iconic tower on the opposite bank. The 2 acres of gardens were created for the Paris Exposition of 1937. Twenty water cannons, known as the Warsaw Fountains, occupy the center and shoot out jets of water. The wings of the Palais de Chaillot gracefully curve around the edges of the Trocadero Gardens.

The terraced sides of the gardens are home to walnut trees and hazel trees. You’ll also find many sculptures, including animals in gilded bronze.

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Champ De Mars Gardens

Opened in 1780, the park known as the Champ de Mars stretches from the Invalides to the Eiffel Tower. Pick up a baguette, a delicious packet of cheese, and a bottle of wine, and head here for lunch with an exquisite view.

This plot of land once served as a market garden for locals, who grew fruits, vegetables, and flowers there. The land was not especially fertile, though. So when the military school was built in 1765, the plains in front of the buildings were also developed into a garden. Workers leveled the ground, imported elms to line the long avenue, and enclosed the area with a grillwork fence.

One notable event that took place at the Champ de Mars was the launch of the world’s first hydrogen-filled balloon in 1783.

If you’re looking for a spot to view the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower as darkness falls, the Champ de Mars is perfect.

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Jardin Des Plantes

The 68-acre Jardin des Plantes is more than a natural retreat in the city — it is France’s main botanical garden. The 400-year-old Jardin des Plantes is known as the garden of science. Its plant collections allow scientists to study nature. Eleven different garden areas occupy the land. Here you can not only explore the flowers and trees, but you can also take a botany workshop. As you wander, you’ll discover a pistachio tree that is more than 300 years old. The greenhouses feature vibrant blooms, a tropical forest, and drought-tolerant plants.

Besides gardens, you’ll also find a small zoo and a mineralogy and geology gallery. The gem exhibits include giant crystals and the astounding Grand Sapphire of Louis XIV.

Place Des Vosges

This lovely park is small but so well loved that it must be included on any list of Paris gardens. The Place des Vosges is in the Marais district and is the oldest planned square in Paris. Red brick buildings border the lawns. Relax by the elegant stone fountains or wander down the shaded path lined with trees. Commissioned by King Henry IV in the early 17th century, the park once hosted nobility — and duels. Today, locals flock here to escape city life in this peaceful park.

Take a walk around the perimeter of the park under the graceful arches. Victor Hugo lived in one of the surrounding residences and wrote part of his Les Misérables there. His home is open for tours. You’ll also want to visit a sidewalk cafe to enjoy a drink while watching people enjoying the gardens.

Gardens At The Palace Of Versailles

The formal gardens of the Palace of Versailles are pleasing to the eye with their symmetry and color. Tour the palace, and then step outside for fresh air and a wonderful view . There’s something satisfying about the rows of impeccably trimmed trees, and the swirls of flower beds and hedges invite you to enjoy nature.

The gardens of Versailles are worth a visit even if you don’t have time to see the palace. Almost 2,000 acres await. Stand just outside the buildings and look down past the Water Parterre with its two large pools to the far end of the canal.

King Louis XIV redesigned the landscape at the same time he updated the palace, beginning in 1661. The gardens took about 40 years to complete. Marshland was cleared, the canal was dug out, and trees were imported. Thousands of men, including entire French regiments, took part in this astounding project. Storms damaged the gardens in the late 1900s, but they have since been restored to their original glory.

The architect of the gardens, Andre Le Notre, studied the rules of perspective and painting, so he brought much more than a knowledge of gardening to the design. The king made it clear to Le Notre that the gardens should be a statement of his power. The grand finished gardens are breathtaking in their intricate layout and beauty.

Included along the paths are more than 200 sculptures made of bronze, lead, or marble. The gardens at Versailles are billed as the largest open-air sculpture museum in the world.

My favorite part of the property is the landscaped garden and hamlet near the Petit Trianon. Queen Marie Antoinette used this smaller building as an escape from life in the main palace. She commissioned a village and ornamental gardens in 1783 so that she could dress up as a commoner and mingle with the villagers. The hamlet is not just for show — it is a working village with cottages, crops, and animals. When I last visited, a bumper crop of pumpkins covered a field, and baby goats romped on the farm.

For a good look at the gardens, take a bicycle tour of the grounds. Stop and lounge on the lawn at the far end of the canal and gaze back at the historic palace. You can cover more of the immense property on a bike!

The beautiful gardens found around Paris offer numerous green spaces for you to explore. Relax by historic fountains, sail a toy boat in a pond, admire gorgeous sculptures, and sip a coffee while sitting under shade trees. You won’t want to leave!

As the owner of the travel blog, Exploring Our World , Sharon enjoys taking her readers on a journey with her. Articles often delve into the history of a place, and by adding in a generous number of photos, she inspires others to explore for themselves. In her early travels, she was most frustrated by coming back home and learning that she had missed a fascinating sight or a hidden gem. Now she helps travelers prepare for a trip by passing along travel tips, pointing out lesser known things to see, and alerting them to enjoyable day trips from major cities.

Her travel articles have been published by Stripes Europe Newsletter and the World War 2 Writing and Research Center. Whether she's discovering more about her hometown of San Diego, California or flying to faraway places, she enjoys sharing with travel lovers around the world.