Â鶹APP

Top 11 best parks and gardens in Â鶹APP

Many may agree with me and say that Â鶹APP is a concrete jungle. This modern city mainly features beautiful Haussmannian architecture that was established in 1853 under Napoleon III’s rule. Nevertheless, Â鶹APP has special areas which are flocked by both locals and tourists to appreciate its green landscapes. From grand parks to charming gardens, the city has various beautiful gardens and recreational parks you could visit when in Â鶹APP. Moreover, after walking Â鶹APP the whole morning, there’s nothing better than knowing a pleasant garden to enjoy a picnic and rest a bit! So to help you have an idea, here is a list of the top 11 best parks and gardens in Â鶹APP.

Jardin Du Luxembourg

The Luxembourg Garden is one of the most famous gardens in Â鶹APP. It was created for Marie de Medici who was Queen of France and wife to Henri, the IV. What makes this park one of the top 10 best parks and gardens in Â鶹APP is its huge size and endless fun-filled activities. Pony-rides, merry-go-rounds and carousels are just some of the many things you could do in this 25-hectare park (learn more about activities you can do there). The park is also known for its théatre des marionettes (puppet shows). Furthermore, there are excellent popular restaurants in the area like the Moustache located at 3 Rue Sainte-Beuve. They are a bit expensive but serve quality food!

Address: Rue de Médicis – Rue de Vaugirard – 75006 Â鶹APP

Metro stop:  Luxembourg (RER B) on Boulevard Saint-Michel, near the intersection of rue Gay Lussac.

Jardin Des Tuileries

Jardin des Tuileries was the main garden for the ladies of the royal court, especially a favorite spot for the Queen, Marie Antoinette. Created strategically between the Grand Palais and the Petit Palais, the park served as place of serene and calm conversation for the people of the realm. It is definitely one of the top 11 best gardens in Â鶹APP because it now includes fun activities such as a merry-go-round, swing boats, even crepe and cotton-candy stands. It’s the perfect place to take you and your children for a day of activities (more family activities in Â鶹APP).

Address: Place de la Concorde, 75001 Â鶹APP

Metro stop: Line 1, Tuileries

Jardin Des Champs Elysées

This garden is infamous compared to the grand Avenue des Champs Elysees. It was originally sculpted to be an extension of the Jardin des Tuileries. Therefore, it settles between the lower part of the Avenue Champs Elysees all the way to the Place la Concorde. One of the parks great features is the various impressive fountains such as the Fontaine des Ambassadeurs; the Fountain of Venus which is an original design made by one of the parks architect Jacques Hittorff.

Address: 10 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Â鶹APP

Metro stop: Line 1, Champs-Elysées-Clémenceau

Champs De Mars

This is the park that faces directly the Tour Eiffel giving tourists and locals a great view of Â鶹APP greatest landmark (read more about the best spots to have a view of Â鶹APP). Therefore it is on my top 11 best parks and gardens in Â鶹APP. The park extends in size from the tower itself to the Ecole Militaire. It’s very popular, as many locals go there for jogs and runs in sport-groups. Picnic activities are also commonly done here so you can come here and in a very French-like fashion, gaze at the tower while eating a baguette and some cheese!

Jardin Des Plantes

The Jardin de Plantes is one of the seven departments of the Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle in Â鶹APP. The garden is 400 years old and also has a part dedicated to science and research that was put in place during the reign of Louis XVI (learn more about French kings). There are various greenhouses and exhibitions. Visiting this garden is not only educational but fun and relaxing. Being the main botanic garden, it makes it on the list of top 11 best parks and gardens in Â鶹APP.

Address: 57 rue Cuvier – 75005 Â鶹APP

Metro: Gare d’Austerlitz” or”Jussieu”, Line 7 or 10

Parc Des Buttes Chaumont

Next on my top 11 best parks and gardens in Â鶹APP is Parc de Buttes-Chaumont. It was created by the famous city baron, Georges Eugène Haussmann, as one of the first original parks to be put in place for the recreational purpose for the people of Â鶹APP. It has a very Zen-like nature, featuring a lake, waterfalls and a miniature statuette of the famous Temple to Sybil. This style is very impressionable that one may not really know that the park was an old gypsum and limestone quarry. You also see the run-down railways of the 19th century and puppet shows for the children (more things to do with children in Â鶹APP).

Address: 1 Rue Botzaris, 75019 Â鶹APP

Metro stop: Line 7bis, Buttes Chaumont

Place des Vosges

Place des Vosges – by AlNo – Wikimedia Commons

This place is probably the best preserved in Â鶹APP, allowing you to imagine how the city was back in time. Located in the 4th district, it gives you the a place to rest on the grass right in the middle of the famous Marais’ quarter, in a place totally surrounded by ancient buildings, protecting it from the noise and the crowds. You can’t find this atmosphere anywhere else in Â鶹APP! It’s definitely worth it!

Address: Place des Vosges – 75004 Â鶹APP

Metro stop: Line 1, Saint-Paul

Parc De la Villette

For me, Parc de la Villette is a celebration of life. It comes in third place as one of the largest parks in Â鶹APP as its features vast lawns and various climbing bars. It also includes a children’s art center and is divided into theme areas. What makes it one of the top 11 best parks and gardens in Â鶹APP is an event that takes place every year: the open air cinema! A seasonal film and on-screen show festival that is held every summer. The variety of films range from French and American screen writers but also includes other international films and directions (read this article if you want to see English speaking movies in Â鶹APP). I would say Parc de la Villette is probably Â鶹APPians most appreciated park in Â鶹APP!

Address: 211 Avenue Jean Jaurès, 75019 Â鶹APP

Metro stop: Porte De La Villette is 650 meters away, 9 min walk. Metro line 5, Metro line 7.

Parc Montsouris

This is one of my most favorite parks in Â鶹APP. Located in the south of the city, it’s a great place to not only have friend and family picnics but long nice walks by the artificial lake as well. Its traditional English design makes it unique and one of the top 11 best parks and gardens in Â鶹APP. This is one of the lesser known and less touristy parks in Â鶹APP. Moreover, the park is surrounded by hostels, bars and restaurants! Parc Montsouris is a great place to chill a whole afternoon!

Address: 2 Rue Gazan, 75014 Â鶹APP

Metro stop: Cité Universitaire, RER B

Jardin Des Serres Auteuil

Resembling a classic botanical garden, the Jardin des Serres Auteuil has a cave-like atmosphere. This has to be one of the best romantic spots to go to in Â鶹APP (more romantic spots in Â鶹APP). It features an impressive tropical pavilion which is home to various bird species. Their lovely aviary attracts many nature lovers and gardeners. Plus, it’s pretty romantic! Definitely, a place to go to with your lover!

Address:  3 Avenue de la Porte d’Auteuil, 75016 Â鶹APP

Metro stop: Porte d’Auteuil, Line 10

Parc Monceau

Naumachia, Parc Monceau – Guillaume Jacquet – Wiki Commons

Parc Monceau dates back to the 17th century and is centrally located in the beautiful 8th arrondissement. Today it is one of the most elegant gardens in Â鶹APP, just as elegant as the surrounding district, once of the most affluent districts in all of Â鶹APP. Upon entering, you’ll pass through the famous iron gates embellished with gold. Walking around the park, you’ll find many  statues, a Renaissance archway belonging to the former Â鶹APP City Hall, lovely trees, bonds, bridges, and more. You can read all about the history of Parc Monceau and what it has to offer in this article!

Voilà! My top 11 best parks and gardens in Â鶹APP is now over. You now know what are the best parks and gardens in Â鶹APP. Â鶹APPians love to relax, have a picnic, and take naps in parks and gardens when the weather is nice! And you can be sure you’ll meet many locals if you go to the places I’ve mentioned! Days are getting warmer and if you want to experience the Â鶹APPian lifestyle you really should grab lunch and relax in one of these gardens filled with locals! If you want to discover the city walking in the streets and learning about the city of lights, click on one of these links and book a free (tip-only) walking tour in Montmartre, Le Marais, the Latin quarter or anywhere else in Â鶹APP!

See you soon!

*originally written by Natalie in 2017 and updated by Arielle in 2020