Reuniting with nature in Paris
With a population of over 2 million, it won't come as a surprise to you that Paris can get real busy! Where do you go if you want to escape the hustle-bustle of the city? Nature lovers have plenty to enjoy in Paris. With more than 400 municipal parks, you'll never be too far from a green space, while the Seine and the famous Canal Saint Martin offer beautiful spots to hang out at.
The Tuileries Garden
Located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde, the Jardin des Tuileries is one of the most sumptuous green spaces in Paris that you'll be happy to stroll through. Built by Catherine de Medici in 1564 and called the Jardin du Palais, the park was only opened to the public in 1667. It features beautiful fountains, lush gardens, sandy paths, plenty of seating in the form of Parisian cult metal green chairs, children's activities, cafes and sculptures dotted throughout this elegant green garden.
The Luxembourg Gardens
By the hill leading to the spectacular Pantheon and resting place of France's most important personalities, the Luxembourg Gardens are a cult destination to enjoy a bit of nature in the heart of Paris. Built in 1612 by Marie de Medici for her new palace - the Palais de Luxembourg, which still dominates the park to this day - the garden is very popular with children who enjoy floating miniature sailboats (which can be rented) on its central fountain. You'll also find tennis courts, a puppet theater, a bandstand - where you can often find orchestras on Sundays - and the prestigious Medici fountain, built in 1620.
Monceau Park
Covering an area of more than 20 hectares, the magnificent Parc Monceau is full of interesting details. Located in the affluent 8th arrondissement, this park was built in 1778 by a cousin of Louis XVI. The park is filled with amazing constructions such as a colonnade, an Egyptian pyramid and a charming stone bridge. It is a lovely spot for runners and a popular place for summer picnics and lounging. The Parc Monceau also has a carousel for children.
The Jardin des Plantes
The botanical garden of Paris, more commonly known as the Jardin des Plantes, is also home to the National Museum of Natural History and covers 28 hectares in the 5th arrondissement of Paris. You will find a zoo, a greenhouse rich in exotic plants, rose gardens and tropical greenhouses in this natural paradise in the heart of the city.
The Bois de Boulogne
Built in 1852, this public park stretches along the western edge of Paris. The Bois de Boulogne is the second largest park after the Bois de Vincennes (see below), this park is a vast expanse of 2,088 hectares that is more than twice the size of Central Park in New York! You'll feel like you're walking through the countryside as you discover lakes, woods, landscaped gardens, botanical gardens, greenhouses and more.
The Bois de Vincennes
Located opposite the Bois de Boulogne, the Bois de Vincennes is the largest public park in Paris, covering almost 2,500 hectares. It was once a hunting ground. Today, visitors can go boating on the lake, explore the splendid Parc Floral, discover a magnificent arboretum with its 2,000 trees and a superb tropical garden. Children will love the newly built zoo, with a gigantic artificial mountain in the center.
The Buttes Chaumont Park
In the northeast of Paris, the imposing Parc des Buttes Chaumont is popular for its size (61 hectares) and its location above the city, which gives it one of the most beautiful panoramic views in Paris. If you like climbing, you'll be in for a treat as it's a very hilly park.. You can climb to the gigantic Temple of the Sibyl, a tower perched atop a rocky peak above the park's artificial lake.
