Discover Paris’s Most Beautiful Green Spaces
Two women reading in the park. Source: Photo by Filip Mishevski by on Unsplash
If you're looking for a tranquil escape from the bustling streets of Paris, these five parks and gardens offer the perfect retreat. Each one provides a unique atmosphere, beautiful landscapes, and a chance to relax and enjoy nature.
- Parc des Buttes-Chaumont Located in Belleville, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a picturesque haven that offers stunning views and a relaxing atmosphere. Unlike the more formal Tuileries or Jardin du Luxembourg, this park is less crowded and feels more approachable. It features lakes, trees, waterfalls, and rocky cliffs, all of which make it a unique spot for a peaceful picnic or a scenic stroll. The highlight is the Temple de la Sybille, perched atop a cliff, providing spectacular views over the 19th arrondissement.
- Jardin du Palais-Royal Situated near the Louvre, Jardin du Palais-Royal is a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. This two-hectare garden boasts a central pond surrounded by double rows of lime and chestnut trees. Redesigned in the 1990s by American landscape architect Mark Rudkin, it includes beautiful flower beds and iconic sculptures like the Colonnes de Buren. It’s an ideal spot to unwind after exploring the nearby arcades of the Palais-Royal.
- Jardin des Plantes In the 5th arrondissement, Jardin des Plantes is Paris's enchanting botanical garden. Founded in 1626 as a royal medicinal garden, it opened to the public in 1640. Today, it features over 10,000 plant species, tropical greenhouses, and themed gardens, including rose, winter, and Alpine gardens. The formal garden layout and the presence of a small zoo, the Ménagerie, make it feel like a whimsical escape from the city. It’s also historically significant, with a plaque marking where Henri Becquerel discovered radioactivity.
- Jardin des Tuileries Between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, Jardin des Tuileries offers a regal experience with its meticulously designed pathways and lush landscapes. Created by landscape architect André Le Nôtre, this prototypical French garden features terraces, ponds, and beautifully manicured lawns. Statues, both ancient and modern, dot the garden, adding an artistic touch to the already scenic environment. It’s a perfect place for a leisurely walk or to soak up some sun.
- Parc Monceau Located in the 8th arrondissement, Parc Monceau is one of the most elegant and spacious parks in Paris. Spanning 8.25 hectares, it’s surrounded by lush greenery and filled with architectural whimsies. Visitors can find a river, a naumachia (a Roman-style pond), Corinthian columns, grottos, and even a rotunda. This park’s design, a blend of English and French styles, offers a peaceful and picturesque setting. For art enthusiasts, the nearby Cernuschi Museum, with its impressive collection of Asian art, is worth a visit.
These parks provide the perfect blend of nature, history, and relaxation, making them must-visit spots for anyone in Paris. Whether you're looking for a peaceful picnic, a scenic stroll, or a moment of reflection, these green spaces offer something special for everyone.
