Every city has its heartbeat. In Paris, that heartbeat doesn’t just come from the crowded cafés, the smoky jazz bars, or the endless museums—it also comes from its green spaces. Parks and gardens in Paris are more than just places to rest your feet; they’re sanctuaries, theaters of life, playgrounds for the imagination, and in many ways, the most democratic part of the city.
On my last extended trip to Paris, I dedicated entire days to exploring these leafy escapes. Some I had dreamed of for years, others I stumbled upon by chance, and a few were recommended by locals over glasses of wine in hidden bistros. Below, I’ll take you on my journey through three parks I personally visited and three I recommend to anyone who craves fresh air and local flavor.
This isn’t just a guide—it’s my love story with Parisian parks, filled with honest impressions, tips on how to get there, what to do, and even a few frustrations I encountered.
Part I: The Parks I Visited
- Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg)
Location: 6th arrondissement, bordered by Rue de Vaugirard, Boulevard Saint-Michel, Rue Guynemer, and Rue de Médicis.
How to Get There: From Charles de Gaulle Airport, take the RER B train to Luxembourg station—it drops you off literally across the street. From Gare du Nord, it’s the same RER B line south.
My Experience:
I arrived early in the morning, just as joggers were making loops under the chestnut trees. The air smelled faintly of fresh croissants drifting in from nearby boulangeries. I wandered toward the Medici Fountain, one of the most romantic spots in Paris. Couples sat quietly, as if the water itself demanded reverence.
The heart of the garden, though, is the giant pond where children rent small wooden sailboats. I rented one too (yes, adults can do it, though I did get a few amused looks). Watching the little boat bob across the water felt like being eight years old again.
Entertainment & Activities:
• Puppet shows (Guignol) for kids.
• Tennis courts and pétanque pitches for the sporty.
• Chess tables, where older Parisians silently duel with ferocious intensity.
Pros:
• Centrally located.
• Beautiful blend of French and English-style gardens.
• Great for people-watching.
Cons:
• Gets very crowded on weekends.
• Chairs are scattered and sometimes hard to find during peak hours.
Recommended Index: ★★★★★ (5/5). If you only visit one park in Paris, make it this one.
Booking/Access: Free entry. Events like the puppet shows cost a few euros—tickets are available at the venue.
- Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Location: 19th arrondissement, Rue Botzaris.
How to Get There: From Gare de l’Est, take Metro Line 7bis to Botzaris or Buttes-Chaumont station. From Charles de Gaulle Airport, it’s about 50 minutes via RER B to Gare du Nord, then transfer to Line 7bis.
My Experience:
This park is nothing like the manicured gardens of central Paris. Built in the 19th century on what was once a quarry, it’s rugged, dramatic, and full of surprises. The suspension bridge by Gustave Eiffel made me dizzy (and thrilled) as I crossed it, looking down into the deep gorge below.
At the top of the park sits the Temple de la Sibylle, perched on a cliff like something out of a Romantic painting. The view over Paris, especially at sunset, took my breath away. I sat with a sandwich from a nearby boulangerie and just watched the city light up.
Entertainment & Activities:
• Jogging paths and steep hills (great if you want a workout).
• Outdoor concerts and events in summer.
• Perfect for photography enthusiasts.
Pros:
• Wild, unique landscape.
• Incredible panoramic views.
• Less touristy than central parks.
Cons:
• Hilly—if you’re not comfortable with inclines, it’s tough.
• Limited seating compared to other parks.
Recommended Index: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5). A must-see if you want something different.
Booking/Access: Free entry. Check the official Paris city website for scheduled events.
- Parc Monceau
Location: 8th arrondissement, Boulevard de Courcelles.
How to Get There: From Gare Saint-Lazare, take Metro Line 3 to Monceau station. From Charles de Gaulle Airport, RER B to Gare du Nord, then Metro Line 2 to Courcelles.
My Experience:
Parc Monceau felt like stepping into a painting. Unlike the symmetry of Luxembourg, it’s more whimsical, dotted with follies like fake Roman columns, a pyramid, and a miniature bridge. Children played by the pond, nannies chatted on benches, and a violinist performed near the entrance.
This is the park where I felt most “local.” Businessmen ate baguette sandwiches on benches during lunch hour. Couples sprawled on the grass. Elderly men read newspapers quietly. It felt like a slice of everyday Paris life.
Entertainment & Activities:
• Small playgrounds for children.
• Running tracks.
• Art exhibits occasionally held in the park.
Pros:
• Peaceful, neighborhood vibe.
• Unique architectural features.
• Good mix of locals and tourists.
Cons:
• Not as grand as Luxembourg or Buttes-Chaumont.
• Closes early in the evening (usually around 8:00 p.m. in summer, earlier in winter).
Recommended Index: ★★★★☆ (4/5). Ideal for a quiet afternoon.
Booking/Access: Free entry.
Part II: Parks I Recommend
- Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuileries)
Why I Recommend It: Right between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, this is the most accessible garden in Paris for first-time visitors. Think of it as a living museum of statues and fountains.
Activities:
• Ride the Ferris wheel (seasonal).
• Admire sculptures by Maillol, Rodin, and Giacometti.
• Relax by the large octagonal pond with a book.
Pros: Central location, full of history.
Cons: Very crowded in high season.
Recommended Index: ★★★★☆ - Parc de la Villette
Why I Recommend It: This isn’t just a park—it’s a cultural playground in the 19th arrondissement. With futuristic architecture, open-air concerts, and even Europe’s largest science museum, it’s perfect for families.
Activities:
• Open-air cinema in summer.
• Philharmonie de Paris concerts.
• The Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie (science museum).
Pros: Packed with things to do.
Cons: Less traditional “green” space, more urban.
Recommended Index: ★★★★☆ - Parc André Citroën
Why I Recommend It: Located in the 15th arrondissement, this park is modern, sleek, and best known for its hot-air balloon ride. Yes, you can see Paris from above without leaving the ground.
Activities:
• Tethered hot-air balloon rides.
• Themed gardens.
• Fountains where kids splash in summer.
Pros: Unique experiences.
Cons: Farther from central Paris.
Recommended Index: ★★★★☆
Practical Details
How to Plan Your Park Visits
• Best Time to Go: Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October). Summer can be very hot and crowded, winter is quieter but less green.
• What to Bring: A reusable water bottle, picnic blanket, sunscreen, and a good book.
• Public Transport Tips: The Paris Visite Pass or Navigo Easy card are the best options for metro and bus rides.
Nearby Airport & Train Station Transfers
• From Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG): RER B connects directly to central Paris in about 40 minutes.
• From Orly Airport (ORY): Orlyval light train + RER B is the fastest combo.
• From Gare du Nord / Gare de Lyon: Both are metro hubs with direct connections to the parks mentioned.
Why Parks Matter in Paris
Paris can be overwhelming: the endless crowds at the Louvre, the tourist bustle around the Eiffel Tower, the sensory overload of food and fashion. Parks, however, are the city’s deep breaths. They are where I slowed down, where I saw Paris not as a postcard but as a living, breathing home for millions.
• In Luxembourg Gardens, I rediscovered childlike wonder.
• In Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, I was humbled by raw, unexpected beauty.
• In Parc Monceau, I felt the everyday rhythm of Parisian life.
And through the Tuileries, Villette, and André Citroën, I realized there’s no single definition of a Paris park—they’re as varied as the city itself.
Would I go back just for the parks? Absolutely. In fact, I sometimes think the parks are where Paris truly reveals itself—away from the lines, the tours, and the endless souvenir shops. Parks are where Paris breathes, and where I fell in love with the city all over again.
