Paris has 3,000 hectares of green space and no fewer than 455 parks and gardens. It is at the top of the tree as the greenest capital city in Europe. From large forests to the smallest local public squares with countless parks and gardens in between, green geography is perfectly woven throughout the urban landscape.

Parisian gardens

In Paris, the tradition of the garden lies at the heart of historical and contemporary environmental planning. Major buildings, be they official (the Senate, Palais-Royal), cultural (the Louvre) or scientific (the Natural History Museum), present their verdant extensions for a perfect interaction between nature and culture. Jardin du Palais-Royal, Paris 1st. Jardin des Plantes, Paris 5th. Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris 6th. Jardin d’Acclimatation, Paris 16th.

Parks

For those who appreciate greenery on a grand scale, the French capital boasts some splendid parks which stretch over several hectares and punctuate the urban landscape with vast splashes of green. Each district sports its own particular space with a wide variety of layouts and installations. There is something for everyone. Parc André-Citroën, Paris 15th. Parc Monceau, Paris 17th. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Paris 19th. Parc de la Villette, Paris 19th. Parc de Belleville, Paris 20th.

The woods of Paris

The Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes are two unconditional favorites, where city-dwellers reconcile themselves with nature. Families find plenty of activities for children on playgrounds nestled among the trees. Cyclists have ever wider itineraries to follow. Horse riders and joggers in search of fresh air, get a vast network of riding and hiking trails. Bois de Vincennes, Paris 12th. Bois de Boulogne, Paris 16th.

Paris vines

At the foot of Sacré-Coeur, nestled in the magical neighborhood of Montmartre, the Paris vineyards constitute a rural detour out of time. 1,500m² of vines are harvested here each year at the Clos Montmartre festival, on the second weekend in October. Parisians and visitors alike are welcome to join in the festivities, including the picking of the grapes and tasting workshops, and to admire the fireworks, finally taking home a bottle of the latest vintage at the end of the evening. A wine grower’s life in the heart of Paris!

Art in the park

There are gardens as art… and art in the gardens. In Paris, city parks are often associated with art works, either as permanent fixtures or during temporary exhibitions. The gardens of the Musée Rodin form a natural setting for works by the sculptor. In the Tuileries gardens, statues from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries are dotted along the pathways. In the gardens at Palais-Royal, the contemporary Colonnes de Buren (Buren’s columns) contrast with the classical architecture of the surrounding buildings. Jardin des Tuileries, Paris 1st. Jardin du Palais-Royal pl du Palais-Royal, Paris 1st. Jardin du musée Rodin 79 rue de Varenne, Paris 7th.

Family squares

A local spot for families, these little neighborhood parks are pure representations of local Paris life for visitors to the city. The best known ones have a story to tell: For example, the Arènes de Lutèce contains one of the rare and well preserved remains of Roman times in the French capital. The square Sarah-Bernhardt pays tribute to the celebrated tragic actress. Les arènes de Lutèce rue des Arènes, rue de Navarre, rue Monge, Paris 5th. Square Sarah-Bernhardt rue de Lagny, rue de Buzenval, rue Mounet-Sully, Paris 20th.

A green trail in the Marais

While the Marais is best known as a hub for fashion designers and art galleries, a recent initiative makes it possible to discover the natural treasures of this neighborhood. Two itineraries lasting one and a half hours and two hours respectively explore the plant and animal species of the Marais: Starling nests, fig groves and families of spotted flycatchers provide a real change of scene.

Nature goes wild

While Paris is reputed for its carefully laid out parks and gardens, the city also has some green hideaways where everything grows wild. Mother Nature goes her own way at the Jardin Saint-Vincent on the butte Montmartre and the Jardin naturel in the 20th Arrondissement. Jardin sauvage Saint-Vincent rue Saint-Vincent, Paris 18th. Jardin naturel 120 rue de la Réunion, Paris 20th.

Evergreens

Champ-de-Mars, probably the most famous lawns in Paris! The Champ-de-Mars Park extends from the Eiffel Tower and is accessible both day and night. It offers the finest view of the city’s leading landmark and all year round passers-by pause there to enjoy a picnic, play some music or meet friends, and when night falls, all admire the tower’s sparkling silhouette. Parc du Champ-de-Mars, Paris 8th.

The biggest green space in Paris

The Parc de la Villette has become a favorite haunt for lovers of greenery on a grand scale. Spread over 55 hectares including 35 hectares out in the open, this vast area is a haven for cyclists and walkers and provides plenty of leisure and play activities around its two huge lawns and twenty six “folies”, the red buildings in contemporary style dotted around the park. Parc de la Villette, Paris 19th.

Hothouses

Beneath soaring glass architecture, the hothouses constitute splendid covered gardens overflowing with an amazing variety of botanical species including perfectly preserved tropical plants. Les serres du parc André-Citroën, Paris 15th. Les serres d’Auteuil 3 av de la Porte-d’Auteuil, Paris 16th.

Walking tours

Strolling through the streets of Paris is surely the smartest and cheapest way to experience all the energy and atmosphere of the parks and squares in the French capital. For seasoned walkers, two way-marked hiking paths lead you across Paris from north to south and east to west. Whether they are historical, on a specific theme or simply tailor-made to satisfy your curiosity, these walking tours are a unique opportunity for authentic encounters with the city’s inhabitants.

Author: John Benedict. John Benedict is a Paris passionate. He writes and reviews about Paris tourism industry to share his enthusiasm about the French capital city. www.where-to-stay-in-paris.blogspot.com.

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