The Dreamiest Parks in Paris (and Where to Find Them)

Discover Paris’s secret leafy spots for your next outdoor adventure!

Family in Park

Paris does green spaces just as beautifully as it does pastries and monuments. Whether you want to laze under chestnut trees, stroll past fountains, people-watch from a classic bench or plot the world’s prettiest picnic, the city’s parks let you live la vie Parisienne in the open air. We’ve rounded up our favorite Paris parks—each with its own vibe, history and hidden gems—to help you plan a perfect break from boulevards and sightseeing. 

Our favorite Paris parks include: 

  • Jardin du Luxembourg 
  • Jardin des Tuileries 
  • Parc des Buttes-Chaumont 
  • Parc Monceau 
  • Jardin des Plantes 
  • Champ de Mars 
  • Parc de la Villette 
  • Square du Vert-Galant 
  • Parc de Belleville 
  • Square des Batignolles 

Jardin du Luxembourg 

The Left Bank’s Jardin du Luxembourg is a masterpiece of both French design and laid-back city life. Picture lawns lined with prim rows of trees, regal fountains, and ponds where children sail model boats. Local students and shutterbugs flock here for the buzz, while others take it slow in those green metal chairs scattered beneath the chestnuts. 

There’s something about the Medici Fountain, tucked away behind lush greenery, that makes al fresco lunches and quiet book reading especially dreamy. Statues peek from the hedges, ping-pong tables invite friendly matches, and the gardens burst with color in springtime. On sunny weekends, catch locals picnicking, couples strolling, and little ones riding ponies or spinning on vintage carousels. If you want a truly Parisian moment, grab a pastry, claim a chair and just watch Paris stroll by. 

Jardin des Tuileries 

Right between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, the Jardin des Tuileries unrolls in manicured perfection. This grand garden features elegant walkways, wide ponds ringed by green chairs, and tree-shaded paths lined with statues and flowerbeds. The key here is scenery with a side of people-watching; it’s a favorite for both art lovers and anyone craving a peaceful lunch under the sky. 

Cafés and snack kiosks dot the perimeter, so you’re never far from coffee or a scoop of Berthillon ice cream. Spacious lawns tend to fill up on warm afternoons with sunbathers, families and even the odd chess game. Culture lovers can pop into the nearby Orangerie Museum or simply gaze at the outdoor sculptures by Maillol, Rodin and Giacometti. With Louvre views and epic sunset skies, the Tuileries is a regal pause in bustling Paris. 

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont 

Craving something a bit wilder? Head northeast to Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, where hills, waterfalls and a cliff-top temple create a sense of adventure right in the city. Unlike Paris’s more buttoned-up gardens, this park spills over with locals picnicking on the grass, joggers tackling rolling paths, and artists tracing city views from every vantage. 

Here you’ll find hidden grottos, bridges that span deep ravines and a suspension bridge straight out of a storybook. At the park’s heart, the Temple de la Sibylle perches above it all—perfect for panoramic photos. Café Rosa Bonheur adds dance parties, drinks and laid-back snacks to the sunny weekends. For a family day, romantic walk or lively meet-up with friends, Buttes-Chaumont is never boring. 

Parc Monceau

Parc Monceau

Refined, romantic and oh-so-chic, Parc Monceau charms with English-style curves rather than wild edges. Here, ornate gates open onto winding paths, lush lawns, classical rotundas and whimsical statues. Locals drop by in everything from business suits to running gear—it’s that kind of place. 

Find a bench near the pond as ducks glide past, or set up a picnic on the grass among marble columns and blossoming trees. This 8th arrondissement gem is surrounded by grand mansions and feels subtly exclusive, but welcoming all the same. The kids’ carousel and pony rides keep little ones busy, while art and architecture buffs swoon for the park’s unique 18th-century design. Sip your takeaway coffee or snack on a tartelette from the nearby bakeries, and imagine you’re starring in your own Parisian movie. 

Jardin des Plantes 

Plant lovers, get ready: the Jardin des Plantes is part botanic garden, part mini-zoo, and fully paradise for curious souls. Laid out on the Left Bank alongside the Seine, these gardens boast a rainbow of blooms, beehives, greenhouses filled with lush exotics and even neatly-ordered vegetable plots. 

Families adore the maze, dinosaur statues and the on-site Ménagerie—a pocket-sized zoo featuring rare species. The Alpine Garden and Rose Garden are true mood-boosters in full bloom, and there are always benches and quiet spots for reading or snacking between sightseeing. The garden’s proximity to the National Natural History Museum means plenty of learning opportunities for kids (and grown-ups). This is where to recharge body and spirit, especially if you’re traveling with curious little ones or just want a dash of green with your city break. 

Champ de Mars 

If you’ve dreamed of a picnic under the Eiffel Tower, the Champ de Mars makes it a reality. This massive stretch of lawns, tree-shaded avenues and flowerbeds delivers postcard-perfect views and a lively crowd—from solo sunbathers to gaggles of friends clinking glasses at sunset. 

You can pick up bread, fruit and cheese from the nearby Rue Cler market, then settle in with your feast and snap a few photos with that world-famous backdrop. Playgrounds, carousels and plenty of space for games make this an easy win for families too. And when twilight falls, the Eiffel Tower’s twinkling lights turn every picnic into an event. 

Parc de la Villette 

Looking for a park with some edge? Parc de la Villette is a creative wonderland in northeast Paris where massive lawns, ultramodern architecture and outdoor art installations set the mood for adventure. The park is home to the Cité des Sciences, bold sculptures, playgrounds, themed gardens and a summer open-air cinema. 

Food trucks, canal-side picnics and sunny lawns welcome big groups and impromptu gatherings. You’ll find plenty of space to kick around a football, lounge with your latest read or join a festival in season. It’s one of Paris’s liveliest and most playful parks, designed for both relaxing and making new discoveries. 

Square du Vert-Galant

Square du Vert-Galant

At the western tip of Île de la Cité, the Square du Vert-Galant sits quietly surrounded by the Seine. Willow trees, romantic benches and swans drifting along the water make it a peaceful retreat—perfect for couples and anyone needing a break from the city thrum. 

Arrive with a picnic, watch boats glide by and listen to street musicians on summer evenings. The square sits just below the Pont Neuf bridge, so you get the sensation of floating in the very center of Paris. It’s simple, sweet and wonderfully photogenic. 

Parc de Belleville 

High atop the 20th arrondissement, Parc de Belleville slants across the hillside with outstanding panoramic views of Paris. If you’re after Insta-worthy cityscapes, this is the park to visit—especially during sunset. Local families and groups of friends fill the grassy terraces, sharing snacks from the excellent bakeries and cafés along nearby Rue de Belleville. 

Colorful murals, flowering trees and playful fountains add to the atmosphere, and on the upper level, you can settle in with a glass of rosé and watch the city glow. Belleville’s energy is relaxed, diverse and artistic—a favorite for those looking to escape the typical tourist route. 

Square des Batignolles 

In the elegant Batignolles neighborhood, this leafy English-style garden feels wonderfully cooling on a warm Paris afternoon. Waterfalls, duckponds and shaded paths mean you can wander or nap at your leisure. The mood is local and comfortable—families stretch out on blankets, couples share pastries and kids chase each other over winding bridges. 

Nearby, hip cafés and bakeries supply delicious provisions for your outing. The intimate size makes it easy to find a cozy bench and escape the city rush, whether for an hour or all afternoon. 

 

Paris’s parks are where city bustle melts into slow, sun-dappled afternoons. Pick a favorite, pack a treat and soak up the special mood that only Paris’s green spaces deliver. Your dream city break? It’s probably waiting under the chestnut trees. 

Enjoyed this? Check out Best Picnic Spots in Paris or Best Day Trips from Paris 

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A panorama of Paris and the Eiffel Tower with an orange sky
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The perfect weekend in Paris

A popular way to visit Paris is over a weekend short break. This is not because Paris is limited in its sights. On the contrary, its long list of landmarks and attractions makes the French capital one of the most recognizable cities in the world. So why opt for a weekend in Paris? For all its heritage and architectural prowess, Paris is a city that is constantly evolving. Never the same twice, a short city break gives you the option to return again and again, revisiting favorite haunts and discovering what has changed in the intervening months or years. At the same time, a two or three day trip to Paris will give you the perfect dose of the city’s magic and romance, from its museum collections to its nightlife. How to plan for your weekend in Paris To get the most out of your weekend of wonder, don’t forget the following helpful tips: Most museums in Paris are closed on Mondays, making it a good day for heading home. It’s best to plan long weekends in Paris to last from Friday to Sunday. The weather can be fickle – the five-day forecast is going to be your best friend. Use Go City and save big on attraction admission costs. Day 1 Morning Having checked into your hotel – and it’s well worth booking somewhere central with just a couple of days to play with – shake off the jet lag with a cruise along the River Seine with Bateaux Parisiens. A fantastic way to acquaint yourself with the French capital, the landmark attractions come thick and fast. You’ll glide beneath a myriad of ancient bridges, taking in the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral along the way. Swap the river’s gentle flow for the city streets to continue your tour with a Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing bus, using your flexible ticket to stop for crepe or French pastries along the way. Disembark again at the Arc de Triomphe, mounting its 330 steps to reveal 360° views across the city’s central districts, including the grand tree-lined avenue of the Champs-Élysées. Running in a perfectly-straight line for almost two kilometers, it’s one of Europe’s best spots for a touch of window shopping. Afternoon Having ticked off many of the main attractions on your first morning, you can spend the afternoon experiencing the city like a local. We’d suggest heading to the much-loved tow paths of Canal Saint-Martin. Zigzagging its way north from the Seine, its Quai de Valmy stretch has a wonderful authenticité. It’s brought to life by its rough-around-the-edges elegance and tranquil ambience. They are married with oh-so Parisian wrought-iron pedestrian bridges, which lead towards a plethora of places to rest your feet with a cup of the finest coffee. Evening A few metro stops to the west, South Pigalle is the latest name in cool, although its pedigree goes back quite some way. Seen as an under-the-radar alternative to Montmartre by some, ‘SoPi’ is the home of the Moulin Rouge cabaret club, whose shows have been wowing visitors on and off since it first opened in 1889. Stylish restaurants and bars ripple out from rue des Martyrs, with Buvette and Victor just two places where you’ll count yourself lucky if you manage to bag a table. Follow up your meal by checking out a concert at Bus Palladium or propping up the cocktail bar in the atmospheric interior of Dirty Dick, hidden behind an unprepossessing exterior. Day 2 Morning If you’re up for an early morning start on day 2 of your weekend in Paris and have a keen eye for a bargain, look no further than the outdoors stalls of the Beauvau Market. They’re ready to do their first deals of the day from 7:30AM. Also known as the Marché d’Aligre, inside three magisterial halls you’ll find an expansive array of foodstuffs, whilst out on the street the grocers and coffee grinders give way to tables piled high with vintage objects and antiques. For those of us keen to linger a little in our hotel rooms, there’s the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen north of Montmartre and the Basilica of the Sacré-Coeur. A flea market (swap meet) with an impressive 1700 individual stallholders, there’s everything from rare vinyl records to original Louis XV furniture. It also has a respectable start time of 10AM, although it can be visited right through to the early evening. Afternoon It’s mid-afternoon which is the best time to explore the unrivalled collection of treasures at the Louvre, since the crowds around the Mona Lisa and Liberty Leading the People start to diminish from around 3PM. However, there’s still plenty of time before the museum closes its doors to absorb its wealth of historic objects and artworks. Then cross the Seine at the Pont Neuf, or ‘New Bridge’, ironically now the oldest bridge connecting Paris’s left and right banks. It first opened to traffic in 1607. Continue on the road south for just a few hundred meters to the gates of the Jardin du Luxembourg, which were planned only five years after the construction of the Pont Neuf, and play a significant part in the plot of Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables. Edged by mature trees, the center point for the gardens is a series of formally-planted flower beds and a pond called the Grand Bassin, populated by a small fleet of remote-controlled sailing boats. Amongst the beds there’s over 100 statues copied from antiquity, though the star of the show is the magnificent Medici fountain. Evening A circuit of the Jardin du Luxembourg leaves you perfectly positioned to spend the evening in the jumble of side streets which make up the Latin Quarter. Rue de la Huchette contains one of the largest number of restaurants in the city, making it the go-to street for reasonably-priced eats. Mere steps away are bars with an eclectic clientele of students, travelers, and intellectuals sure to leave you with positive memories of all things Parisian whatever time you stumble back to your hotel. Save on your weekend in Paris Travel, hotel and attraction costs can soon add up, even on a weekend in Paris. You can help limit – and even reduce – the strain on your wallet by exploring with Go City. Providing visitors with savings on admission to many of the top attractions in the city, our passes are the perfect addition to any short break to Paris!
Ian Packham
The Eiffel Tower framed by fall color
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Paris in November

November might not be the first month you consider for a trip to Paris. Hear us out though – the eleventh month isn’t all doom and gloom. The fall weather may mean you have to spend more time indoors, but with a world-class selection of museums to choose between, that shouldn’t be too much of a hardship. And as visitor numbers thin out, it’s all the easier to have a tête-à-tête with the Mona Lisa or a Van Gogh self-portrait. Paris in November certainly isn’t quiet when it comes to things to do either. Two public holidays and an expansive list of – largely indoor – events are sure to keep you on your toes, whilst the latter half of the month sees Christmas slowly put its festive embrace over the City of Light. Cultural delights When it comes to museums, art lovers visiting Paris in November can rejoice at the number of first-rate galleries, or panic because of the number of first-rate galleries. A common place to start is at the Louvre. But as the second-largest gallery in the world, its 38,000 objects can be overwhelming. Just across the River Seine, the Musée d’Orsay’s works span less than 70 years. It’s no less impressive for that, containing one of the most important collections of impressionist and post-impressionist art in the world, by the hands of luminaries including Renoir, Sisley and Gauguin. To delve into the thought processes and inspiration behind Pablo Picasso’s extraordinary output there’s Paris’s National Picasso Museum. Having lived in the city for over 40 years, its mass of sketchbooks, paintings and sculptures come directly from Picasso’s heirs, having initially formed part of his own private collection. It spans a lifetime of work, from his Blue Period to his surrealist masterpieces. Embrace sunset The nights drawing in during November have their advantages. Amongst them is the ability to experience the City of Light at its most enigmatic and atmospheric – when the sun settles over the French capital and its grand monuments are artificially illuminated. The Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and Sacré-Coeur Basilica are all elegantly lit. A Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing bus tour will save your feet, and also provide a little background to the backdrop of world-famous landmarks. Towards the end of the month, visitors to Paris are also able to experience the switching on of Christmas lights in around 150 streets. The obvious place to start is probably the Champs-Élysées, where no less than a million individual bulbs are draped over the trees. Elsewhere, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and Avenue Montaigne are also reliable sources of festive cheer – and looming credit card limits. Check out alternatives to the high street The shopping doesn’t have to stop just because you head under cover. Some Parisians aren’t even aware of its maze of covered passageways. These decorative arcades host a fantastic array of independent stores, from jewelers to secondhand booksellers. You’ll also find a number of authentic cafés and bistros, whether you’re desperate for chocolat chaud (hot chocolate) or steak frites (steak and fries) and a glass of red wine. If the hot chocolate got you in the mood for all things cocoa based, you’re in exactly the right city. The history of how the odd-looking bean became one of the world’s most desirable crops can be discovered at The Gourmet Chocolate Museum Choco-Story. Meanwhile, the Salon du Chocolat fair at the end of the month sees five full days of chocolate-related fun. If the wines of France are more your cup of tea (to mix our metaphors), turn your attention to the city’s myriad caves (wine cellars). The third Thursday of November is the annual date set for the release of Beaujolais nouveau, and connoisseurs throughout Paris race to be the first to taste its youthful bouquet. Experience Paris on a day off ‘Beaujolais Day’ isn’t a national holiday – yet. However, Paris does have two bona fide jour fériés to prepare for in November. It begins with La Toussaint (All Saints’ Day) on the first of the month. With offices, stores and restaurants closed for the day many families pay their respects to lost loved ones. Visitors might instead make a short pilgrimage to heroes including Oscar Wilde or Jim Morrison of The Doors at Père Lachaise cemetery in the 20th arrondissement (district). The second national holiday lies ten days later on November 11. Commemorating the end of the First World War in 1918, Armistice Day focuses on the Arc de Triomphe. The French President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beneath the main arch. Further details of this time reveal themselves at the Musée Clemenceau, the former home of the French wartime prime minister. A giant of his day, Georges Clemenceau counted Claude Monet among his friends, and supported Alfred Dreyfus during the affair bearing his name which rocked France at the turn of the twentieth century. Get set for Christmas In addition to the arrival of its Christmas lights, Paris in November sees the appearance of many other seasonal activities more usually associated with December. Stores big and small, budget and luxury, compete against one another to have the most alluring window displays, with the large department stores renowned for going all out on the decorations. At the same time, Alsatian-style chalets start to appear in various public spaces as Paris’s Christmas markets take form. The Tuileries Garden hosts one of the largest, combining funfair rides, souvenirs and a decent supply of vin chaud (mulled wine). The La Défense district’s version welcomes an amazing 350 different stalls, alongside a large outdoor ice rink. The Grand Palais opposite the Eiffel Tower is turned into one giant indoor ice rink from around the middle of November, with music and light displays some evenings. Other outdoor rinks include those at Le Plaza Athénée and the rooftop of the Galeries Lafayette flagship store on Boulevard Haussmann. Get the most out of Paris in November Brilliant museums, dazzling night-times, wondrous foods and the start of the Christmas festivities. Is there anything that could make November in Paris any better? How about savings on admission to many of its top attractions? Explore with Go City and that’s exactly what you get!
Ian Packham
A couple face the Eiffel Tower in Paris in February
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How to spend an amazing Valentines Day in Paris

If Paris is a day in the year, it’s surely Valentine's Day. Few other cities can match its reputation for romance, with imagery of the Eiffel Tower inevitably tied with thoughts of marriage proposals and romantic candle-lit dinners. Thankfully, Valentine's Day in Paris isn’t all hype over substance – the City of Love hardly ever disappoints. And that’s despite the high expectations of Parisians and visitors alike. But to make the most of the big day, nothing should be left to chance. Follow our guide to what’s hot and what’s not for the perfect way to spend La Saint Valentin. Morning There’s probably no better way to start Valentine's Day in Paris than by waking up next to your significant other. Treat them to one of Paris’s top hotels, and you’ve also got the possibility of admirable views across the city, and maybe even the Eiffel Tower, once the lazy February dawn has roused itself into being. Cement your union in the most modern – and Instagrammable – of ways, by taking a selfie beside the millions of padlocks that have been attached to the Pont des Arts. Otherwise known as ‘love lock bridge’, it’s an act few can resist. You’re now well located to marvel at the marble statuary forming a key component of the collection of the Louvre, or better yet, take in the bridges of Paris from an alternative view by joining a romantic Seine cruise with Bateaux Parisiens. Lunchtime hours Such a trip will put you in prime position to scale the Eiffel Tower. Climbing its 674 steps to the second stage is sure to generate the appetite you’ll need to fully enjoy the Michelin-starred cuisine at Restaurant Jules Verne. Alternatively, keep your powder dry for the top, where the views extend for miles and a champagne bar does a brisk trade. If you’d rather save Paris’s ‘Iron Lady’ for sunset, head straight to Montmartre. Views from the Basilica of the Sacré-Coeur may play second fiddle to those from the top of the Eiffel Tower, but as the highest natural point in the city, they are still sublime. What’s more, as Paris’s traditional enclave of artists and bohemians, romance seems to seep from every cobblestone lane, as you’ll discover on any walk around Montmartre. Stop by the 612 individual blue tiles of Le Mur des Je t’aime (the Wall of I Love Yous) or catch a classic Hollywood love story at a matinee screening at Pathé Wepler movie theater. Afternoon Drifting south and east, make your way towards a museum like no other in Paris – the Gourmet Chocolate Museum Choco-Story. As you might expect from a museum dedicated to the world of all things chocolate, there’s plenty of opportunities to sample what you see being made before your very eyes. Then make a date with the city’s artistic institutions. Wander through the elegant side streets of the second arrondissement and it won’t be long until you find yourself face to face with the 16th-Century exterior of the Louvre, possibly the world’s most famous gallery. The 35,000 objects on display include the unmissable Venus de Milo. If you ticked this off earlier on in the day, you can instead swing by the Place de la Concorde on route to the Rodin Museum. Not only can you take in The Kiss here, but enjoy time in the tranquil and extensive gardens which envelop it. Early evening Any restaurant with even the slightest chance of an Eiffel Tower view is sure to be booked up months ahead of time in Paris on Valentine's Day. However, Paris has such a reputation for romance, you probably won’t need any help from the ‘Iron Lady’ to maintain the mood. With most Parisians opting to dine between 8PM and 11PM, you’ve got the chance to sneak in for an early feast should you choose, although the atmosphere may be a little lacking at this time of the evening. You might prefer to spend the earlier part of the evening with a daiquiri at Bar Hemingway at the Ritz, or with a sidecar at Harry’s New York Bar. Laying its claim to being the oldest cocktail bar in Europe, there’s an atmospheric piano bar in the basement. But if speakeasy-style bars are somehow not your forte, another option with plenty of romance attached would be a snuggle up together beneath a blanket as you tour Paris by horse and cart to see its landmarks lit up after dark. Late evening No blankets are needed for nights at the Moulin Rouge and the other well-known cabaret club names back in Montmartre. An extraordinary display of talent at any time of year, these clubs go all out on Valentine's Day. They put on special nights incorporating all the glitz and glamor you would expect, alongside a fine dining experience, tinkling champagne glasses and the chance to slow dance on their hallowed stages between courses. In addition, the opera houses of Paris are also at full strength on Valentine's Day. So why not dress up in all your finery and experience the magnificent tones of its opera stars or prima ballerinas, two artforms where the meaning is transmitted through the emotion rather than the language? Here’s to a successful Valentine's Day in Paris! Spending February 14 in Paris can create a huge amount of expectation. After all, it’s the most romantic day of the year in the most romantic city in the world. If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in the City of Love for Valentine's Day, you’re sure to want to make an extra special effort for your partner in crime. But that doesn’t have to mean splashing the cash unnecessarily. Spend your money on what matters by saving on admission to many of Paris’s top attractions. Explore with Go City and you can do just that, without losing any of the flexibility you’ll want for those lingering romantic walks or café visits.
Ian Packham

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