Paris: The Top Green Spaces in the Capital

In northern Paris, along the Ourcq Canal, the Parc de la Villette covers 55 hectares and offers a modern and fun environment. Running along the basin or crossing the suspension bridge, you will encounter bright red artistic follies. Every step brings a surprise. Families explore the playgrounds and the Cité des Sciences, while theatre lovers attend concerts at the Zénith or the Philharmonie. Young and old alike are captivated by the immersive projections at the Géode.

Between the Bassin de la Villette and the Belleville neighbourhood, the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, built around its lake, is undoubtedly the steepest park in the capital. Its cave and fake stalactites, as well as its spectacular suspended footbridge, make it a unique place to stroll. Its large lawns attract picnickers and sun worshippers from spring onwards. Walkers also enjoy climbing up to the Temple de la Sibylle to admire the view over the Parisian rooftops, sitting down to eat at the Pavillon du Lac or dancing on the lively terrace of the Rosa Bonheur.

Built on a former railway line, the René-Dumont Greenway is a partially elevated wooded walkway that crosses the 12th arrondissement. Starting at Place de la Bastille, it winds its way above streets and tunnels to offer a unique green route, before reaching Parc de Reuilly and continuing on to the Château de Vincennes. Along the way, walkers can enjoy rest areas, themed gardens and surprising views of the surrounding rooftops and architecture, transforming this former railway line into a veritable urban oasis.

Between the Mouffetard district and the Pont d'Austerlitz, the Jardin des Plantes invites visitors to stroll through the alpine garden, the iris and perennial garden, or the rose garden. Here you can admire remarkable trees, such as the 315-year-old pistachio tree, and learn more at the National Museum of Natural History. The Grande Galerie de l'Évolution, with its interactive exhibitions and displays, is particularly popular with children, as is the Jardin des Plantes menagerie. The large tropical greenhouses are also worth a visit. During the festive season, illuminated trails transform the Jardin des Plantes into a truly magical world.

Close to the Latin Quarter and the Pantheon, the Luxembourg Gardens, nicknamed the Luco by Parisians, is one of Paris's great green spaces. Its botanical heritage is as prized as its architecture. On sunny days, the seats around the large pond are taken over by outdoor reading enthusiasts, while small sailboats delight budding sailors. The park also invites visitors to stroll among the many statues of famous figures such as George Sand and Charles Baudelaire, hit a few balls on the tennis courts or play a game of pétanque in the shade of century-old trees, before stepping through the doors of the Musée du Luxembourg.

South of Montparnasse, opposite the Cité Universitaire, Montsouris Park is one of the largest in the capital. Its water reservoir can be visited during European Heritage Days. And on sunny days between May and September, concerts are held in the bandstand. It is also a refuge for several species of birds that can be observed. A real nature break away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Between the Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde, the Tuileries Garden unfurls its wide paths designed by André Le Nôtre. Visitors can sit around the ponds on the famous green chairs, watch the little sailboats glide by and stroll among the contemporary statues and sculptures that dot the garden. Between walks, you can admire the collections of the Musée de l'Orangerie or the Musée du Jeu de Paume, before continuing your stroll towards the Champs-Élysées. Every summer until 2028, visitors can also admire the Olympic basin, a legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, at sunset, when it rises into the Parisian sky.

Between the Champs-Élysées and the Batignolles district, Parc Monceau charms visitors with its elegant and peaceful atmosphere, in harmony with the Haussmann-style buildings that surround it. Passing through its large wrought iron gates embellished with gold, you will discover a promenade dotted with statues and spectacular trees, punctuated by the Renaissance arcade of the former City Hall and a large pond around which it is pleasant to stroll in the sunshine on fine days. Children can enjoy the playgrounds, while a few steps away, the Cernuschi Museum houses magnificent collections of Asian art.

In 1992, a new park was created in the 15th arrondissement, in south-west Paris, on the site of the former Citroën factory. This modern park is the only one in the capital to overlook the banks of the Seine. Weather permitting, you can board the Ballon de Paris for a hot air balloon ride 150 metres above the ground. With its large lawns, Parc André Citroën is the perfect place for a picnic or sunbathing.

A stone's throw from Roland Garros stadium, the Jardin des Serres d'Auteuil, labelled a ‘Remarkable Garden’, offers a veritable botanical tour of the world. Renovated several times, it is home to more than 6,000 plants spread across historic and themed greenhouses, from tropical palm trees to collections of begonias and succulents. Visitors can stroll through the English-style landscaped garden, discover the small Mediterranean or Japanese-inspired garden, and admire heritage details such as the mascarons from Rodin's studio and Jules Dalou's fountain.

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What other parks are worth visiting in Paris (Jardin d'Acclimatation, Vincennes Zoo, Parc Floral, etc.)?

Among the many parks in Paris, several other green spaces are worth a visit. To the west, the Jardin d'Acclimatation appeals to families with its attractions and landscaped gardens overlooking the Louis Vuitton Foundation, while to the east, the Vincennes Zoo and the Parc Floral de Paris offer extensive walks in the heart of the Bois de Vincennes. Closer to the centre and north of the capital, the Parc Clichy-Batignolles – Martin Luther King embodies Paris' ecological renewal, while the Jardin du Palais-Royal charms visitors with its classic elegance and magnolias in bloom in spring. Finally, the Parc Georges Brassens, in the south, offers a peaceful setting around its antique book market at the weekend.

What is the name of the largest park in Paris?

The largest green space within the city limits is the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, which covers approximately 25 hectares in the north-east of the capital. Much appreciated for its spectacular relief, remarkable trees and views of Paris, it offers a unique setting for a walk.

Which parks are good for walking around Paris?

On the outskirts of Paris, several large green spaces are ideal for walking, including the gardens of the Palace of Versailles and the Domaine de Saint-Cloud, renowned for their majestic views and remarkable trees. These places are a real treat for nature lovers and children, who can enjoy wide paths and lawns that are ideal for relaxing.