Paris is well known for its idyllic parks - popular and frequent are the images of people leisurely strolling and walking through well-manicured, pristine and often quaint gardens. A recent New York Times article described the hidden gardens of Paris and there truly are too many to list. Therefore, let's focus on some of the major parks and gardens found throughout the city.
1. Luxembourg Garden (Jardin du Luxembourg)
This garden is deserving of being mentioned first as it is one of the most well-known in the city. It's a formal garden with expansive lines of sight and many opportunities to lounge in chairs, stroll along the lanes and even navigate wooden toy sailboats.
It's easily accessible in the Latin Quarter in the 5th arrondissement and recently has progressed to include modern art displays and installations. Circling the garden is a rotating photo exhibition mounted on its fence.
5th arrondissement, RER B Luxembourg, walking distance from Metro Odeon (Line 4)
2. Vincennes Park (Bois de Vincennes)
Next is one of the largest parks in Paris, not actually the most popular, but I am mentioning it mainly because I used to live about half a mile away from it. It's one of the most "natural-state" parks where you will find locals walking their dogs and groups of friends playing the old french game bocce ball.
There is the small Lake Daumesnil easily accessible from the western entrance that has rowboats available for rent. Walkers or joggers often circle the lake; it can be somewhat like the Central Park of New York City. Other main attractions are the Foire du Trône in spring and Parc Floral that also has regular events and music concerts.
If you are staying for more than 2 weeks in Paris, you might find the time to venture to this eastern park.
12th arrondissement, Metro Porte de Charenton (Line 8) or Chateau de Vincennes (Line 1)
3. Bagatelle Park (Parc de Bagatelle)
I hadn't heard of this park until my friend Lise posted on her blog some wonderful photos of a recent visit, of which she kindly let me use to show pink July roses in bloom.
Since the 1770s, Bagatelle Park has had many owners, including Count Chimay, brother of Louis XVI. In 1905, the city of Paris purchased the park and spent much time and effort in redeveloping it.
Located in Bois de Bologne in the 16th arrondissement, it now boasts stunning rose gardens, an iris garden and a pond featuring water lilies and aquatic plants. It was in this park where painter Claude Monet found much of his inspiration.
This is one park not to miss, particularly in June during the International Competition of New Rose Varieties.
Metro : Porte Maillot (Line 1)
4. Jardin des Plantes
This is another green space in the eastern side of the city, and a little contrary to the typical ordered-ness of Parisian gardens. There is a feeling of natural wonder here where thousands of varieties of botanicals exist, along with the Natural History Museum. There is also a small zoo but it is not the main attraction.
This garden is located in the 5th arrondissement and is a great attraction for families.
Metros: Quai de la Rapée (line 5), Jussieu (lines 7 and 10), Censier - Daubenton (line 7) or Gare d'Austerlitz (line 10).
Botanicals at the Jardin des Plantes with the Museum of
Natural History in the distance
5. Promenade Plantée (Walkway of Plants)
This is one of my most favorite green attractions in Paris but it is not a usual destination for visitors. It is time for this to change! This is a 4.5 km long green pathway high above the 12th arrondissement that was an abandoned railway viaduct before it was redeveloped and renamed the Promenade Plantée.
It connects Vincennes Park (see number 2) with Opera Bastille, one of two of the city's finest opera houses. Walking along this elevated park you cross between covered green areas, old arcades such as the Viaduc des Arts, and open areas to see the rooftops of Paris.
It is a unique green oasis and hidden jewel!
Metro: Bastille (Line 1), Gare de Lyon (Line 1) (easiest points of entry - entrances along the entire 4.5 km path)
6. A Vertical Garden - Green Building
If you've made it this far into the article, you likely have a genuine interest in visiting Paris' gardens and parks. Or, perhaps you prefer architecture over green spaces. Well, that's ok because there is something for you too!
French botanist Jean Nouvel's work at the Musée de Quai Branly features an impressive wall of plants, all of which subsist without the benefit of soil. Nouvel uses felt in place of soil and automated irrigation to keep this vertical garden well-hydrated and healthy.
This vertical garden is located in the 7th arrondissement on Quai Branly, just east of the Eiffel Tower.
7. Yitzhak Rabin Garden
If you are in the 12th arrondissement, stop by Bercy Park where there is the lovely Yitzhak Rabin Garden. It is quiet and not as busy as other parks, but it features an impressive mix of a rose garden, quaint bridges and architectural displays.
Metro: Cour Saint-Emilion (Line 12)
8. Parc de Sceaux
This is another park that I have not been to, but one that my friend Ludovic sent me many photos of! You will have to leave Paris proper to reach Parc de Sceaux, located in the city of Sceaux, easily accessible by the train RER (Line B) heading south.
Here you will discover pristine gardens mixed with natural forest and a redeveloped chateau that now houses the museum of Ile de France. The original chateau, which was built by Jean-Baptiste Colbert (Louis XIV's minister of finance), was demolished during the French Revolution.
9. Things to Remember
As always, common sense prevails when visiting Paris' parks.
• Many parks close in early evening and entrance gates are locked for the night. When you hear and see a whistle-blowing individual come around, then that means it's time to go - don't get locked in!
• Other parks like Bois de Vincennes and Bois de Boulogne remain open but can be considered unsafe to visit after dark.
• Signs like "Pelouse Interdite" mean don't step on the grass (not even a little bit).
• If you're approached by "friendly" people speaking french-accented english, ignore them and continue on your way. Their intentions are likely not honorable.
• Finally, consider bringing a blanket and a picnic meal and lounging around like real Parisians do!
By Margaret Li on Sunday, August 17, 2008 @ 3:31 PM
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