10 ideas for your staycation in Paris
Amongst the city’s sea of historical sites and museums, you’ll find plenty of green spaces and waterways breaking up the urban landscape. Paris is home to more than 400 green spaces, ranging from grandiose historic parks to quaint hidden gardens frequented only by those who know where to find them.
Roseraie de Bagatelle
Found within the already picturesque surrounds of the Parc de Bagatelle lies the famed rose garden. A staggering number of fragrant roses – somewhere around 10,000, cultivated from 1,200 different species – call this idyllic corner of Paris home. In addition to the beautiful blooms, the park often hosts performances, concerts, and events.
Bois de Boulogne, Route de Sèvres à Neuilly, 75016
Jardin Alpin
Delve into the heart of Jardin des Plantes to discover Jardin Alpin, an alpine garden which brings more than 2,000 plant species from the mountains to the city. Over a space of more than 4,000sqm, botanists have created microclimates in which they can grow and cultivate various plant life as though in the wild. Even if you don’t know much about nature, it’s a beautiful walk.
Jardin des Plantes, 57 rue Cuvier, 75005
Jardin du Palais-Royal
Bordered by the neoclassical Palais-Royal and its beautiful arcades, the Jardin du Palais-Royal is a peaceful spot to while away an hour or two in the French capital. You can expect to meander past boxed hedges, water features and sculptural accents during your visit. Be sure to admire the artistic heft of Daniel Buren’s 260 black-and-white striped columns as well.
8 rue de Montpensier, 75001
Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil
Tucked away within the giant Bois de Boulogne park is Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil, a historic botanical garden with roots dating back to 1761 and the rule of Louis XV. It’s home to a vast central lawn, themed gardens and several grand 19th century greenhouses where rare and tropical plants, trees and botanicals are cultivated. There’s also a charming aviary for keen birdwatchers.
3 avenue de la Porte d’Auteuil, 75016
Jardin des Tuileries
Jardin des Tuileries is a beautiful green space bordering the River Seine. The garden carries the imperial ethos of the Palais des Tuileries, which once stood there, and attracts visitors for picturesque walks and pony rides along its luscious avenues. At one end of the park lies the Louvre and at the other the Place de la Concorde, so it’s also at the cultural heart of the city.
113 rue de Rivoli, 75001
Parc Floral de Paris
An ideal place to enjoy a relaxing afternoon, Parc Floral de Paris is a park and botanical garden that’s full of wildlife and plants. Visitors can enjoy walks around its sumptuous expanse of flora and fauna with four different landscape spaces.
Bois de Vincennes, Route de la Pyramide, 75012
Jardin du Luxembourg
Created on the request of Queen Marie de Medici in 1612, Jardin de Luxembourg is a beautiful 25-hectare park split into stunning English and French-style landscaped gardens. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the forests, orchards and a wealth of statues and monuments such as the famous Medici fountain.
Rue de Médicis – rue de Vaugirard, 75006
Parc du Champ-de-Mars
A swathe of green in the heart of the city, the Champ-de-Mars is a sprawling, rectangular park stretching from the Eiffel Tower at its northern edge to the École Militaire at its southern. A jog through the greenery offers up uniquely Parisian views.
Quai Branly – Place Joffre, 75007
Parc Monceau
The history of Parc Monceau is evident from the moment you pass through its wrought iron gates. Dating back to the 17th century, the park is filled with statues, Renaissance archways and colonnades, a Venetian bridge, and even a model Egyptian pyramid. It’s a peaceful escape in the heart of the city’s eighth arrondissement.
35 Boulevard de Courcelles, 75008
Square du Vert-Galant
A tiny park at the tip of Ile de la Cité, Square du Vert-Galant is as charming as it is remote. Built in honour of King Henri IV of France, it received its name ‘Vert-Galant’ due to the King’s reputation for having many mistresses. It’s a popular spot with lovers and affords beautiful views of the river, which surrounds it on three sides, and the nearby Musée du Louvre.
Place du Pont-Neuf, 75001
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