Paris
Parks and Gardens in Paris near Le Meurice
The city of 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. When in need of some peace and quiet, follow Parisians into secret corners of solace around the city, discover rare plant life in the capital’s botanical gardens, or relax in the impressive grounds of noble estates that date back many centuries.
Day one
Walk across the road from the hotel to the Jardin des Tuileries.
Jardin des Tuileries
Overlooked by the Louvre, the Jardin des Tuileries is much more than a garden; it’s a historic landmark. Created by Queen Catherine de Medici, the park stretches alongside the River Seine and is a beautiful spot for a morning amble. Stroll along the picturesque avenues and soak up the imperial ambience of the Palais des Tuileries, which once stood there, or picnic by the ponds.
Take a 20-minute taxi to get to your next stop, the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Spread over 25 gloriously verdant hectares, the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is home to waterfalls, temples, tree-lined paths, caves and a lake. Designed and opened to mark the 1867 Universal Exhibition, the park has only grown in popularity and peaceful charm over the years.
From here, take a 20-minute taxi to Square René Viviani.
Square René Viviani
Opposite Notre Dame de Paris, Square René-Viviani is a tranquil urban garden with grass borders, flower beds and, most importantly, the oldest living tree in Paris. The ancient 400-year-old tree, which is carefully supported by columns, is thought to have been planted by royal botanist Jean Robin at the turn of the 17th century.
Then, take a 15-minute walk to Jardin des Plantes.
Jardin des Plantes
The city’s principal botanical garden, Jardin des Plantes, features 28 hectares of gardens, greenhouses and even a zoo. Tucked away in the fifth arrondissement, it’s been expanding the impressive collection of plant and natural life on display, since the Jardin was founded in the 17th century. As well as botanicals, visitors will discover myriad species of birds and amphibians here.
The final garden of the day is a 10-minute drive or a 20-minute walk away.
Jardin du Luxembourg
Inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence, Queen Marie de Medici commissioned the Jardin du Luxembourg in 1612. This 25-hectare park features beautiful English and French-style landscaped gardens, complete with lawns, chestnut groves, orchid-filled greenhouses, an orchard and ancient statues. A highlight is the Médici Fountain, a monumental fountain featuring figures from Greek mythology.
To return to the hotel, hail a taxi and enjoy a 15-minute drive.
Day two
Begin the day with a turn around the gardens of the Palais Royal, 10 minutes’ walk from the hotel.
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.
Then, take a 10-minute drive to Musée National des Arts Asiatiques Guimet.
Jardin Japonais du Musée Guimet
In a wing of the Musée Guimet, visitors can find the Panthéon Bouddhique (Buddhist Pantheon), an annex dedicated to art from the Far-East. A visit will reveal a beautiful Japanese garden featuring a pavilion where traditional tea ceremonies are carried out. Standing out among a sea of traditional Parisian parks, this Asian-inspired space is one of the most unusual in the city.
Next, take a 15-minute drive to Jardins des Serres d’Auteuil.
Jardins des Serres d'Auteuil
Tucked away within the giant Bois de Boulogne park is Jardins 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.
Reach the next location with a short 15-minute taxi ride.
Roseraie de Bagatelle
Found within the Parc de Bagatelle, one of Paris’ four beautiful botanical gardens, which is itself found in the verdant expanse of the Bois de Boulogne – the former hunting grounds of the kings of France – the rose garden is a hidden treasure that’s home to over 10,000 rose bushes from 1,200 species.
Drive for 25-minutes to the final stop, the gardens at the Château de Versailles.
Gardens of Versailles
Meticulously manicured lawns, blooming flower beds, grand fountain sculptures, rich woodland; all this and more can be found in the Gardens of Versailles. The regal French-style garden, which surrounds the Château de Versailles, is most famous for its creative landscaped lawns and long rectangular lake that’s not dissimilar to the one that extends in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC.
To get back to the hotel, it’s a 45-minute drive.
All journey times are approximate and subject to variation.
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