In short
Paris boasts a wealth of public green spaces that are freely accessible every day. Throughout this article, you'll find the best options to include in your itinerary, whether you're spending at least two days in Paris.
- Free access to all municipal parks and gardens
- Monumental and elegant areas ideal for walks and picnics
- Additional services included such as fountains, rose gardens and shaded areas
- Seasonal opening hours with evening closures for fenced parks
☰ Table of Contents
The best of Paris's parks
Parisian landscape architecture offers extraordinary settings where nature meets history and art without requiring any entrance fee.
Luxembourg Gardens
The green lung of the Latin Quarter with its iconic palace, monumental fountains, and characteristic metal chairs for relaxing in the sun.
Buttes-Chaumont Park
A romantic oasis characterized by steep hills, artificial waterfalls, a central lake, and the panoramic Sibilla temple.
Monceau Park
A refined garden surrounded by period homes, famous for its reproductions of antiques, its rotunda, and its peaceful atmosphere.
Jardin des Plantes
The historic botanical garden of Paris, home to tree-lined avenues, 19th-century greenhouses, and floral collections of rare beauty.
Our advice
Take advantage of weekday mornings to enjoy the atmosphere of the historic gardens without the weekend crowds, by bringing a picnic lunch to enjoy on the iconic green metal chairs!
The options available to you
Each green space in the capital responds to different desires: discover the distinctive characteristics of each space to find the ideal stop for your day.
Luxembourg Gardens
Ideal for: a classic Parisian experience amidst historic fountains and a relaxed atmosphere.
Tuileries Garden
Ideal for: strolling along the great monumental perspective between the Louvre and Concorde.
Buttes-Chaumont Park
Ideal for: walks on panoramic reliefs, caves and suspension bridges.
Champ de Mars
Ideal for: memorable picnics and unique photo opportunities in front of the Eiffel Tower.
Monceau Park
Ideal for: elegant moments of tranquility among Greek columns and ancient trees.
Bois de Boulogne
Ideal for: long walks, boat rentals on the lakes, and bike excursions.
Jardin des Plantes
Ideal for: exploring rare botanical species and free-to-access themed gardens.
Comparing costs and access options
While passage and parking on the lawns are free access, certain internal attractions or recreational activities have special rates.
| Park / Garden | Access to the Avenues and Lawns | Paid Activities or Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Luxembourg Gardens | Free | Boat rental for children and a small theatre |
| Tuileries Garden | Free | Seasonal rides and entrances to adjacent museums |
| Buttes-Chaumont | Free | Consumptions at the internal bistros |
| Champ de Mars | Free | None (except climbing the Eiffel Tower) |
| Monceau Park | Free | Pony rides for children |
| Bois de Boulogne | Free | Rowing boat rental and Parc d'Acclimatation |
| Jardin des Plantes | Free | Tropical greenhouses, Zoo (Ménagerie) and Museums |
Parks and amusement parks in Paris
Detailed analysis of individual parks
We've summarized the city's urban location, landscape style, and strengths to help you plan your visit based on your location.
| Park / Garden | Garden Style | Neighborhood / Arrondissement | Distinctive Element |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxembourg | In French / English | Latin Quarter (6th arr.) | Medici Fountain and Palais du Luxembourg |
| Tuileries | Classic French Style | Louvre / Concorde (1st arr.) | Octagonal basins and sculptures by Maillol |
| Buttes-Chaumont | English Landscape | Belleville (19th arr.) | Temple of Sibyl and artificial reefs |
| Champ de Mars | Monumental Park | Eiffel Tower (7th arr.) | Front view of the Eiffel Tower and the Peace Wall |
| Monceau Park | Eclectic 19th century | Monceau (8th arr.) | Greek colonnade and centuries-old vegetation |
| Bois de Boulogne | Forest Park | Western Suburbs (16th Arr.) | Lakes, waterfalls and Fondation Louis Vuitton |
| Jardin des Plantes | Botanist / Scientific | Austerlitz (5th round) | Flowery perspectives and monumental trees |
Need to know
- All public gardens in Paris have free admission.
- Fenced parks close at sunset according to seasonal schedules.
- Metal chairs and benches are available to everyone.
- Drinking water points are distributed throughout each green area.
To keep in mind
- Trampling on lawns is prohibited in some fenced areas.
- Dogs are allowed only on a leash and in designated areas.
- Public restrooms sometimes require coins or waiting.
- The caretakers signal the evening closing time with a whistle.
Activities for every season in Paris
5 practical tips from the expert
Make the most of your outdoor stay by following our suggestions for those who want to explore Paris' urban oases.
Take advantage of the green chairs in Luxembourg and the Tuileries
There's no need to pay anything: the historic metal chairs arranged around the pools of the Luxembourg Gardens can be freely moved as you please.
Plan a picnic at the Champ de Mars at sunset
Purchase baguettes and cheeses at a local boulangerie before settling down on the Champ de Mars lawn to admire the lights of the Eiffel Tower.
Avoid the hottest hours at the Buttes-Chaumont
Given the hilly nature of the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, it is best to visit in the morning or late afternoon to tackle the climbs in pleasant temperatures.
Combine the botanical walk with the Latin Quarter
A visit to the Jardin des Plantes pairs perfectly with a walk to the Grande Mosquee de Paris for a mint tea.
Rent a bike for the Bois de Boulogne
Given the vast expanse of the Bois de Boulogne, moving on two wheels will allow you to explore the lakes and easily reach the Fondation Louis Vuitton.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to picnic on all the lawns in Parisian parks?
Not all. In historic gardens like the Luxembourg Gardens or the Tuileries, access to the lawns is often limited to specific marked areas to preserve the grass. In larger parks like the Champ de Mars, Buttes-Chaumont, and Parc Monceau, lounging on the lawns is permitted.
Are Paris parks open at night?
Most enclosed parks (such as Luxembourg, Tuileries, and Monceau) close at sunset, with hours that vary depending on the season. Open spaces like the Champ de Mars and vast wooded areas like the Bois de Boulogne remain permanently accessible.
Can dogs be brought into public gardens?
Rules vary depending on the type of park. In historic gardens, dogs are prohibited or limited to designated perimeter walkways on a leash. In larger parks and wooded areas, pets are generally welcome.
Are there free Wi-Fi connections within the green areas?
Yes, most of Paris's municipal parks are covered by the city's free public Wi-Fi network (Paris Wi-Fi), accessible by simply registering via your browser for renewable two-hour sessions.
