The parks and gardens of Paris

When the sun shines on Paris, tradition dictates that the occasion must be honoured.

And so when summer arrives the capital’s residents need no second invitation to sit out on one of the city’s café terraces… or to flock to the capital’s green spaces (gardens, parks and squares). Visiting the gardens is one of the most attractive parts of any trip to Paris. Our team has drawn up a list of the finest parks and gardens in Paris to help you make the most of your visit.

Enjoying the greenery of Paris on holiday

Contrary to what you might think, the capital is full of green areas. Here’s a list of some of the main gardens that are well worth a visit during a summer weekend in Paris:

  • The Parc des Buttes Chaumont (photo, which extends over 25 hectares, is one of the biggest in Paris. People come here to jog or cycle, or just for a picnic with family or friends. The views look out over the entire northern half of the capital.
  • The Jardin des Plantes is an open-air botanical garden where every nook and cranny is a learning experience.
  • The Jardin du Trocadéro boasts stunning views of the Eiffel Tower.
  • Parc Monceau is a romantic jewel that often serves as a backdrop for wedding photos…
  • The Jardin du Luxembourg is a magnificent park in the grounds of the Senate. Its hundred-year-old trees and fountains offer the ideal escape from the crowds, and the extensive parkland area has plenty of spots for reading or perhaps for watching some of the regular chess players master their game;
  • The Jardin d’Acclimatation, with an amusement park and farm, is the ideal place to head with the kids;
  • The Parc de la Villette is Paris’ biggest park at 35 hectares and is open round the clock. It’s a ‘complete’ park, with the Science Centre, the Zénith concert hall, a nautical base and themed gardens.

Parks near your Paris Opéra Hotel

All of these green areas are easy to get to from your Paris Opéra Hotel, because of the district’s excellent public transport connections. There are also plenty of green areas nearer the hotel, including Montholon square, and the Villemin garden, near the river. More impressive still, and just a hop from your Paris Opéra hotel, don’t miss the Jardin des Tuileries, the oldest of all the French gardens. Whether you’re in the capital for a weekend or a longer stay, don’t miss these Parisian gems!