Location: Paris
Top Things to do in Paris
The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Paris, Ile-de-France
Lingering over pain au chocolat in a sidewalk café, relaxing after a day of strolling along the Seine and marveling at icons like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe… the perfect Paris experience combines leisure and liveliness with enough time to savor both an exquisite meal and exhibits at the Louvre. Awaken your spirit at Notre Dame, bargain hunt at the Marché aux Puces de Montreuil or for goodies at the Marché Biologique Raspail, then cap it all off with a risqué show at the Moulin Rouge.
Restaurants in Paris
1. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,060 reviews
This elevated park in the northeast section of the city features an artificial lake and waterfall as well as impressive views of the surrounding area.
Reviewed By fionaa860 - Toronto, Canada
What a lovely place to go and sit in the shade on a hot day. It is a park with its fair share of tourists getting a good view from the mini temple, but it also has many, many Parisians just enjoying the park. There are paths to walk, benches to sit on, a little stream, and a pond with fish, ducks, geese, and we even saw a turtle. We didn't make use of the children's rides or the cafes, but they are there for those who want.
2. Jardin des Plantes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,748 reviews
In addition to serving as the site for the city's huge Museum of Natural History, this park is also home to a small zoo.
Reviewed By JnVSydney - Greater Sydney, Australia
It being winter, not at its most lush, but to make up for it they had illuminated sculptures, (similar to the ones in Hoi An, Vietnam). Wow - a lovely walk in the sun via the turtles, hermit crabs, coral reefs, plenty of seating, to enjoy the park and have lunch. We popped out on the far side of the Jardin and came across one of the Wallace fountains I mentioned in passing - in fact the only one remaining of the mural model, (see review).
3. Seine River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25,513 reviews
This famous river flows from east to west through the heart of the city and divides Paris's Left Bank and Right Bank.
Reviewed By Matteomartinii28 - Paris, France
You can find moments on the bridges (des Arts for the romantic locks) or from the River itself on a Hop on Hop off boat - you can go from museum to museum (the Louvre to D'Orsay) and see the beautiful Eiffel Tower throughout...the best moments may be the cafes, street artists and crepe makers, but Paris charm resides in all of it! I love this city and its river!
4. Luxembourg Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34,885 reviews
These formal gardens, open to only royalty before the French Revolution, now serve as one of Paris's most popular destinations for relaxation.
Reviewed By 263rosieg
Staying near the gardens and found them a little magical pocket. Well worth the stroll or flanneur through the gardens....joggers, and tennis players, pony rides for the kids, fabulous museums, sculptures, fabulous gardens of incredible beauty...and the light...the light only Paris can provide. Winter or summer...please visit these gardens...you will not be disappointed
5. Jardin des Tuileries
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,525 reviews
Located within the Place de la Concorde, this garden demonstrates the Parisian style of intricate landscaping.
Reviewed By B5394AWsteveb - Colorado Springs, United States
This is one of our favorite strolls in Paris - Place de Concorde to the Louvre. Great people watching, picnicking and napping. Grab a chair and check out!
6. Bois de Vincennes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 378 reviews
This large park on Paris's eastern side includes the Château de Vincennes and a popular zoo among its many attractions.
Reviewed By gs1905masis - Istanbul, Turkey
It's a very big park and easily accessible from the city centre. You can enjoy a bike ride int the park. The chateau and the chapelle is also worth seeing.
7. Parc Monceau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,020 reviews
This beautiful park, which has inspired many famous paintings, was created in the 18th century for Philippe Egalité, the cousin of Louis XVI and the father of King Louis-Philippe I.
Reviewed By rich1665 - London, United Kingdom
Oasis from the city —- large mature trees, « folly »-filled gardens, water ... roundabout, extensive playground and pony rides for young kids. In summer it is less crowded before 1 pm. On a Sunday look out for the joggers ... the park is a 1km oval circuit and gets a little busy on Sunday mornings!
8. Ile Saint-Louis
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,780 reviews
Cobble-stoned neighborhood featuring quiet shops, cafes and bistros.
Reviewed By Darren_C_Thomas - Brisbane, Australia
Ile Saint-Louis is one of 2 islands in the middle of the Seine. Its streets are filled with 17th and 18th century architecture with lots of quaint shops, cafes and restaurants. The island is quite small and easily walk-able and a must for anyone visiting Paris
9. Jardin du Palais Royal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 714 reviews
A beautiful garden dating back to the French Revolution.
Reviewed By PernilleI - Copenhagen, Denmark
While the summer sees this little park bristling with people, outdoor seating and activity it is no less interesting to visit at colder times of the year. It is of course much more quiet - a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the Rue de Rivoli and the next door Louvre museum. Accessing from the Rue de Rivoli, you first pass through the courtyard with the back and white columns in different heights installed by the artist Daniel Buren in the 1980's. They give a brilliant new perspective to the square and some excellent photo opportunities of course. Walking further into the real garden of what was the Cardinal Richelieus personal palace, there is a beautiful square garden with galleries on all sides where you can find interesting shops and cafés and restaurants. The garden has chairs available for a sit-down - and you must take some time to read the quotes sculpted through holes in the chairs. They are in French of course; but all very poetic and interesting. A rare oasis of peace in Paris!
10. Parc Montsouris
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 434 reviews
Reviewed By RingoGilkey - Oakland, United States
Surely one of the most beautiful parks in Paris. As you wander along the sloping paths you will see a variety of different trees including Ginkgo and Sequoia. Planting mounds throughout the park are planted with colorful flowers. Sculptures are scattered throughout the park. Don't miss Thomas Paine, painted in gold, situated in the far south of the park. The small lake invites numerous water birds, including a black swan. See if you can find the large fish, up to two feet long, that hang out in the northern part of the lake. Walk your dog. Take the little ones for a pony ride, or, a ride on what must be the smallest railroad in the universe. Try to find the Meridian of Paris and the 5 meter high obelisk. Or, just sit on a bench and take in the beauty of it all.
