Location: Paris
Top Things to do in Paris
Things to do in Paris, Ile-de-France: The Best Gardens
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. 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).
2. 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
3. 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!
4. 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!
5. Square du Vert-Galant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
A small park on the Île de la Cité.
Reviewed By SuperTed19 - Madison, United States
It’s tiny speck of grass on the western tip of Ile de la Cité. There is a huge tree, under which one can sit comfortably and watch the city go about its business.
6. Coulee Verte Rene-Dumont
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 896 reviews
Reviewed By KatielouAustralia - Hobart, Australia
This disused railway line in the 12th arrondissement has been turned into a 4.5 km long tree-lined path meandering through buildings and providing a green oasis. It is difficult to find the start at the Jardin Charles Peguy end as this is at street level and there are some dingy tunnels to make your way through. We caught the Metro and got off at Porte Doree and wandered along several streets till we asked a local to pint us in the right direction. Once on the pathway, you can walk at your own pace and it ends at the Viaduc des Arts (opposite the Gare de Lyon train station). Well worth an afternoon visit
7. Square des Batignolles
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By RGSOUNDF - Mercerville, United States
In our opinion, one just can't explore the quartier (neighborhood) des Batignolles without visiting the square des Batignolles, which is a smallish park designed and fully inaugurated during the so-called Second Empire (the reign of Louis-Napoleon or Napoleon III, the last 'Emperor of the French'), in the 1860s (please bear in mind that prior to 1860, the entire village/community/hamlet of Batignolles wasn't a part of the City of Paris, and neither was Montmartre and many other neighborhoods of what constitutes now the modern Paris). Sure enough, the park lacks in size, fame, magnitude and points of interest the scale of the nearby parc Monceau, but it is still worth visiting, if not as a dedicated tour but definitely as a part of acquainting yourself with this wonderful neighborhood. The oasis-like square des Batignolles is ideal for relaxation and leisurely walk with its little lakes, quirky bridges and even a merry-go-round. For the lovers of flora, there are numerous beautiful and exotic plants and trees. Right next to the merry-go-round, there is a small kiosk bearing the proud name of Chalet Batignolles that has been serving crêpes and ice cream since 1978. Ducks, geese, and water hens add to the overall tranquility of the place. Note one of the park promenades bearing the name of allée Barbara, the famous French singer (1930-1997), who was born at the nearby 6, rue Brochant.
8. Jardin des Rosiers - Joseph-Migneret
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By JnVSydney - Greater Sydney, Australia
Obviously not that good of a secret, but we have actually walked past the entrance to the park on Rue des Rosiers at least 3 times. Even with the address of the park in google maps and a route marked, still walked past it and had to backtrack 3 metres. Eventually made it through the big green door and into the secret garden of Joseph Migneret. A haven of peace, tranquility and not very many people funnily enough. Enjoyed our ‘Paris Picnic’ lunch with a fresh baguette, (from the local boulangerie) still warm and the ham and cheese from local boutiques.
9. Jardin de l'Hotel de Sully
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By sharedvision - San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
This garden space is located between the Hotel de Sully, a 16th century style mansion entered from the very busy Rue de Rivoli and the additionally relaxing Place des Vosges...there is space for relaxing on a busy day in this area of visually stunning attractions...
10. Square du Temple - Elie-Wiesel
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