Gardens, (Green) Squares, and Parks in Paris

Visiting Paris is a dream come true for many travelers, which means trying to visit as many places as you possibly can in a short amount of time. Paris has everything – shopping, culture, food, and art. And, Paris has beautiful parks and public gardens scattered all around the city.

These vast green spaces are the perfect place for a short pause, whether you’re looking for a break from your exhilarating Parisian experiences or just want to stretch your legs and enjoy nature. Here is a list of the best parks in Paris to take you away from the urban hustle and bustle as you make the most of the plein air that the city of light has to offer.

There are more than 400 Parisian gardens, parks, and green squares to choose from. I have listed close to 70 of the best by arrondissement.

1st Arrondissement

Jardin des Tuileries

The Tuileries Garden is one of the most famous parks and popular gardens in the French capital. Located next to the Louvre museum, the Tuileries is known for its grandeur, thanks to its formal and classical style. Built by Catherine de Medici in the 16th century, it has impeccably maintained tree-lined promenades, lawns, and shrubs with a scattering of ponds and fountains to pause and people-watch.

It is a welcome break from all the noise, the pollution, and the hassle of city life. Popular with tourists and locals, the Tuileries never fails to impress, be it a summer full of blossoming flowers or winter with its festive Christmas market.

There is a Ferris wheel (Grande Roue De Paris) at the end of this lovely park that offers a great view of the city.

If you want to know more about the garden, I have a full guide to the Tuileries here.

Address: Place de la Concorde

Jardin du Palais Royal

Hidden amidst government and cultural buildings is the Jardin du Palais Royale, one of my gardens to visit in Paris. It is a haven of green that held its place of power and pleasure for four centuries. Today, the garden is a favorite spot amongst locals, tourists, and Emily in Paris girlfriends as it is surrounded by some of the classiest places like the Grand Véfour, the Comédie-Française, and the Palais-Royale theatre.

The garden is surrounded by colonnaded shopping arcades on three sides and Cour d'Honneur (Court of Honor) on the south side. It is a lovely area to enjoy the sun and the splashing waters of the fountains.

The shopping arcade surrounding the park is full of interesting shops, restaurants, and cafes. It's a beautiful place to spend some time relaxing between activities.

Address: 43 Rue de Valois

Jardin Nelson Mandela 

An important part of the urban renewal project, the Nelson Mandela Garden was built in the Les Halles district in 2004. It was initially known as the Les Halles Garden and although it was a public park it was not easily accessible and not sustainable. Today, Nelson Mandela Park focuses on water management and is more practical for people with reduced mobility and sensory disabilities.

The garden has an adventure playground for children, filled with trees to climb, a spring bridge to crawl across, and a trampoline, amongst others. These innovative games were inspired by the worlds of Mario Brothers and the Wizard of Oz.

Address: Rue Berger

Square du Vert-Galant

Jutting out at the end of Île de la Cité is one of the cutest Paris squares known as Square du Vert-Galant. It is an ecological green space almost at the Seine river level. It offers an impressive variety of flora and fauna perfect for nature lovers in the center of Paris.

Today, it has become a hotspot for amorous walks and picnics along the river where you can catch a glimpse of a beautiful sunset with magnificent views of the Louvre, the Pont des Arts, and the Hôtel de la Monnaie. A very popular spot for Parisians!

Address: 15 Place du Pont Neuf

Find more things to do in the 1st arrondissement.

2nd Arrondissement

Square Louvois

A square built on the grounds of a former theatre that was demolished due to the assassination of a Duke in 1820, the small garden of Louvois has one of the prettiest fountains in all of Paris. Sporting sculptures of women symbolizing the French rivers of Seine, Loire, Saône, and Garonne, the fountain adds much-needed charm to this green space.

Facing the National Library of France, the garden has a variety of shrubs and trees, some brought in from Syria and Turkey.

Address: 69 bis, Rue de Richelieu

Find more things to do in the 2nd arrondissement.

3rd Arrondissement

Square du Temple

Once reserved for the Knights of the Order of the Templars in the 13th century, the Square du Temple was initially a palace that was turned into a prison during the French Revolution. It later became a convent and then finally a barracks. It was all destroyed during Haussmann’s city-wide renovation.

Today, the English-style garden at Square du Temple is lined with a variety of exotic trees and remarkable wildlife containing various species of birds. It offers a peaceful break from the hustle-bustle of the 3rd Arrondissement’s Marché des Enfants Rouges.

Address: 64 Rue de Bretagne

Square Saint-Gilles Grand-Veneur Pauline-Roland

Away from all the noise is a place little known to the public – Square Saint-Gilles Grand-Veneur Pauline-Roland. The garden invites you to take a break from the Parisian noise, breathe in the sweet perfume of the rose garden, and feel the calmness radiating from the climbers and vines.

Situated on the outside of Hotel du Grand-Veneur, the square is filled with maple trees that turn into a gorgeous shade of gold, red and yellow in the fall.

Address: 9 rue du Grand-Veneur

Jardins des Archives Nationales

A green space in a historic setting, the gardens of the National Archives went through many transformations, from a French garden to an orchard. This romantic park in Paris has something for everyone. Renovated in 2008, the garden now has a majestic French lawn, a small river, chestnut trees, and a variety of flowers like roses, tulips, and hackberries.

One of the best things is that this garden is still a secret for most locals and tourists and is less crowded status. It is perfect for an al fresco lunch and a quick afternoon siesta!

Address: 87 Rue Vieille du Temple

Jardin Anne Frank

The Anne Frank Garden is a beautiful green space in one of the densest neighborhoods of Paris, especially in summer when it is in full bloom. The garden is a complimentary space for the Museum of Art and History of Judaism.

Opened in 2007, the garden is relatively new and contains a fragment of the chestnut tree that Anne Frank could see from her home in Amsterdam. The park also contains sculptures paying homage to the Romanian poet and Holocaust survivor, Paul Celan.

Address: 14P Impasse Berthaud

Jardin Lazare Rachline

Unknown to many Parisians, the Lazare Rachline Garden is situated between private mansions in the Marais. A stone’s throw from the Carnavalet Museum, this small, French-style garden once belonged to the Hotel Donon.

Trees line the central lawn and pretty flowers bloom everywhere when the weather is warm. The garden also has a small paved corner and an arcade, giving it the perfect secret garden vibes.

Address: 9 Rue Payenne

Find more things to do in the 3rd arrondissement.

4th Arrondissement

Place des Vosges

One of the oldest and the most beautiful squares in Paris, Place des Vosges is an unmissable attraction in the Marais district. Initially called the ‘Royal Square’, it was built in the 17th century and was a popular place for equestrian exercises for the bourgeoisie. It became the first public walking spot for Parisians looking to get away from the everyday noise of the city.

It is now a peaceful green space, a favorite of both tourists and locals alike. Place des Vosges is surrounded by private townhouses and mansions, most of which have been transformed into renowned museums. All the houses are the epitome of symmetry, except for two- the Pavillion of the King and the Pavillion of the Queen, both marking the entrances to the square.

It is a popular picnic spot.

Jardin des Rosiers (Rosiers Joseph Migneret Garden)

Located in the heart of the Marais district away from the bustling streets, the Francs-Bourgeois-Rosiers Garden is a quiet intimate escape from the crowded alleys and stores. This green space is made up of small gardens of several private mansions and has three distinct parts.

The first one comes from the Hôtel de Coulanges, the second one from the Hôtel Barbes, and the third one from the Hôtel d'Albret. The gardens are lined with shrubs and plants, and some of the most sweet-smelling roses in Paris.

Address: 10 Rue des Rosiers

Square Jean XXIII (Currently Closed)

A quiet haven of peace located right behind the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Square Jean XXIII is a beautifully kept garden with some quirky elements like the cone-shaped yew trees. The garden has a couple of Japanese Cherry blossoms that bloom with gorgeous white and pink flowers in the spring.

The garden also attracts birdwatchers as three to five pairs of kestrels nest there permanently. The Ornithological Center of Ile-de-France also organizes observation days on two weekends for avid birdwatchers.

Address: 4 Parvis Notre-Dame, Pl. Jean-Paul II – CLOSED for Notre Dame construction.

Hôtel de Sens Garden

The Hôtel de Sens Garden, located in the historic mansion built in 1519, shows the skill of French gardens in a formal garden setting. The Hôtel de Sens' Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements, like gables, corbelled turrets, and dormer windows, contribute to its well-preserved medieval beauty.

Following its acquisition by the City of Paris in 1916, repairs altered its architecture while keeping its relevance as a witness to Middle Ages aristocratic houses.

Since 1962, it has housed the Forney Library, which is known for its emphasis on ornamental arts and crafts as well as its exhibitions. The park features finely manicured boxwood hedges, geometric flowerbeds, and cone-yew trees gracing its corners, forming an enclosed square that surrounds the Hôtel de Sens.

Address: 7 Rue des Nonnains d'Hyères

Find more things to do in the 4th arrondissement.

5th Arrondissement

Jardin des Plantes

A garden, a zoo, and a natural history museum, Jardin des Plantes is a botanical garden (it's the main botanical garden in Paris) filled with scientific adventures from the last four centuries. It is also a research center attracting researchers and students from all over France.

It houses the oldest public zoo in France, a rose and botanical garden, greenhouses that have been used since 1714, and a museum showcasing the richest mineral collections and oldest fossilized insects.

Address: 57 Rue Cuvier

Square René Viviani

Overlooking Notre Dame, the Square René Viviani is located next to the Shakespeare and Co bookstore and is a refreshing green space on the banks of the Seine. On warm sunny days, the garden is in full bloom with perfumed roses, making it a romantic secret garden for lovers and friends alike.

In the garden stands one of the oldest trees in Paris, an acacia planted in 1601 by botanist Jean Robin who introduced the species to France. This 400-year-old tree is now supported by concrete columns.

Address: 25 Quai de Montebello

Tino Rossi Garden

Tino Rosi is a waterfront garden stretching along the banks of the Seine and is well known as an Open-Air Museum of sculptures, thanks to some of the contemporary works of big sculptors such as César, Brancusi, Rougemont, Zadkine, Ipoustéguy, Stahly, and Schoffer, amongst others.

Due to its location behind the University of Jussieu, the garden is not well-known by tourists or Parisians, but it is full of pathways and lush trees. The garden also hosts dance sessions on summer nights, starting from 7 pm until midnight.

Address: 2 Quai Saint Bernard

Find more things to do in the 5th arrondissement.

6th Arrondissement

Jardin du Luxembourg

A true gem of the 6th Arrondissement and at the top of the list of famous gardens in Paris, the Luxembourg Gardens are a sight to behold and a must-visit park. Built by Marie de Medici with heavy Italian influence, the Luxembourg Gardens were a hotspot for Parisian high society before it was opened to the public.

It has a formal design but thanks to all the activities carried out, the garden has a playful vibe throughout the year.

The garden is filled with beautiful architectural pieces, those famous green chairs, stunning fountains, and gorgeous sculptures, including a small version of the Statue of Liberty. If you want to know more about the garden, I have a guide for the Luxembourg Gardens here.

Address: Rue de Médicis

Jardin des Grands Explorateurs

Attached to the Luxembourg Gardens, the Garden of the Great Explorers is dedicated to two of the most well-known explorers, Marco Polo and Cavelier-de-la-Salle. Created in the 19th century, the main attraction of this green space is the Grand Fountain of the Observatory depicting the four parts of the world, a collective architectural feat of many French sculptors.

The garden also has vast expanses of open lawns and several statues scattered around the premises. It is less crowded than its neighbor and makes for a great spot to get some quiet time. 

Address: Av de l’Observatoire

Square Ozanam

Situated right next to one of the oldest churches in Paris, the Saint-Germain-des-Prés church, Square Ozanam is a charming little garden with lush chestnut and maple trees. It has some of the most colorful playing areas for kids, and shaded benches to unwind and breathe in the blooming flowers of the garden.

It also offers unique views of the Notre-Dame-des-Champs church.

Address: 18 Rue Stanislas

Find more things to do in the 6th arrondissement.

7th Arrondissement

Jardin Catherine Labouré

A former vegetable garden, the Jardin Catherine Labouré was a part of the Daughters of Charity covenant before it was opened to the public. It was named after a young nun who is said to have witnessed an apparition of the Virgin Mary. The garden has vast lawns lined with lime trees and poplars.

Students from surrounding schools can learn the joys of gardening and have even continued to grow plants in the vegetable garden. With plenty of fruit trees and climbing vines, the garden has not lost any of the spectacular elements that made it so special in the past.  

Address: 29 Rue de Babylone

Square Roger-Stéphane

A terraced garden filled with shaded plants and dense undergrowth, the Square Roger-Stéphane is located on a cul-de-sac that attracts very few visitors. The only sounds heard in this small green space are the birdcalls and the gushing water from a nearby waterfall and pool.

The garden was originally part of an abbey that was destroyed in 1906. It is dedicated to Madame Récamier, a French socialite who lead literary and political circles of the 19th century and retired here during her final days. 

Address:  7 Rue Juliette Récamier

Champs de Mars

One of the largest green spaces in Paris, the Champs de Mars garden is a hotspot for some of the major national events. It is easily accessible and offers the best view of the Eiffel Tower. Tourists and locals like to gather on its lawns and admire the flashing lights of the tower and enjoy picnics on warmer days.

The garden was initially used by the army in the 18th century as a parade ground. It was then given to the city in 1889, after which the size of the garden reduced considerably. The garden today is lined with trees and well-kept shrubs that hide some of the coolest birds in the city, including the tawny owl. It's the perfect spot for a picnic!

Address: 2 All. Adrienne Lecouvreur

Esplanade des Invalides

A large open green space stretching from Les Invalides towards the river Seine, the Esplanade des Invalides is made up of large lawns surrounded by lime trees and offers spectacular views of Parisian monuments. It was created at the beginning of the 18th century and was the hotspot for major official events.

Today, it is a vast green space from where one can see great views of the Golden Dome of Invalides, the Grand Palais, and the Alexandre III Bridge.

Address: 129 Rue de Grenelle

Find more things to do in the 7th arrondissement.

8th Arrondissement

Parc Monceau

Often left out of the itinerary, Parc Monceau is a garden filled with rich history and lush greenery. It is a favorite of locals and a stone’s throw away from some of the touristic spots like Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe. This calm green haven is a sneak peek into the bourgeoise lifestyle and has several architectural elements, known as Duke’s Follies, to discover and explore.

Parc Monceau is one of the nicest gardens to people-watch in Paris. If you want to know more about the garden, I have a guide for Parc Monceau here.

Address: 35 Bd de Courcelles

Jardin des Champs Élysées 

Located on both sides of the Avenue, the Champs-Élysées Garden was created in the 17th century and retains some of its looks from the 1840s. Surrounded by the grand architecture of the Grand Palais, the Petit Palais, and the Palais de la Découverte, along with theatres, restaurants, and cafes, the Champs-Élysées garden is perfect for strolls as well as sightseeing.

The garden is also a great place to discover some of the wonderful trees and flowerbeds, fountains and sculptures, and many tourist attractions.

Address: 10 Av des Champs Élysées 

Square Marigny

A beautiful green space near the Champs Elysées Avenue, Square Marigny was created back in 1616 when Marie de Médicis wanted to make a landscaped path on a marshland. Located near the Marigny Theatre, today the garden is a quiet square surrounded by some of the most beautiful buildings and private houses, making it a wonderful place for walking and reflecting.

The square also has a gorgeous fountain, Fontaine du Cirque, representing the four seasons, spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

Address: Av Gabriel and Av des Champs Élysées

Jardin de l'Hôtel Salomon de Rothschild

The Jardin de l'Hôtel Salomon de Rothschild is an intrinsic feature of the Salomon-de-Rothschild estate. It has evolved from the magnificent rural mansion known as the “Folie Beaujon” (built by financier Nicolas Beaujon) with vineyards, vegetable gardens, parks, labyrinths, and ponds.

The estate was partitioned over time, with the northern portion eventually falling under the possession of Baroness Salomon de Rothschild in 1873. Following her death, the baroness left the state both, the garden and her enormous art collection. 

A stairway on Place Georges-Guillaumin leads to the garden, offering a panoramic view of the entire garden and the hotel's exterior. The central lawn is surrounded by a gravel road and plants whereas the area near the entrance is more accessible by strollers and has several flower beds along the way.

Address: 12 Av. de Friedland

Square Marcel Pagnol

Square Marcel Pagnol, located near the Saint-Augustin church, is named after Marcel Pagnol (1895-1974), a notable playwright and filmmaker who lived in Paris's 16th arrondissement and died there. 

Designed by Alphand, a Second Empire engineer, the square is a serene escape amid the bustling metropolis, providing tourists with a peaceful location in which to admire nature and the Saint-Augustin church.

Address: 12 Rue de Laborde

Find more things to do in the 8th arrondissement.

9th Arrondissement

Square Alex-Biscarre

A quiet, intimate square of greenery surrounded by stellar architecture, Square Alex-Biscarre is well known for the buildings surrounding it. A former private garden of a Town House, the square is circular-shaped with a variety of trees sprinkled around, making gorgeous resting spaces throughout.

The garden brings a sense of tranquility to this lively district and is perfect for a quiet me-time.

Address: 53 Rue Saint Georges

Find more things to do in the 9th arrondissement.

10th Arrondissement

Jardin Villemin

Found near Gare de l’Est, the Villemin Garden has a fantastic view of the Canal St Martin. It was built on the former grounds of the Villemin military hospital when it shut down in 1968. For such a small garden, it has an impressive variety of trees, from apple, cherry, and mulberry trees to chestnut, oaks, and birch, along with a tall Weeping Willow.

There is a playground for children, a sports area for adults, and a gently sloping hill for picnics and sunbathing. Being the only public garden in the 10th Arrondissement, the Villemin Garden breathes fresh air in this crowded and noisy district.

Address: 14 Rue des Récollets

Find more things to do in the 10th arrondissement.

11th Arrondissement

Square Maurice Gardette

A garden built to replace the slaughterhouses of Ménilmontant, Square Maurice Gardette is a quiet neighborhood garden well suited for the young and the old. This isolated green square has a generous sprinkling of sycamore maples, horse chestnuts, hollyhocks, silver birches, and Siberian elms, amongst others.

While the lawn is not accessible by the public, the garden nevertheless is well-equipped to handle children's activities through a sandpit, a playground, a bowling area, a bicycle track, and a ping pong table. 

Address: 2 Rue du Général Blaise

Truillot Garden

Set up facing the Saint Ambroise Church, the Truillot Garden is a shared garden, bringing together residents of the 11th Arrondissement to cultivate and manage this green space. Open to everyone all day long, the garden has a variety of activities, from DIY gardening and composting to educational workshops and artistic events.

The garden is also equipped with playgrounds and benches for some quiet pondering of the world.

Address: 82 Bd Voltaire

Find more things to do in the 11th arrondissement.

12th Arrondissement

Bois de Vincennes

The last remnants of the forest belt that surrounded Paris, these woods were known for their royal hunts and picturesque spots. The Bois de Vincennes is the largest green space in Paris covering 995 hectares. The woods contain 4 lakes that can be used for various water activities, multiple sports training areas, and two botanical gardens, the Parc Floral de Paris and the Arboretum de Paris.

The woods bring you closer to the biodiversity and help you discover some of the most magnificent views of nature. The most stunning architectural element in the woods remains the Château de Vincennes, a medieval castle.

Address: Rte de la Pyramide

Parc de Bercy

A modern park built on a former wine warehouse, one of the largest traders of wines and spirits of the 19th century, Parc de Bercy still retains its old heritage with a vineyard and a railway track. Flanked by a large concert venue on one side and a romantic garden filled with lilies, ponds, and little islands on the other, Bercy Park is gorgeous in all seasons.

While it is one of the prettier parks in Paris, it is not very well known, ensuring it’s free from crowds on most days!

Address: 128 Quai de Bercy

Reuilly – Paul Pernin Garden 

The Reuilly Paul Pernin Garden is an almost circular garden with a wide wooden footbridge traversing across its length. Created on a former freight station, the garden lies on the Coulée Verte route, the park’s entrance has the very first public water fountains managed by the city, offering fresh still, and sparkling water all year round!

The park has gently sloping hills dotted with statues, making it perfect for a quiet stroll or a sunny picnic. 

Address: 5 Rue Albinoni

Coulée Verte René-Dumont

The Coulée Verte René-Dumont is a planted promenade built on former railway line connecting Place de la Bastille to Varenne-Saint-Maur. The 4.5 km long promenade has a unique design, taking its visitors underground through tunnels and trenches, and above ground on bridges for a magical experience of walking in nature, surrounded by wild vegetation and landscaped terraces.

It offers spectacular urban and modern views of the 12th Arrondissement, and is a great way to explore the neighborhood!

Address: 1 Coulée Verte René-Dumont

Find more things to do in the 12th arrondissement.

13th Arrondissement

Parc Kellermann

Created between 1939 and 1950, the Kellermann Park stands on the former bed of the river Bièvre, which is now channeled underground. It was built on the former Thiers Wall, one of the last defensive walls of the city. Like any typical garden of the 1930s, this park spreads over two levels, one being a gorgeous French-style garden and the rest being divided into a children's play area, a fitness circuit, and various sports grounds.

In 2017, the garden became an urban educational farm where kids and families can explore and learn about plants and animals such as chickens, turkeys, dwarf goats, and rabbits.

Address: 19 Rue de la Poterne des Peupliers

Parc de Choisy

Located in the Chinatown of Paris, Parc de Choisy is a traditional rectangular-shaped park in the 13th arrondissement. With a large ornamental pool and vast esplanades made up of play areas and sports trails, the park is an ideal choice for all kinds of activities, leisurely and performance-focused.

The park also has an impressive variety of trees, from ash, weeping beech, and locust to lime, chestnut, and silver-leaved pear. During the summer months, toy libraries are often stationed in the park offering free fun activities to children.

Address: 12 Av de Choisy

Square René Le Gall

A neo-classical urban park decorated with gazebos and obelisks, Square René Le Gall is also known as the Garden of Gobelins as it was constructed in the former outbuildings of Gobelins Manufactory, a Parisian tapestry factory. The garden is constructed on a tiny island known as Moneky Island where jugglers set their monkeys free.

The island was one of the many formed by the river Bièvre. The garden eventually outgrew the island and includes a wide expanse of lush greenery and sports arenas. The garden has some funky rock decorations scattered around the premises along with grand horse chestnut trees and some very talkative magpies.

Address: Rue de Croulebarbe

Find more things to do in the 13th arrondissement.

14th Arrondissement

Square Lionel Assouad

Located in the densely packed district of Châtillon, the Lionel Assouad garden is a fresh respite from the urban noise of the area. The south-facing curved lawn is a beautiful exploration path lined with varieties and hybrids of lilacs.

In the 19th century, Châtillon attracted horticulturists who cultivated roses and lilacs here, which inspired the landscaper who designed the garden. The garden also has a section of dense vegetation filled with climbers and benches to sit and unwind on.

Address: 18 rue de Châtillon

Parc Montsouris

Due to its proximity to Cité Universitaire, Parc Montsouris is located on the southern edge of Paris and is a popular hangout spot for students and locals. A lot of tourists stumble upon this park as the Catacombs exit is not too far away. It has vast lawns that are accessible to the public, a large lake, various bronze and stone sculptures, and a railway line passing through it.

During the summer, the park is filled with music and ice cream stands, making it a hotspot for picnics and strolls.

Address: 2 Rue Gazan

Square Ferdinand Brunot

Square Ferdinand Brunot is perfect for a quick pause from the urban noise. Lined with multiple species of trees, from maple and chestnut to twisted beech and ash trees. The garden has a cute play area for kids with brightly-colored slides, and a couple of benches to sit and read on.

There are three statues situated near the flower patches, adding history to the garden. 

Address: 12 Rue Pierre Castagnou

Find more things to do in the 14th arrondissement.

15th Arrondissement

Parc André Citroën

Located on the grounds of a former Citroën factory, the André Citroën garden is an eclectic green space on the banks of the Seine. It contains multiple themed gardens and two tropical greenhouses. The garden has a hot-air balloon that offers fantastic panoramic views of Paris.

The balloon also assesses the air quality and changes color according to the pollution levels. During the warm summer months, the garden provides fountains that spring from the ground to cool the visitors.

Address: 2 Rue Cauchy

Parc Georges-Brassens 

Paying homage to a famous poet and singer, the Georges-Brassens garden is a calm and pleasant haven, perfect for strolls amidst the uneven terrain with its passing river, a large fountain, and a bandstand surrounded by colorful flowers.

Amongst other rare flora and fauna, the garden also contains grape vines of Pinot Noir and a beehive whose honey is sold on-site every month. The park hosts several events and is a delight for kids who enjoy pony rides and puppet theatres.

Address: 2 Place Jacques Marette

Square Cambronne 

The Square Cambronne is a tribute to General Pierre Cambronne who was known for his famous last words at the Waterloo. The park has some very lush chestnut and Italian poplar trees and a couple of scattered benches to relax on.

The main attraction of this little square is the iron sculpture of Drame au désert by Henri Fouques.

Address: 2 Rue Alexandre Cabanel

Square Saint-Lambert

Square Saint-Lambert is a pretty landscaped garden built on a former gasworks factory site. The park is divided into three sections – one being a children’s play area with slides and swings, one being an open-air puppet theatre, and one being a sandpit.

The park also has a mini lake surrounded by parkland and a couple of art-deco sculptures.

Address: Rue du Dr Jacquemaire-Clemenceau

Find more things to do in the 15th arrondissement.

16th Arrondissement

Bois de Boulogne

The former royal hunting grounds, the Bois de Boulogne is a packaged treat – it has everything, from landscaped gardens and cultural spots to forested paths and lakes for boating. The woods are vast and have multiple waterfalls, grottos, and green spaces methodically divided into different sections.

It also houses the Jardin d'Acclimatation, a children’s amusement park with a carousel, fun trains, rollercoasters, and mirror walks. The Foundation Louis Vuitton, a funky building designed by Frank Gehry, is an LVMH-sponsored cultural space offering temporary art exhibits and spectacular Parisian views.

Jardin du Ranelagh

Situated on the edge of Bois de Boulogne, the Jardin du Ranelagh is another hidden gem that tourists often overlook. Rich in biodiversity, the park's chestnut trees bring back the Belle Epoque era that once thrived here. The garden is one of the last gardens to have an authentic carousel with wooden horses that rotate without machines.

The children riding the horses can hold wooden swords and catch the suspended rings to win a free ride. The garden is also filled with several beautiful statues and hosts puppet theatres on weekends.

Address: 1 Av. Prudhon

Jardin du Trocadéro

A garden with perhaps one of the best and most straightforward views of the Eiffel Tower, the Trocadéro gardens were created for the Universal Exposition of 1937. The gardens have several sculptures dotted around the edges, from gilded bronze animals and human statues.

At its center stand the Warsaw fountains that offer spectacular water displays and illuminations in the summer evenings. Come November, the gardens are turned into a winter wonderland, with ice skating rinks and holiday treats.

Address: Pl. du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre

Parc de Passy 

Descending the Passy hill, the Parc de Passy is sloping and meets the Seine at the bottom of the descent. It was originally a place for hydrotherapy and saw numerous constructions and owners before the present park was built and redeveloped in 2004.

It has beautiful flowery arches with a central lawn as its most prominent feature.

Address: 32 Av. du Président Kennedy

Jardins de l’Avenue Foche

Flanking the majestic Avenue Foche, the gardens of this 16th Arrondissement neighborhood contain more than 600 species of trees, some of which are more than a century old. The green space here has lawns and a play area made with logs.

The trees such as horse chestnut and Siberian elm cover some of the gorgeous private mansions and offer a spectacular view of Foche Avenue. These gardens are unfenced and can be accessed all through the day.

Address: Avenue Foche, near Rue Duret

Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil 

Located inside the Bois de Boulogne, the historic greenhouses of the Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil are one of the four botanical centrs of Paris. Dating back to the 1700s, it was the first botanical garden created under the rule of Louis XV. The garden today has six greenhouses and a variety of rare plants, trees and birds, and animals, making it one of the best places for horticulture and botany enthusiasts.

The garden has a beautiful fountain with exquisite statues, a cactus greenhouse, and a few Japanese elements, making it an exotic gem for tourists and locals.

Address: 3 Avenue de la Porte d’Auteuil

Parc Sainte-Périne

A small hilly park in the 16th Arrondissement, the Sainte-Périne garden is a wonderful place for both relation and activity. It has a spacious playground area for kids filled with slides and swings and monkey bars.

The park also has a few types of gym equipment and jogging tracks for daily activity. The wooden picnic tables and colorful flowers add a rustic vibe to the charming park.

Address: Rue Mirabeau

Square Palais Galliera

Square Palais Galliera is an exquisite park located within the Galliera Palace, which was erected in 1888 in the Italian Renaissance style. Originally meant to hold, Duchess Brignolles-Galliera's belongings, the palace was given to the City of Paris after she decided to bequeath her land to the City of Genoa. 

The park sits on the grounds of an old limestone quarry and underwent renovations in 2003. It features lime trees, chestnut trees, and maples, along with a central basin surrounded by flowers. The square also has some gorgeous bronze sculptures that add a charming touch to this vibrant green space.

Address: Av. du Président Wilson

Parc de Bagatelle

Nestled within the Bois de Boulogne, Parc de Bagatelle is a peaceful refuge dedicated to botanical study. It is a charming green space with murmuring water, picturesque bridges, caves, and artificial waterfalls beneath towering trees. 

A restored Chinese pagoda adds to the park's allure. Home to a vegetable garden and a splendid clematis collection, Bagatelle is part of the Botanical Garden of Paris. You can also catch a glimpse of peacocks and more than 1000 varieties of roses scattered all across the garden.

Address: 42 Rte de Sèvres À Neuilly

Find more things to do in the 16th arrondissement.

17th Arrondissement

Parc Clichy-Batignolles – Martin Luther King

Part of the green urban development project of Clichy Batignolles, the Martin Luther King Garden is a vast green space packed with surprises! Built on former SNC land, the park was built to integrate into the Olympic Village for the 2012 Olympic games bid by Paris.

From a rail garden and landscaped lake to athletic fields and playground areas, the theme of the park revolves around the changing seasons, sports, and water-based ecosystems.

Address: 147 Rue Cardinet

Square des Batignolles

Designed in an English style, the small well-maintained Square des Batignolles is a garden not far from Parc Clichy-Batignolles. With vast green spaces, most of which are not accessible to the public, the garden has a tiny stream running in its midst with its waterfall.

Unlike other Parisian parks, this one is smaller and human-sized and can be traversed easily. The lush greenery of the park dulls the continuous train sounds into a soothing lullaby, making it one of the best quiet parks off the beaten track.

Address: 144bis Rue Cardinet

Square des Épinettes

An ample green space filled with lush trees, the Square des Épinettes is home to a purple beech that was planted way back in 1879 and a Virginia Tulip tree. The park contains two statues of the famous personalities of the neighborhood, a feminist named Maria Deraismes, and an entrepreneur, Jean-Camille Formigé.

The spacious garden is great for various activities and also contains a bandstand for musical concerts on warm sunny days.

Address: 9 Rue Maria Deraismes

Find more things to do in the 17th arrondissement.

18th Arrondissement

Square Marcel Bleustein Blanchet

Tucked behind the Parvis de Sacré Coeur away from the eyes of the tourists is a quaint little green space, Square Marcel Bleustein Blanchet, formerly known as the Parc de la Turlure after a windmill that once stood in its place. It offers some unique views of the Sacré Coeur basilica.

It has some wonderful wisterias that blossom in the summer and turn golden red in autumn, making it a magical backdrop for all your photos.

Address: 1 Rue de la Bonne

Square Louise Michel

Located at the foot of Sacré Coeur, Square Louise Michel extends all the way up along Montmartre hill. It is well known for its 222 steps that bring you to the basilica, along with gently winding slopes along the periphery for strolls.

The garden has several water fountains and sculptures that add a rich history to the place. The square has changed its name several times over, from Square Saint Pierre to Square Willette to finally being called Square Louise Michel.

Address: Pl. Saint-Pierre

Jardins Rosa Luxembourg

A couple of minutes away from the noisy La Chapelle neighborhood lies the Halle Pajol complex that houses a beautiful green space, the Rosa Luxembourg garden. Along with a coffee shop, a library, and a couple of playground activities, the green space also has areas with food-growing plants.

Built on an abandoned SNCF building, the eco-responsible place may not be worth crossing the city for, but if you’re in the area looking for some quiet and calm, don’t hesitate to head down to this terrace.

Address: 63 Quarter Rue Riquet

Find more things to do in the 18th arrondissement.

19th Arrondissement

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont 

Waterfalls and grottos, temples and bridges, and a pleasant atmosphere – Parc des Buttes Chaumont has it all! A charming hilly park nestled in the 19th Arrondissement, Buttes Chaumont is perfect for picnics and weekend strolls. Built on a former quarry, it is one of the largest parks, often overlooked due to its location.

Buttes Chaumont is a park for the general public, thanks to its lush greenery and accessible grassy areas, multiple water fountains and eateries, and fascinating architectural elements that lend it its beauty. Climb up to the Temple of Sybille for some splendid views of the park and the city.

If you want to know more about the garden, I have a guide for Parc Buttes Chaumont here. It's a perfect spot for a picnic, has a fun vintage photo booth and a carousel as well.

Address: 1 Rue Botzaris

Parc de La Villette

Stretching along the Canal Ourcq and both sides of the Bassin de la Villette, the park has tons of outdoor activities to offer to both kids and adults. Packed with culture, and vibrance, La Villette is a postmodern park with a complex network of playgrounds, green spaces, architectural follies that can be climbed and explored, and cultural venues that are used for movie screenings, concerts, and exhibits.

Accessible and open to all, it is mind-blowing how so much of it is free for the public, who can enjoy open-air movies and concerts during the summer.

Address: 211 Av. Jean Jaurès

Parc du Triangle (Inside of Parc de la Villette)

Also known as the Prairie du Triangle, this green space near the entrance of La Villette and next to the Grande Halle turns into an open-air movie theatre on warm sunny days. The park becomes a place for relaxation, small picnics, and time to spend quality time with friends.

It is one of the largest green areas in La Villette and is flanked by cafes and restaurants to complete those summer, plein-air movie nights.

Address: 211 Av Jean Jaurès

Parc de la Butte-du-Chapeau-Rouge

Occupying a former quarry area, the Parc de la Butte-du-Chapeau-Rouge is another hidden gem of the 19th Arrondissement. The park represents the soul of the 1930s when gardens were constructed outside along the outer paths of Paris, amidst the concrete buildings.

Built on a hill, the park has some amazing concrete statues and steep lush picnic areas for the summer days. From its highest point, it offers a panoramic view of the Nort-East of Parisian suburbs. The park is a tranquil haven, and can easily be accessed from the Mouzaïa district.

Address: 5 Av. Debidour

Jardin Bergeyre 

A shared garden amongst the residents of Butte Bergeyre, the Jardin Bergeyre is a friendly neighborhood green space that encourages biodiversity development and teaches respect for the environment. Residents are allocated a plot of 1m² that they care for.

The garden is open to the curious eyes of the public and passersby on Wednesdays and Sundays. The garden aims to bring its neighbors together and care for a shared green space.

Address: 78 Rue Georges Lardennois

Find more things to do in the 19th arrondissement.

20th Arrondissement

Parc de Belleville

One of the more recent parks, Parc de Belleville shows a beautiful Parisian skyline, from the clear outline of the Eiffel tower to the signature rooftops of the Haussmann buildings. The air is often sweetly perfumed with gorgeous wisteria and hyacinth beds, while the waterfall adds a magical touch to the atmosphere.

The spark also has vines that produce 2-3 kilos of grapes every year. The park has some of the coolest playgrounds for children, one with a wooden village, packed with towers and slides.

Address: 47 Rue des Couronnes

Square des Grès

Surrounded by small houses in the village of Charonne, the Square des Grès is one of the most unusual gardens in Paris. It paints a picture of the calm countryside with charming vines and arches. The plant-covered pergolas have a variety of perfumed flowers such as wisteria, roses, and honeysuckle.

It used to be the post of justice of the lord of Charonne during the Middle Ages but was later transformed into a square. It is a great place to take a break from the city’s noise or just to listen to the birds and soak up the sun.

Address: 57 Rue Vitruve

Square des Saint-Simoniens-Ménilmontant

Located on the upper levels of Ménilmontant, the Square des Saint-Simoniens is a quiet green space full of lively energy. It is frequented by a lot of local residents who perform various activities such as tai chi and meditation, along with noisy children running around and filling the park with blissful laughter.

The garden is equipped with a playground, a flowerbed with tulips and roses, and lush cherry trees swaying in the wind. In the center of the square lies its highlight, an abstract water fountain created by Marnix Raedecker influenced heavily by the Asian arts.

Address: 151 Rue de Ménilmontant

Jardin de la Gare de Charonne

Built on the Former Charonne station (hence the name) on the Petite Ceinture, the garden runs along the ancient fortified walls of the Thiers. The station of Charonne is still preserved but lies further north from the park.

The garden has several water elements and basins giving life to clusters of bamboos, rhododendrons, and perennials. It is shaded by lime, lilac, and pine trees, creating a calm resting place for children and families.

Address: 63 Boulevard Davout

Jardin de l’Hospice Debrousse

The place where a grand Château de Bagnolet once stood proudly was converted into a hospice for the elderly in 1887, with an attached garden known as the Jardin de l’Hospice Debrousse. The garden is a quiet sanctuary nestled between pretty houses that make the space look like a charming old village.

With seasonal flowers, shrubs, and trees, the garden maintains an orderly design throughout the year, and it is a wonderful place to get away from the hustle of the city noise.

Address: 148 Rue de Bagnolet

Pierre-Emmanuel Naturel Garden

Devoted to the wildflowers of Paris, the Pierre-Emmanuel Naturel Garden keeps its original state without any interference from the city’s authorities. The plants are not watered and neither is the lawn mowed – the garden is preserved in its natural state and is often used for biodiversity workshops.

Located right next to the Père-Lachaise cemetery, the garden has beautiful foliage and undergrowth that shelters native flora and fauna.

Address: 120 Rue de la Réunion

Find more things to do in the 20th arrondissement.

In conclusion, Paris is a city of parks, gardens, and squares. There are over 60 of them located throughout the city and they provide a great escape from the urban jungle no matter the season. Whether you're looking for a place to relax, some cool shade, or an activity to keep you busy, Paris's parks have something to offer everyone. So be sure to take advantage of them during your stay!

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