EXPLORING PARIS' GARDENS, PARKS & SQUARES
There's no better way to enjoy Paris like a local than to explore its green spaces. After so much art to see in-doors, treat yourself to relaxing with lunch on a park bench, in the sunshine, probably looking at flawless architecture. Here is our guide to some of the City of Light's prettiest outdoor spaces:
PARC DES BUTTES-CHAUMONT
Offering views of the city, this man-made setting with a hilltop temple, waterfalls, bridges and rocky outcrops is its own little world, and one of Paris' most special parks. Located northeast of the city center in the Belleville area.
PARC MONCEAU
18th century architectural follies including a Corinthian colonnade, a Venetian bridge, an Egyptian pyramid, and a monument to Frederic Chopin, make strolling the paths of this elegant park a pleasure.
JARDIN DES TUILERIES
At the heart of Paris are the Louvre Palace's formal gardens. Framed by spectacular architecture of Rue de Rivoli's grand hotels, the Musee l'Orangerie and Jeu de Paume, walk along its ruled-straight avenues, past sculptures of famous personages (from Louis XIV's time) and admire the military-perfect shaped greenery. And be sure to try the park's ferris wheel, Le Grande Roue - get a ticket and go for a spin!
LE JARDIN DES PLANTES
In the Latin Quarter, walk through the elegant and enlightening botanical gardens. A sprawling green-space framed by the facade of the Grande Galerie de l'Evolution (Natural History Museum) and the gentle curve of the Seine. Nearby is the historic Universite Pierre et Marie Curie and the modern architecture of the Institut du Monde Arabe.
JARDIN DU LUXEMBOURG
In Saint-Germain-des-Pres are the formal gardens of Marie de' Medici's Luxembourg Palace. She was the 17th c. wife of King Henry IV. At the center of the gardens is a vast fountain with the palace as its backdrop (now home to the French Senate). Surrounding all are trees trimmed to squared-perfection. Pull-up a lawn chair to enjoy the sun, architecture and strolling crowds.
Lovely Little Spaces in Paris
SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PRES
Just behind the neighborhood's namesake church, you'll find RUE DU FURSTEMBERG, a street at whose center is a tiny charming square. It's not really a green space, and there's no place to sit, but its proportions and the surrounding buildings are lovely. It's also home to the MUSEE DELACROIX, the artist's former studio.
LE MARAIS
In the Marais there is a quiet patch of green with benches called SQUARE LEOPOLD ACHILLE. It is adjacent to the MUSEE CARNAVALET (City Museum of Paris). If you want a bite to eat as well, head to PLACE SAINTE-CATHERINE and watch Parisians going about their day from one of its cafes' tables.
ILE DE LA CITE
PLACE DAUPHINE, located on the island in the Seine, this park is a gem of a square. Tree-lined with a collection of centuries-old buildings and small shops. The square was designed in 1607 during the reign of Henry IV.
