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Parks & Gardens of Paris, France | |
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Paris offers
superb parks and public
gardens, both large and small,
across the city. Many are graced by works of art, some have children's playgrounds, and a few even have cafés and restaurants.
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Paris is well endowed with parks and gardens because of France's kings and queens, and also thanks to some more recent city planning. In addition to the large formal gardens, there are many smaller public parks throughout the city. Those who love gardens and beautiful plantings can spend many a day wandering through a variety of gorgeous areas, well maintained throughout the year. Jardin des TuileriesThe formal Jardin des Tuileries, between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde, is one of Paris's most visited gardens. A restful green space in the midst of the city's greatest historical monuments and museums, the Tuileries delights both adults and children. More... Jardin du LuxembourgOn the Left Bank is the city's largest pubic park, the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens. In addition to gorgeous plantings, a splendid palace, and graceful statues around a fountain, Luxembourg caters to children, with a playground and a puppet theater. More... Square du Vert-GalantSmall but famous, this shady little park at the western tip of the Île de la Cité is perfect for a mid-day rest or picnic. More... Jardin des PlantesThe Jardin des Plantes is east of the Latin Quarter. In addition to the famous botanical garden, the Jardin offers a menagerie, a maze, and various specialized plantings and greenhouses, as well as a Natural History Museum. More... Promenade PlantéeThe Promenade Plantée makes great use of an old elevated railroad viaduct to create a raised garden that runs from the Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes. It's a charming walk and the height allows for great perspectives on some beautiful buildings. More... Cimetière du Père-LachaiseThe most famous cemetery in Paris, Père-Lachaise is also a beautiful park, with interesting plantings spread over its 99 hilly acres. More... Cimetière de MontmartrePère-Lachaise may be the most famous cemetery in Paris, but others are well worth a visit. The Montmartre cemetery is home to a number of famous Parisians, as well as beautiful plantings. More... Cimetière de MontparnasseStriking when seen from the tour Montparnasse, the Cimetière de Montparnasse is a peaceful place to wander—and find more celebrities. More... Parc du Champ de Mars & Jardin du TrocadéroThese gardens are mostly visited in conjunction with the Eiffel Tower. The Champs de Mars extends from the École Militaire to the Eiffel Tower, while the Trocadéro gardens are across the Seine near the Palais de Chaillot. More... Parc de BercyThe Parc de Bercy was established in 1995 on the historic site of the wine warehouse and bottling industry. Still housing a vineyard, today it is a spendid green space near the Seine. More... Bois de BoulogneA former hunting preserve for the kings of France, the Bois de Boulogne covers 2100 acres on the outskirts of Paris, complete with walking and riding trails and the Jardin d'Acclimatation amusement park for kids. More... Bois de VincennesThe Bois de Vincennes, also a royal hunting preserve on the edge of the city, includes a medieval château, a zoo, gardens, and a network of walking trails. More... Parc des Buttes-ChaumontThe Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, in the northeastern part of Paris, offers hills, cliffs, and lots of trails. More... Parc MonceauA beautiful, refined park of moderate size to the north of the center, with a "Roman ruin" on a picturesque pond. Combine your visit with one to the Musée Nissim de Camondo. More... Monet's Gardens at GivernyGiverny is an easy day trip from Paris, and you can see Monet's beautiful gardens and the water lilies that inspired the famous paintings in the Orangerie. More...
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Above, Jardin
du Luxembourg, Paris.
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