10 Best Parks & Gardens in Paris
Paris is undoubtedly the most beautiful city in the world, with its charming cobblestone streets, cafés bordering the sidewalk, and exceptional greenery and floral spots to relax in – making it hard to choose the best parks and gardens in Paris.
Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris; March 2025
What is the Prettiest Park and Garden in Paris?
As a local having lived in Paris for several years, I can tell you that without a doubt – Jardin du Luxembourg is the prettiest park or garden in all of Paris.
During almost all seasons of the year (besides winter where the lack of flowers and cloudy skies in Paris kill the usual enchanting and vibrant attitude of the park and the city itself), Jardin du Luxembourg is adorned with manicured trees, classic green Parisian lounger chairs, colorful flowers, ponds, relaxing open spaces, and even activities for kids like miniature sailboat racing in the big pond or riding ponies.
What Is the Best Park for the Day in Paris?
As a local, I strongly suggest either Jardin du Luxembourg, Champs des Mars, or even heading out to Bois des Vincennes – as each of these parks is big enough with open space for children to play alongside smaller pockets of peaceful charm for reading, relaxing, or people watching.
What Is The Difference Between a Garden and a Park in Paris?
To Americans, there probably won’t be too much of a difference between a “garden” like Jardin du Luxembourg or a park such as “Parc Monceau” in Paris. However, I would say in general, a garden in Paris usually had outdoor chairs for seating and prefers that visitors refrain from sitting on the grass, whereas parks in Paris such as Parc des Buttes Chaumont or Champs des Mars never have chairs for seating and allow people to lay on the grass.
🌿 Paris Parks vs. Gardens 🪑
| 🏷️ Feature | 🌳 Parks | 🌸 Gardens |
|---|---|---|
| Vibe | Casual & open — great for lounging, picnics, and play | Elegant & structured — perfect for strolling or relaxing on chairs |
| Grass Rules | 🧺 Sitting or lying on grass is allowed & encouraged | 🚫 Often discouraged — signs may say to keep off the grass |
| Seating | ❌ No chairs provided — bring a blanket! | 🪑 Classic green Paris chairs usually available |
| Kid-Friendly? | 👶 Great for running around or playing | 🎀 More calm — better for reading, walking, or relaxing |
| Examples | 🟢 Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Champs de Mars, Parc Monceau | 🌷 Jardin du Luxembourg, Jardin des Tuileries, Palais Royal |
Places des Voges in Paris; July 2021
If you’re visiting Paris for the first time, it can be challenging to decide which of the most beautiful parks in Paris to visit while on such short notice.
Nevertheless, here’s my top ten list of my personal favorite parks and gardens in Paris – some of which you may have never heard of as they are local’s best kept secrets!
10 Best Parks & Gardens in Paris
Jardin Du Luxembourg
Starting off this list right, this is my absolute favorite garden and park in all of Paris after years of calling this city home.
Jardin du Luxembourg; September 2021
When I first took my dad to Jardin du Luxembourg, and we strolled through it even on a rainy day, I told him that it was my favorite park in Paris. His answer was, “I can see why… the trees are freshly trimmed, the flowers they have planted, it’s in the middle of the city…”.
There is something just so peaceful, so quintessentially Paris about Jardin du Luxembourg that no other garden or park in Paris is going to recreate. The view of the palace, the palm trees they plant in the summer time, the way everyone congregates in this park from families, couples, friends meeting up, or people such as myself to read a book, write, or listen to music…
Jardin du Luxembourg; August 2025
… I guarantee there’s no way you can come to Jardin du Luxembourg and not fall at least a little bit in love with the city, after that.
Why I Love It As a Local: The first year I moved to Paris, I went to French school only a 10 minute walk away from Jardin du Luxembourg… it’s been home to some of my most pivotal gut moments, and I’ve never been lead wrong even when some of the worst things happened while being in that park.
2. Parc de Belleville
Far on the other side of the city’s most touristic tourist destinations and nestled in the 20th arrondissement, often penned as an offbeat neighborhood of Paris, Parc de Belleville is a severely underrated park in Paris that so many tourists miss out on.
View from Parc de Belleville in Paris; April 2025
While it’s true that Belleville isn’t as polished as the rest of Paris, it is a special neighborhood with a funky, artsy vibe while still pertaining to families. Plus, this is one of the only places in the city I can find international food for my favorite Cuban cuisine like black beans, plantains, and yucca.
Why I Love It As a Local: There are so many lovely cafés and art exhibits nearby to explore while visiting Parc de Belleville, but for me – the best part about trekking out to this part of Paris are the stunning views of the city.
3. Jardin des Tulieries
One of the more commonly known gardens, but still worth visiting, is Jardin des Tulieries – which is conveniently located right in between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde.
Jardin des Tuileries; July 2021
A personal favorite during both the annual Christmas festival and summer fair, Tulieries also has a semi-seasonal carnival during winter and summer in addition to secret duck ponds, the Olympic Cauldron, and commanding views of the Eiffel Tower.
Why I Love It As a Local: I simply adore sitting by one of the secret duck ponds, especially in the fall, and writing in the serenity as Paris starts to dwindle down from high tourist season.
4. Palais royal
A lesser known garden in Paris, Palais Royal is tucked off to the side in the 1st arrondissement and is a local favorite – often so popular that if you show up past lunch, it’ll be hard to find a chair.
Palais Royal in Paris; May 2025
Similar to Jardin des Tulieries and Jardin du Luxembourg, I love to sit in the little side parks where they keep the benches and people watch, and Palais Royal is especially pretty when they have the fountain working. Also, the views of the Parisian rooftops are unmatched in Palais Royal… making for the perfect “wow, I’m really in Paris” moment.
Why I Love It As a Local: The first time I ever came to Paris, I was with my friend Caroline and I kept asking her, “Caroline, are you sure I’m not dreaming… are you sure?” and she answered, “Only the beginning, my friend…” I have since traveled all around the world, and I can still hear the pebbles crunching in the ground as those words marked the beginning of it all.
5. Parc Montsouris
Lots of families in Paris rave about Parc Monceau, and while I do also like that park, I personally think that Parc Montsouris is an underrated park in Paris and deserves more recognition.
Parc Montsouris in Paris; February 2023
Nestled in the 14th arrondissement, Parc Montsouris is bigger than Parc Monceau, has lots of paths to wander around, large ponds, and open green space.
Why I Love It As a Local: It’s much, much quieter than other large parks in Paris – and is a really good getaway from the city’s subtle dramatic chaos.
6. Jardin de Reuilly-Paul Pernin
Another unbearably underrated park in Paris, Jardin de Reuilly doesn’t get nearly enough love considering how pretty it is in addition to being attached to Paris’s “highline”.
Jardin de Reuilly is the final destination along the Coulée Verte René-Dumont, which is a serene, 3 mile walkway above Paris.
Jardin de Reuilly in Paris; May 2025
Is The Paris Highline Worth it?
Yes, I think the Paris high line, better known as the Coulée Verte René-Dumont in the 12th arrondissement, is a very underrated activity in Paris! Personally, I enjoy the Coulée Verte René-Dumont more than the high line in New York City, as the views from the Paris high line are prettier and closer than the ones in New York City. Plus, if you’re a fan of the “Before” move series, you’ll want to check this place out – as several scenes in “Before Sunset” were filmed here.
Paris “high line” in May 2025
The entire walkway is very nice, and perfect for stopping to sit at a bench and simply stare at Paris before your eyes – with the actual bigger park near the end of the high line being a beautiful place to picnic for the day, too.
Why I Love It As a Local: Similar to Parc Montsouris, it’s all locals here – and far away from the center of Paris, making it a more peaceful visit then some of the other parks on this list.
7. Parc De Passy
A simple but still charming spot in Paris, Parc de Passy is another more local spot that still doesn’t skimp on all the main personality points that make up Paris.
Whether you’ll be laying on the grass catching the tip of the Eiffel Tower or opt to sit on one of the benches near the gazebo-like-structure, you can’t go wrong with Parc de Passy for either a picnic, chatting with friends, playing with the kids, or simply taking a la siesta.
Parc de Passy in Paris; July 2021
Why I Love It As a Local: The walk to the park is perfect for people who want the best pictures of the Eiffel Tower as you’re bound to pass places like Trocadéro or Bir Hakim. Plus, I love how many families gather here on weekends – there is almost always a birthday party for little kids and its too cute to watch!
8. Places Des Voges
A once local spot that is now growing on tourist’s radars, Places des Voges is one of the most peaceful places in all of Paris – as your surrounded by four, old buildings making you feel protected from the rest of the city in a little pocket of tranquillity.
Places des Voges in Paris; March 2025
Whether you’re looking for a spot to eat from L'as du Fallafel or take a break from sightseeing, Places des Voges is situated in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in all of Paris: known as Le Marais in the 4th arrondissement.
Places des Voges is best before it gets too crowded on the weekends, best rest assured – I still love sitting here on the benches on the coldest days of the year when the trees have yet to grow beyond their current bare stance.
Why I Love It As a Local: It’s perfectly located next to the best vegan bakery in Paris, Land&Monkeys, and close to other fun places to visit in Le Marais like the Jewish Quarter or the little boutiques nearby. I also love the orange coloring and four quadrants with fountains, all of which give Places des Voges a certain personality no other place in Paris can be compared with – making it the most unique park in Paris.
9. Parc Marcel Bleustein Blanchet dit Parc de la Turlure
I discovered this underrated park in Paris early on into my days living in the city while wandering around Montmarte, and I’m so glad that I did!
Parc Marcel Bleustein Blanchet dit Parc de la Turlure in Paris; May 2024
Parc Marcel Bleustein Blanchet dit Parc de la Turlure is situated behind the Sacré-Cœur, allowing for one of the most stunning views of this classic Parisian monument without the crowds usually facing the front in Square Louise Michel.
Why I Love It As a Local: As Montmarte is usually flooded with tourists and locals alike, Parc Marcel Bleustein Blanchet dit Parc de la Turlure is a safe-haven away from the crowds in this beautiful Parisian neighborhood.
10. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Last but not least, we can’t end our list of the best parks in Paris without adding Parc des Buttes-Chaumont on the list – as it truly is the main “escape from the city” in Paris, stimulating a “middle of the woods” vibe that no other park in Paris can emanate.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in Paris; July 2021
Perfect for nature lovers or people fond of places like Luxmebourg City, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is big with lots of walkways and places to explore – and you’ll even be able to catch some views of the Sacré-Cœur from time to time depending on where you’re standing.
Why I Love It As a Local: Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is probably one of the only places in Paris where, because it looks so vastly different to the rest of the city, I can pretend that I’m not in Paris for a moment – providing a mental escape from the city if need be.
Want to see more of Parc des Buttes Chaumont in action? Watch my Paris vlog below!
And there you have it, my favorite and most underrated parks in Paris – straight from an almost French-American’s mouth!
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