That’s it, spring has finally arrived in Paris, and it’s time to enjoy the parks and green spaces of the capital and stock up on fresh air and good cheer! Not far from the Hotel Daunou Opera is the Jardin des Tuileries, where you can relax on the grass, tuck into a picnic and enjoy a good book. But this is by no means the only park inviting you for a stroll. Here’s a selection of charming green spaces that are often overlooked by visitors to the city.
Parks and gardens around the Capital
Famous for its monuments, Paris also boasts a bounty of beauteous green spaces. In fact there are more than 400 gardens, parks, forests and hidden squares around the capital. The largest are the Bois de Vincennes and the Bois de Boulogne, situated on the eastern and western edges of the city, followed by the Jardin des Tuileries and Jardin du Luxembourg, which are more centrally located. The latter is also one of the most beautiful Parisian parks, with its tree-lined promenades, luscious green lawns and abundant flower beds, as well as over a hundred statues, monuments and fountains. It’s a favoured spot at the heart of the Latin Quarter for artists, students and lovers when the warm weather arrives. The city also abounds in delightful small parks, such as the Vallée Suisse, hidden in plain sight just a few steps from the Champs Elysées, or the Parc de la Turlure, adjacent to the Sacré Coeur Basilica. These are parks that surprisingly few people know about, offering tranquil havens for relaxing, playing sports, or taking a picnic with friends. Seekers after the romantic era will find that the Museum of Romantic Life is situated in a beautiful garden pervaded with the delicate scents of roses in the summer. It is absolutely not to be missed.
The Jardin des Tuileries, green lung of Paris
Of course, no visit to the capital would be complete without taking a stroll in the Jardin des Tuileries. The view that awaits you in clear weather is strikingly lovely. Climb to the top of the steps leading to the Tuileries and admire the bold geometric layout, the flowerbeds and the ponds. Look towards the venerable trees of the Grand Couvert, see the impressive mid-19th century architecture of the Orangerie and the Jeu de Paume, as well as the Gate of Honour at the park’s entrance. Beyond this you’ll see the Place de la Concorde with its obelisk, and the highlight of the show, the Champs-Elysees with the Arc de Triomphe and the Grande Arche in the distance. Behind you stands the famed Louvre pyramid. What better setting could there be for a picnic with your loved one, friends or family?
Hotel Daunou Opera, an elegant 3-star hotel in Paris, opera district
