Bois de Boulogne — Attraction in Paris

The Bois de Boulogne (French pronunciation: ​[bwɑ d(ə) bulɔɲ], "Boulogne woodland") is a large public park located along the western edge of the 16th arrondissement of Paris, near the suburb of Boulogne-Billancourt and Neuilly-sur-Seine. The land was ceded to the city of Paris by the Emperor Napoleon III to be turned into a public park in 1852.[1]

The lower lake in the Bois de Boulogne It is the second-largest park in Paris, slightly smaller than the Bois de Vincennes on the eastern side of the city. It covers an area of 845 hectares (2088 acres),[2] which is about two and a half times the area of Central Park in New York, slightly less (88%) than that of Richmond Park in London, and just under half the size of Phoenix Park in Dublin.[3]

Within the boundaries of the Bois de Boulogne are an English landscape garden with several lakes and a cascade; two smaller botanical and landscape gardens, the Château de Bagatelle and the Pré-Catelan; a zoo and amusement park in the Jardin...

The Bois de Boulogne is truly a treasure of Paris. Just minutes from the city’s bustle, we step onto peaceful wooded paths, with lakes, gardens, wildlife, and open green spaces. We love the mix of nature, modernity and history, from hidden gardens and serene waterways created by Napoleon III, to Michelin restaurants and the former residence of the Duke of Windsor, all on the grounds where previous Summer Olympics were hosted, plus much more.

What makes the Bois de Boulogne so special is the balance, as you feel far from the city, yet you’re still in the 16e. It’s an ideal place to recharge and enjoy the serenity of nature right at the city’s edge. A must-experience for anyone who might appreciate a green escape to what we read is considered the “Left Lung of Paris” due to the oxygen produced by the trees, in this area that is astonishingly twice the size of NYC’s...

This park is a must visit for anyone visiting Paris with children (but only during the day as it becomes a bit of a red light district at night!). There is ample space for them to run around, and if you go into the park proper there is a playground for them to burn some energy.

The grounds are simply breathtaking and one has the option to rent a canoe or bikes, but be warned that there are no life jackets or bike helmets available if that's a deal breaker for you.

There wasn't much in the ways of cafes in that area, as it seems that most bring a picnic lunch. About 50 meters from the bike rental there was a tiny cafe selling snacks and coffee if you need something small.

So glad we visited...Not your typical tourist trap and zipping around on the bikes was...