Bois de Vincennes, located on the eastern edge of Paris, is one of the largest green spaces in the city, offering a stunning retreat from the urban hustle. Often referred to as the “lungs of Paris,” this expansive park covers nearly 2,500 acres, making it a haven for nature lovers, joggers, cyclists, and families looking to relax outdoors.
The park’s diverse landscapes range from sprawling meadows and thick woodlands to picturesque lakes, creating a variety of ecosystems that are home to numerous bird species and wildlife. One of the highlights is the Lac Daumesnil, where visitors can rent boats and float peacefully, surrounded by lush greenery. The Parc Floral is another must-see, especially in spring and summer when the vibrant flower displays are in full bloom. For those interested in history, the Château de Vincennes, a medieval fortress located at the park’s edge, adds a touch of cultural charm.
Bois de Vincennes is well-equipped with paths for biking and walking, making it an ideal spot for those looking to stay active. There’s also a small zoo, the Parc Zoologique de Paris, and an equestrian center for horseback riding enthusiasts. The park’s peaceful atmosphere and size make it feel like a natural escape, despite being just a short metro ride from central Paris.
The park hosts various events throughout the year, from concerts to festivals, adding a lively cultural element to the natural surroundings. Whether you’re after a peaceful walk, a scenic picnic, or just some fresh air, Bois de Vincennes offers something for everyone, blending the tranquility of nature with the...
Read moreReally big park with plenty of options to do. You can let the kids go horse riding, take a boat on the lake, walk around the lake, take your dog for a walk, visit a zoo (yes a zoo is inside this park), visit a flower garden (yes also inside this park), ...
What I've seen is that there are "dividers" in this park. There is the "common" area where all the recreational stuff is like horse riding, boats, ... also many runners use this part. There is the more dense area where more people are walking there dogs and some occasional runner. There are also many sport complexes like soccer fields.
It takes quite some time to just cross this park. We needed 45min to go from the recreational part to the garden on almost...
Read moreTake a coffee, have a lunch and then go for a walk is how I would sequence my plan for this place. Clearly it is huge, so have things in your belly before you plan to go for a walk here. Also note that I speak from just a walking perspective- there's a lot to do here - people exercise, cycle, jog etc etc The best part is around the lake, sit and watch those beautiful ducks (just watch don't feed them please) On a sunny day, with the right person - this is the place to have that conversation that's been bothering you for some time now. It is funny how some places can make it so comfortable to have a conversation that is so hard - this is that place and 15h23 is that time (just kidding...
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