Off the Beaten Path: Discover the 5 Most Scenic Parks and Gardens in Paris Tourists Miss

Parisian locals and tourists alike love to spend time in stunning iconic parks and gardens in Paris like Jardin du Luxembourg and Jardin des Plantes. While these famous French gardens are undeniably beautiful, if they are the only ones you visit during your time in France, you’ll be missing out on so much more! I had the opportunity to take a Parisian architecture course while studying abroad, and that led me to find several fantastic parks and gardens in Paris that should be on every traveler’s list. These serene spots are perfect for when you need a break from museums, cathedrals, and bustling boulevards. So if you need some peace and quiet and a break from the crowds, then here are my favorite off-the-beaten-path parks and gardens in Paris that will make you fall in love with the city’s greener side.

Located along the Seine in the 12th arrondissement, Parc de Bercy combines nature, history, and modern design in one delightful package. What once were wine warehouses are now a park made up of three gardens: Romantic Gardens, the Flowerbed, and the Meadows. I love this park for its harmonious blend of modern architecture with wooden walkways, metal sculptures, water features, and stone staircases. It also has a lovely vineyard paying homage to the region’s past. When you’re here, remember to walk along the Passerelle Simone-de-Beauvoir pedestrian bridge and explore Bercy Village for some cute boutiques and restaurants.

• Bercy (Lines 6, 14)

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In the northwestern part of Paris in the 17th arrondissement is Parc Clichy-Batignolles, a modern and eco-friendly park that you’ll love. The park offers views of Paris’ modernized urban sprawl of stylish and unique buildings. This is a fun break from the 18th century Haussmann architecture and provides a chance to see the diverse architectural styles that Paris offers. A mix of metal, greenery, and wood, both the nearby buildings and the park itself are great to observe. The park’s contemporary design blends industrial elements with lush gardens and tranquil ponds.

• Brochant (Line 13), Pont-Cardinet (RER C)

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Parc Marcel Bleustein Blanchet dit Parc de la Turlure (which is definitely a mouthful to say) is a secret spot to most tourists who only stay towards the front of Sacré-Cœur. I discovered this park situated behind the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre in the 18th arrondissement when working on a paper for class. This small, intimate, often-overlooked park offers a quiet retreat and stunning views of the majestic pristine white basilica. While tourists crowd the stairs in front of Sacré-Cœur, walking around to the back reveals a peaceful retreat with quiet benches perfect for taking in the basilica’s beauty. I love it in the summer when the vines are vibrant and full and they create a picturesque canopy over a covered walkway. The park is located on a hill so you can look out over part of the city. From this park, when you’re ready you can walk over to the Place du Tertre, the famous outdoor gathering place for artists in Montmartre.

• Anvers (Line 2), Abbesses (Line 12)

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While there are many parks and playgrounds in Paris, I found it oddly challenging to find one with a swing set when studying abroad. This amusingly became a small mission of mine and I eventually found one at the Jardin d’Acclimatation. Only they didn’t just have swings—they had an entire amusement park! Located near the Bois de Boulogne, Jardin d’Acclimatation started in 1860 under Napoléon III and his wife Empress Eugénie. It is a whimsical, family-friendly garden filled with nature and entertainment. You can go on mini roller coaster rides, enjoy a stroll through the landscaped gardens, and enjoy the aviary and petting zoo with goats, peacocks, and alpacas! When you’re done having fun in the park you can head over to the Foundation Louis Vuitton.

• Les Sablons (Line 1)

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Saving the best for last, my all time favorite of all the parks and gardens in Paris is the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. You can find this park in the 19th arrondissement and it is stunning! It’s a dramatic, sprawling green space filled with towering cliffs, waterfalls, and hidden pathways. Opened as a park originally in 1867, this region of Paris had a long and sometimes dark history before it was a park. For centuries, they would hang the bodies of executed criminals up on the hill. After the French Revolution, the site became a dumping ground, while parts of the region were used as a limestone quarry. Finally, in the 1860s, Haussmann chose the area to be repurposed into a public park and today it is the fifth largest park in Paris. Though the area once had a grim past, today it’s a romantic English garden-style park with lots to explore. It’s a romantic English garden- styled park containing thousands of trees, a miniature Roman Temple (Temple de la Sibylle) at the top of a mini mountain, waterfalls, and a cave full of stalactites! Don’t forget the suspension bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel himself!

• Buttes-Chaumont (Line 7bis), Botzaris (Line 7bis)

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For a city full of densely packed buildings, the French love their gardens and any bit of greenery they can get in their lives. That’s why Paris is so much more than its famous landmarks and historic sites—it’s a city where nature and art blend seamlessly. The parks and gardens in Paris offer a serene escape from the bustling streets while showcasing the city’s rich history, creativity, and natural beauty. These are places where Parisians gather to share meals, connect with one another, and enjoy the surrounding greenery. So join them! Whether you’re looking for peaceful strolls, romantic picnic spots, or simply a quiet moment in nature, these off-the-beaten-path gems are waiting to be explored.

Do you have a favorite park that I missed? Share your favorite green spaces in the comments below—I’ll be sure to add it to my bucket list!

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