Famous Gardens in Paris: Natural Beauty in France

While Paris may be known for its Eiffel Tower, historic museums and “The Mona Lisa”, did you know that Paris is also home to a number of beautiful, natural gardens? And what's so amazing is that this natural beauty in France can be found right in the middle of the city!

When you are on your next trip to Paris and you need an escape from the pace of the city, look no further than these famous gardens in Paris for a glorious getaway.

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Luxembourg Gardens

Situated close to the Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Pres, the Luxembourg Gardens were inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence and certainly look the part. Created in 1612 on instruction by Queen Marie de Medici, the gardens' extensive 25 hectares of land are split into French gardens and English gardens, with a forest and large pond set between the two sides.

The gardens feature an orchard, an apiary, greenhouses with stunning orchids and a rose garden. The historic gardens are also home to 106 statues, including the famous Medici fountain. Head to the gardens to check out their fantastic cultural program, with concerts on the bandstand and other events throughout the park. They also have a number of activities, such as chess, tennis, bridge and remote-controlled boats for kids and adults.

Address: 6th arrondissement of Paris, 75006 Paris, France

Opening times: 7am to 1 hour before sunset in summer, 8am to 1 hour before sunset in winter.

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Jardin des Plantes

The spectacular Jardin des Plantes is the main botanical garden in France. Located in the 5th arrondissement, the gardens cover 24 hectres and are a relaxing and beautiful spot for a stroll, a picnic, or just an escape from the city. Founded in 1626, the gardens were originally built as a medicinal herb garden for Louis XIII and are now home to three museums, including the Museum National d'Histoire and a small zoo.

You can get lost in the peony, rose and alpine gardens, and take a romantic stroll through the double alley of plane trees that the gardens are so famous for. The stunning gardens were also inspiration for Henri Rousseu's Jungle Paintings, after the painter visited the gardens many times.

Address: 57 Rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris, France

Opening times: 7.30am - 8pm (look out for events online)

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Tuileries Gardens

The most central of all of Paris' beautiful gardens, Tuileries Gardens are located in the 1st arrondiessement, between the famous Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde. Originally created by Catherine de Medicis in 1564, the gardens were designed to be the gardens of the Tuileries Palace, which was eventually destroyed in a fire in 1871, and were finally opened to the public in 1667.

After the French Revolution the gardens became a public park, and have been frequented by Parisians for centuries looking for peace away from the city. The gardens have retained their historic layout, and so have that feeling of a step back in time to an older, more pristine Paris. Featuring an ornamental lake, the lawns and flowerbeds run through the park in perfect symmetry. The trees, of which there are a wide variety of species, are set at a maximum of 2.2 meters high, and are trimmed meticulously every year. 70,000 plants are planted each year in the park, with carefully chosen sections dedicated to particular varieties, including roses, daffodils, Japanese Anemones and geraniums. You can relax in one of the sun chairs in the park that surround the lake and take in the natural beauty.

Address: 113 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France

Opening times: 7am - 9pm

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Park Monceau

Found in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, Park Monceau is a public park and one of the most attractive parks in Paris. Set around a pavilion that was built in 1769 by the Duke of Chartres, the Duke planned to expand the land around the pavilion and create private gardens. The Duke wanted the gardens to be more informal and more like an English garden, this is why the gardens feel so different from the other more formal gardens in Paris.

A grand rotunda was built in the center of the park just before it was sold to the City of Paris in 1860 and French Impressionist Claude Monet famously created five paintings of the park between 1876 and 1878. Today, the park also has a waterfall and a grotto, which were added by Napoleon III, beautiful flower gardens and a number of playgrounds for children. It's a favorite with Parisians.

Address: 35 Boulevard de Courcelles, 75008 Paris, France

Opening times: 7am - 10pm

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Buttes-Chaumont

To get off the beaten path for an afternoon, head to the Buttes-Chaumont for one of the most scenic walks in France. Created by architect Haussman in the late 19th Century, this romantic park is filled with waterfalls and rolling green hills that brings the green, fresh landscape of rural France to the city. Located in the north of the city in the 19th arrondissement, the gardens are off the usual tourist path but are full of locals, with great views of Montmarte, a unique Petit Temple at the center of the park, a puppet theater for the kids and plenty of green space to picnic and play.

Address: 1 Rue Botzaris, 75019 Paris, France

Opening times: 7am - 10pm

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