The Best Parks Hidden Across Paris

There are so many reasons you might want to visit Paris. Referred to as one of the world's most romantic destinations, this city is home to wonders like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Disneyland. It's also an excellent place to savor the many delicious dishes that make up French cuisine, and that includes the unusual stuff.

Of course, most people are already very familiar with these attractions. While their popularity is more than understandable, we want to highlight something that tends to get overlooked - the parks. Sure, you don't need to travel to France to walk around a park, but there's something about the ones in this city that seem so special. Perhaps you'll agree once you get to know the best parks hidden across Paris?

Parc Monceau seems like a love letter to other parts of the world

When a park has a lot of distinctive features, it's usually worth a visit. That's why Paris' Parc Monceau is such a standout for us, what with the variety of landmarks on display here. There's a Renaissance arch, a Corinthian colonnade, and an Egyptian pyramid. There's even a bridge influenced by the Rialto in Venice. Evidently, this is one French park that's highly inspired by other parts of the world. You can see that as well in the flower beds and winding paths that feel very English in nature. Combine all of these with the gorgeous flower beds and excellent facilities for kids, and it's maybe no wonder this place is such a highlight.

Jardin des Tuileries apparently has a history extending back over three centuries

It's a marvel just how long some of the best parks in Paris have been around. Take the Jardin des Tuileries, for instance. It's apparently looked the way it does now for over three-and-a-half centuries, which is a testament to those that have maintained its upkeep. Reportedly spanning 28 hectares, it's probably one of the most fashionable parks in the city, thanks to its history. The man who was the architect of the gardens at Versailles was also the one who apparently designed this park in the 1600s. Hopefully, you'll feel his influence as you take in the fountains and sculptures that decorate this wondrous green space.

Promenade Plantée is apparently the first elevated park in the world

Perhaps one of the most unusual parks in Paris is the Promenade Plantée, which is a relatively new addition to the city. Opened in the 1990s, it's taken a disused railway viaduct and turned it into a vision of nature. Regarded as the first elevated park in the world, it adds a whole new perspective to what people may expect a green space to look like. You'll encounter all sorts of trees throughout this park, including maples and cherry trees, along with blooming rose trellises and plenty of bamboo. You can also admire the sights that rest below the viaduct, like the art-deco police station and les Atlantes de l'avenue Daumesnil.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont has gone from trash dump to gorgeous Parisian park

Usually, the bigger the park, the better. So, knowing that Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is one of the city's largest green spaces already makes it worthwhile in our books. Of course, if this place really wants to impress, it has to do more than simply offer plenty of room to walk around. Thankfully, the presence of a lake, waterfalls, and even a temple, all serve to make this one of the best parks in Paris. Surprisingly, this place actually used to be somewhere that people dumped their trash, but that all changed in the 1800s. Now, a few centuries later, we never would have guessed that this green haven was once a dump.

Jardin des Plantes has plenty of attractions amidst a wealth of greenery

For a real escape from the urban jungle that is Paris, it's worth visiting Jardin des Plantes. Founded almost four centuries ago for Louis XIII, it's a 24-hectare space filled with stunning flowers, from roses to peonies. As you stroll through the park, you'll be surrounded on both sides by the plane trees that extend from one side all the way to the other. You'll also encounter some notable attractions, like La Ménagerie and several museums that form part of the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle. There's also a selection of greenhouses here, which again have been around for centuries, reportedly being in use since 1714.

Paris is a place where people tend to prioritize the museums and other notable landmarks over the city's luscious green spaces. However, having seen all of these incredible parks in Paris, it's hard to imagine tourists continuing to overlook these spots for much longer. They clearly have a ton to offer visitors, and you can see that for yourself the next time that you vacation here.