Tranquility in the City
Paris is one of the oldest concrete jungles in the world, and it is perfectly normal to feel stuck in it sometimes. One of the best things you can do in these moments is get outside. Being close to nature is essential for humans to live a healthy and fulfilling life. The long work and study hours may easily overwhelm the modern individual, and rare are the venues through which one can escape the pressure of routine activities. Carving out time to touch some grass may be the answer, and there is no better place to do that than a park.
Paris offers numerous green spaces in the center of the city. Each of them is unique, with different qualities and attributes; these parks are worth visiting.
Buttes-Chaumont
Park des Buttes-Chaumont is a North-Western beauty of a green space, stretched over 25 hectares (about 62 acres). Built to commemorate the Exposition Universelle of 1867, the park is an ode to France's numerous landscapes. Some of the plants throughout the park are exotic and some are indigenous, they grow beautifully along the road, on the lawn, and on the dizzying slope.
The park, being an ancient quarry, is quite steep and has great opportunities for hiking and running. The park's center offers a picturesque setting, with a rocky island in the middle of the lake. Atop the island sits La Temple de Sybille, a masterfully crafted replica of the Tivoli temple essential to the Greco-Roman mythology.
An essential aspect to mention of this park is its integral acceptance of pets on the premises. Rare are the Parisian parks that allow dogs to stroll wherever they want, off-leash. Buttes-Chaumont gives the owner and pet complete mobility. If you are not a dog-lover, this may not be the park for you.
Jardin du Luxembourg
Image Credit: Timur Belyalov
A true gem of Paris' left bank, Jardin de Luxembourg is the green space to visit when you are in the 5th or 6th arrondissement. Spanning over 54 acres, Jardin de Luxembourg is an exquisite space for relaxation. The gardens are home to numerous classical plants such as chestnut trees, plane trees, lime trees, and exotic plants such as paulownias, soap trees, and ginkgoes. Have a seat underneath an ancient tree, the perfect place for a picnic. The park offers lovely shade to stroll about under, or simply sit and relax. Coupled with 17th-century architecture, sculptures, and fountains, the garden will surely please even the most pretentious eye.
A beautiful Hotel towers over the north side of the park and various alleys. One can stroll towards the fountain or circle the numerous statues back to the center area. The architecture offers a mix of 17th century, with the fountain being an idyllic corner to sit and enjoy one’s favorite read. The space also houses tennis courts and a basketball terrain, ideal for a pre-booked afternoon game with your friends. Next to it is the Senate, residing in Palais de Luxembourg.
Monceau
In between the 8th and the 17th arrondissements, Monceau Park is the go-to place to enjoy nature in the bourgeois, northwestern part of Paris. Relatively small compared to its peers, at about 20 acres, Monceau Park is nevertheless worth a visit. With plenty of greenery and antique-like colonnades, the immersive experience of an afternoon stroll would surely captivate the visitor. The architecture and colorful and exotic vegetation offer an unmatched immersion into a tranquil and natural environment.
The park has plenty of green space and numerous wellness and relaxation facilities. A running track is ideal for those Parisians who wish to stay healthy through a casual jog around the park's perimeter, with intricate alleys through the middle.
Jardin des Plantes
One of the biggest parks in Paris, at nearly 67 acres, is Jardin des Plantes, a property of the National Museum of Natural History. It comprises several campuses and museums, and the central alleys are free to visit. The alleys are wide and perfect for a long stroll, with numerous exit points allowing visitors to maneuver comfortably and efficiently. Directly attached to the park is the Ménagerie. Essentially a zoo, it was established in 1793 and is one of the oldest in the world. With a wide variety of exotic animals, more than 12 acres of land, and carefully incorporated greenery, Ménagerie offers an immersive continuity while observing animals. The immense variety of plants and trees reflects the scientific progress in the naturalist domain. The sheer variety of plants would surprise even the most avid botanic experts.
Parc Montsouris
Located in the 14th arrondissement, Parc Montsouris is a Haussmanian park composed of century-old trees at the bank of a small lake. Numerous alleys offer pleasant walks, while an ancient observatory provides a bit of history for the visitor. A stunning characteristic of the park is its wide array of different birds, who would sing an ode to anyone listening. The park is a point of serenity in the south corner of Paris, a must-visit if strolling through the 14th arrondissement.
From the poetic ambiance of Luxembourg Gardens to the lively bustle of Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, each park offers its own unique symphony of sights, scents, and serenity. With the combination of architecture and "gardenery," assembled into intricate and unique compositions, these parks carry the essence of true Parisian park aesthetics. So, whether you're seeking a tranquil refuge from urban chaos or simply longing for a picturesque picnic spot, let Paris's parks be your evergreen havens amidst the city's timeless splendor. After all, in the City of Light, even the most cliche of strolls through a park becomes a poetic promenade through history and culture alike.
