European parks are some of the most beautiful in the world, many with their own heritage, as rich as a four hundred year old building. Open, green spaces are spread throughout the city, from the centre to the suburbs, the old to the new – each with their own story.
We take a wander through some of the incredible gardens in the City of Love – Paris.
Luxembourg’s Jardin du Luxembourg, referred to by Parisians as ‘Luco’, is one of the largest and most famous of the many gardens in Paris, located near the latin quarter. This urban garden, the city’s second largest, was created by France’s King Henry IV widow, Marie de’ Medici in 1612 as the official gardens of the Luxembourg Palace.
Location – Place Edmond Rostand, Place André Honnorat, Rue Guynemer, Rue de Vaugirard, 6th arrondissement in Paris.
Take your camera, the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, located in the 19th arrondissement of Paris, is simply breathtaking. With its lake, waterfalls and old bridges, it’s worthy of an artist’s canvas. Opening in 1867 during the reign of Emperor Napoleon III, the
Location – 1-7, rue Botzaris – 2-6b, rue Manin – 55, rue de Crimée – 42, avenue Simon-Bolivar
Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil is a classically French styled garden, elegantly laid out around a huge parterre – a traditional hothouse. Created in 1761 during the reign of Louis XV, the five main hothouses feature architecture from the 19th century and the collection of plants are both rare and unusual, sure to intrigue everyone, whether you’re a horticultural enthusiast or not.
You can take a guided tour through the garden, or attend a classical music festival which are held annually.
Location – 3, avenue de la Porte d’Auteuil, 16th Circuit.
As if you needed more romance when in the City of Love, but Parc de Bagatelle delivers. Art, music and other festivals are routinely held amongst the more than 10,000 flowers. Take a moment and smell the roses with the on you love.
Location – Route de Sèvres à Neuilly, 16th Circuit in Paris.
On the banks of the famed River Seine, the André Citroën Park is a little different to many of the others. When the old Citroën car factory was levelled in 1992, the park was designed to sit on top of it, and named in honour of the manufacturer himself.
Designed geometrically and themed to reflect four main elements; artifice, architecture, movement and nature. The six gardens are then separated further associated with metal, planets, weekdays, water and sense.
It’s a fascinating example of art combined with nature.
Location – 2, rue de Cauchy, 15th Circuit.
Parc Montsouris was also created during the reign of Emperor Napoleon III and is a large, wide expanse of manicured sloping lawns, a select variety of shrubs, flowers and other decorative plants. From May to October, the park hosts free concerts and entertainment.
Location – 2, rue Gazan, 14th Circuit in Paris.
Wander through history surrounding by nature – find the best flights and hotels here.
