09 Best Gardens
All of these gardens are free.
Overview Table
Name | Appeal | Size (m²) | Size (ha) | Arr. | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
01 | Luxembourg Garden | ★★★★★ | 225 000 | 22.5 | 6 |
02 | Tuileries Garden | ★★★★☆ | 280 000 | 28 | 1 |
03 | Jardin des Plantes | ★★★★☆ | 120 000 | 12 | 5 |
04 | Palais-Royal Garden | ★★★☆☆ | 20 000 | 2 | 1 |
05 | Serres d’Auteuil Garden | ★★☆☆☆ | 70 000 | 7 | 16 |
06 | Place des Vosges | ★★☆☆☆ | 12 000 | 1.2 | 4 |
07 | Archives Nationales Garden | ★★☆☆☆ | 2 000 | 0.2 | 3 |
08 | Hotel de Sens Garden | ★★☆☆☆ | 1 200 | 0.12 | 4 |
09 | Hôtel de Sully Garden | ★★☆☆☆ | 1 200 | 0.12 | 4 |
01. Luxembourg Garden
Appeal ★★★★★
Size 225,000 m² – 22.5 ha
Arrondissement 6th
French Name
Jardin du Luxembourg
This garden is one of the city’s most beloved parks. Established in the early 17th century by Marie de Médicis, the widow of King Henry IV, the garden was designed to resemble the Boboli Gardens in Florence. It features a mix of French formal gardens and English informal gardens, with tree-lined promenades, flowerbeds, and a large pond known as the Grand Bassin where model sailboats can be seen.
The park is not only a beautiful green space but also a vibrant social hub where Parisians and tourists alike enjoy picnics, outdoor concerts, and various recreational activities such as tennis and chess. The garden is also home to numerous statues, fountains, and even a vintage carousel.
02. Tuileries Garden
Appeal ★★★★☆
Size 280,000 m² – 28 ha
Arrondissement 1st
French Names
Jardin des Tuileries
Tuileries
A public park located between the Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde, it once served as the royal gardens of the Tuileries Palace. It features beautiful sculptures, fountains, and a large open space for visitors to enjoy. It is one of the most visited parks in Paris.
03. Jardin des Plantes
Appeal ★★★★☆
Size (without the Zoo La Ménagerie) 120,000 m² – 12 ha
Arrondissement 5th
French Name
Jardin des Plantes
One of the main botanical garden in France. Established in 1626 as a royal garden for medicinal plants, it has evolved into a significant center for botanical research and education. The garden spans over 28 hectares and features a diverse array of plant species, organized into various themed gardens.
Additionally, it houses three museums, a zoo, and greenhouses, all detailed in the five following sections on this page.
Attractions within the Jardin des Plantes (Official Website)
04. Palais-Royal Garden
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Size 20,000 m² – 2 ha
Arrondissement 1st
French Name
Jardin du Palais-Royal
Located in the heart of Paris, this garden is surrounded by the beautiful Palais-Royal. It is a tranquil spot with elegant arcades, fountains, and statues. It offers a peaceful escape in the bustling city center.
05. Serres d’Auteuil Garden
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Size 70,000 m² – 7 ha
Arrondissement 16th
French Name
Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil
This garden features a complex of greenhouses that showcases a diverse collection of species, including tropical plants.
It also provides a serene escape for visitors, with beautifully landscaped areas, mature trees, and benches for relaxation.
06. Place des Vosges
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Size 12,000 m² – 1.2 ha
Arrondissement 4th
French Names
Place des Vosges
Square Louis XIII
One of the oldest planned square in Paris, from the 17th century, it’s lined with trees and red brick houses.
07. National Archives Garden
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Size 2,000 m² – 0.2 ha
Arrondissement 3rd
French Names
Jardin des Archives Nationales
Jardin de l’Hôtel de Soubise
Jardin de l’Hôtel Rohan
A quiet green space with shrub-lined gravel paths & seasonal flowers, overlooked by elegant buildings.
It belongs to the National Archives Museum (see the previous section)
08. Hotel de Sens Garden
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Size 1,200 m² – 0.12 ha
Arrondissement 4th
French Name
Jardin de l’Hôtel de Sens
This small garden is a serene oasis amidst the bustling city, featuring beautifully manicured lawns, flowerbeds, and pathways.
It’s designed in the classic French style, characterized by its geometric layout and symmetry.
09. Hôtel de Sully Garden
Appeal ★☆☆☆☆
Size 1,200 m² – 0.12 ha
Arrondissement 4th
French Name
Jardin de l’Hôtel de Sully
Jardin de Hôtel de Béthune-Sully
This French style garden, located in a courtyard and designed in the 17th century, features neatly trimmed boxwood hedges bordering four lawns.
26 Best Parks
All Parks & Gardens
In total, there are around 500 parks & gardens in Paris (including those featured on this page).
To find one, here is the relevant webpage: