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10 Amazing Nature Day Trips from Paris
Thomas Jefferson once said, “A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of life”. Paris is home to many wonderful attractions, sometimes it’s nice to explore the countryside in France. Enjoying the ambiance of a beautiful city like Paris is taking time to stroll and delight in its beauty. People ask if one can enjoy the amazing Paris while just taking a walk, and the answer is that Paris is one of the most walkable cities in the world. To feel the heartbeat of Paris by taking a walk in the streets or the outskirts of Paris, you get to see Paris’s best views when you walk. Many people visiting Paris may not be prepared it can be hard for one to know how to dress or what to carry when visiting this magnificent City especially if your home the climate and the terrain are different.
What to Know before going for a nature walk in Paris
Shoes: Wear comfortable shoes to walk around Paris especially if you are doing a whole day walking tour.
Weather: In Paris, the weather can be quite changeable, one can carry a light raincoat is great to have on hand in spring or summer, and in winter a warm well-insulated coat.
Keep hydrated: Walking around a big city is tiring and can be very dehydrating, especially in Paris where one can walk for hours. Cafés charge through the nose for bottled water, instead buy a bottle at the local supermarket or fill up a reusable bottle in the morning where you are staying from the tap.
Plan your Itenary: it’s always good to start with a plan, it’s also good to note market days as these can be a real treat.
Be street Sharp: If you’re not used to big cities then be aware that in Paris there are quite a few pickpockets and you need to have your radar up for what is happening around you.
Relaxing time: Take time over a long lunch, pop into a patisserie for a special treat, admire the view and architecture, sit on a bench and people watch and enjoy a cocktail or coffee.
Here are the best Nature Day trips in Paris
1.Giverny Monet Gardens
Foundation Claude Monet, Giverny by Starbuck Melo/Wikimedia Commons
Giverny Gardens is one of the most stunning places to visit, the Lilly ponds are famous and the flowers are gorgeous. There are two parts to Monet’s garden: a flower garden called Clos Normand in front of the house and a Japanese-inspired water garden on the other side of the road.
The water garden is full of asymmetries and curves. It is inspired by the Japanese gardens that Monet knew from the prints he collected avidly. In this water garden, you will find the famous Japanese bridge covered with wisterias, other smaller bridges, weeping willows, bamboo wood, and above all the famous nymphs which bloom all summer long.
Taking pictures is permitted in the garden, but only from the walkways. Picnics are forbidden, also dogs and other pets are not admitted. Visitors are advised to walk on the side alleys and can walk all around the garden to admire all its perspectives so as not to damage the plants. After visiting Giverny, enjoy a tasty lunch at the Moulin de Fourges restaurant just ten minutes away, where you can sample local food with eccentricity.
Book with us: Giverny and Monet’s Garden
Practical Information
Opening time: Open daily from 9.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m., note it is closed during the Winter season
Tel : +33 (0) 2 32 51 28 21
Email:[email protected]
Bus: The buses operate tours are operated from the Paris center.
Train: You can easily come by train from Paris, Rouen, or Le Havre. You have to stop at Vernon-Giverny train station and then you have a bus shuttle to bring you to Giverny.
Boat: River cruises are more and more popular.
You can get a Private guided tour to take you around, tours are given in French, English, Spanish, or German.
Tickets: Normal fare and seniors: 13 euros
Children over 7 and students: 8.50 euros
Disabled: 7.50 euros
Children up to 7 years old: free of charge
Website: FOUNDATION CLAUDE MONET
2. The Loire Valley
The exquisite Loire Valley is a just short train journey from Paris and an easy drive from the coast of Normandy. Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that enchants visitors with fairy-tale-like castles, exquisite gardens, charming towns, and unforgettable wine. A day in the valley will have you visiting the great and historical castles with names like Chateau de Chambord and Chateau de Chenonceau.
There are thousands of sunflowers, and the glowing yellow fields are the most photogenic in the morning and make the perfect selfie backdrop. The Valley is famous for its world-class wines. The Valley is laced with vineyards from Sancerre to the ocean. Loire Valley has something to offer all year round, the best time to visit is late spring and summer to enjoy the beauty both inside and out.
Book with us: Loire Valley Castles Tour from Paris
Practical Information
Train: The fastest way to get to Loire Valley from Paris is by train, prices can be as low as €10 or as high as €90.
Car: Renting a car is the most convenient way to see the Loire Valley Castles, you can explore at your own pace.
Guided tour: Guided tours to Loire Valley are also a great option to remove the stressful planning process.
Website: LOIRE VALLEY VAL DE LOIRE FRANCE
3. Luxembourg Garden
Garden facade of the Palais du Luxembourg by Afifa Afrin/Wikimedia Commons
The Luxembourg Garden is one of the most charming attractions in Paris for both locals and tourists. It was commissioned in 1612 by Marie de Medici, the Luxembourg Garden is the most centric, popular, and beautiful park in Paris. Inspired by the Boboli Gardens, the Luxembourg Gardens were designed to include fountains, statues on pedestals, grottos, flowers, and fruit trees.
At the garden, you will walk along gravel paths past large green symmetrical lawns, beds filled with flowers, 3,000 trees, fountains, statues, and more. Enjoy the most beautiful and romantic fountains in Paris, La Fontaine de Medicis sits in a secluded corner of the park. Classical statues from Roman and Greek mythology are everywhere. To access the gardens, there are several main entrances: Place Edmond Rostand, Place André Honnorat, Rue Guynemer, or Rue de Vaugirard.
You can also rent colorful toy boats and set them sailing across the pond in front of the palace, The garden offers picnics bringing families to enjoy the sailboats, puppets, and playground. The Luxembourg Gardens is undoubtedly its prime location. It’s close to landmarks like the Montparnasse Tower. Children will love the puppet theatre with shows in the warmer months.
10 things to do in Luxembourg gardens in Paris:
Practical Information
The entrance to the lovely Luxembourg Garden is free, pets are allowed and many of the paths are wheelchair accessible.
Opening Time: The garden is open from 8 am to 5 pm in the winter and from 7.30 am to 8 pm in summer.
How to get there: the park is reachable on foot from the Latin Quarter and nearby attractions such as the Panthéon a ten-minute walk.
The closest metro station is the Odeon Line 6 and the nearest RER station is Luxembourg.
4. Jardin Des Tuileries
The amazing Jardin Des Tuileries Park is a must-see. Visitors will greatly enjoy walking down its main tree-lined avenue with its many sculptures, surrounded by typical Parisian buildings. The Garden is highly recommended for its perfect location, between the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde. Originally built in 1564 as the private gardens of Tuileries Palace, it became a public park after the French Revolution.
One can engage in interesting activities in the garden, Across the river, you will find the Musée d’Orsay which contains an incomparable collection of impressionist artworks. In the western corners of the garden, there is the Orangery Museum with Claude Monet’s famous Water Lilies. The Louvre Museum is also one of the must-see attractions around the Tuileries Gardens.
Situated in the center of the City of Light, it connects the Louvre Museum, the Musée d’Orsay, the Jeu de Paume museum, and the Place de la Concorde. One can enjoy walks seeing several ponds and sculptures. It is a great place for children to play. Benches and seats are provided free of charge so that everyone can enjoy the developments of Le Nôtre.
Practical Information
Entrance to this astonishing Jardin Des Tuileries is free and open to the public.
Opening time: From 7 am to 11 pm the park has different opening times depending on the time of the year.
How to get there: The garden has its metro stop. You can also access it easily from the Louvre or Place de la Concorde.
5.The Parc des buttes Chaumont
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont by Unknown Arthur/Wikimedia Commons
The fifth-largest park in Paris, the Les Buttes Chaumont offers so much to see and explore, a public park is situated in northeastern Paris, France in the 19th arrondissement. It’s one of the most pleasant spots in the city, with a large expanse of grass, a lake, a suspension bridge, and a lot of paths, benches, and playgrounds.
The garden is fascinating to tourists because of its architectural feat of the 19th century and the sheer beauty of the garden elements. The center of the park has an artificial lake that is home to many birds and animals. The park has many bridges, the best one is a suspended bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel himself. Temple de la Sybille, is a Roman-style monument built on a man-made cliff.
The hill also has a grotto made by the builders, and there is an artificial waterfall, adding to the magical charm of the place. The park has three playgrounds, a puppet theater, and a few fairground-type attractions. There’s also a small concession stand down by the lake selling refreshments and ice cream. One gets peace and serenity walking or cycling enjoying the bright flowers and the lake.
Practical information
Entrance to the Buttes Chaumont Park is free.
Opening time: The garden is open all year round but the timing depends on the seasons from 7 am to 8 pm.
How to get there: Metro line 7b has three stations in proximity to the garden, Buttes Chaumont and Botzaris right at the entrances, and Bolivar is a walking distance.
6. Park Monceau
Parc Monceau is a lovely green space in the heart of Paris, in the 8th arrondissement not far from many popular tourist attractions, including the Champs-Elysees. The park is a hot spot for locals and tourists. It has meandered walkways, a children’s playground, and statues of famous musicians, artists, and writers. The park has been transformed several times over the centuries, buildings were destroyed and its size reduced by half.
Today Parc Monceau has an air of elegance to it, while you’re exploring the astonishing park take time to visit the excellent museum in the neighborhood. The Musée National Jean-Jacques Henner houses an impressive collection of works by this influential French painter. Perfect for lunches and dinners on beautiful sunny days the warm and inviting space boasts a cozy atmosphere featuring an interior design that mixes styles and materials Le Camondo is the restaurant to visit after your walk in the park.
Discover Le Parc Monseau in Paris
Practical Information
Parc Monceau opens its doors to you free of charge all week long.
Opening time: Its opening time is from 7 am to 10 pm all year round
How to get there: Take Metro Line 2 to Monceau Station and you are there or take Metro Line 3 to Villers Station exit and walk straight west down Blvd de Courcelles to the park entrance.
7.Coulée verte René-Dumont
Coulée verte René-Dumont by Smiley Toerist/Wikimedia Commons
Known as the Promenade Plantée, the Coulée Verte René-Dumont is an elevated park built atop a revitalized railway structure. The history of the park follows the once well-used and then abandoned railway line that ran between Place de la Bastille and Varenne-Saint-Maur. The track starts just behind the Opéra Bastille, up on top of the Viaduc des Arts 4.5km.
They are amazing artisanal boutiques around before you start your walk along the top of the old Viaduct. It’s one of the favorite places to stroll through beautiful gardens on top of the Viaduc des Arts, the elevation offers glimpses of the city that you just can’t get from the ground. Once at the track you will notice architectural features not obvious from ground level, such as the gigantic 1930’s style muses decorating the Police station.
It’s an excellent place to have a picnic one can stop in the Jardin de Reuilly, where you can wash your sandwiches down with sparkling water from Paris’s first public fizzy water fountain; or carry on to the Bois de Vincennes, with its lakes and tree-shaded parkland.
Practical information
The Coulee Verte is accessible to all and is free
Opening time: It’s open every day from 8 am to 5;30pm but the timings also depend on the season.
How to get there: There are four metro stations near La Coulée Verte. From Faidherbe and Chaligny, from Reuilly and Diderot station, from Dugommier and Bercy station.
8. Parc Montsouris
parc de Montsouris by Unknown Arthur/Wikimedia Commons
Parc Montsouris is located at the southern boundary of the 14th arrondissement of Paris. Parc Montsouris is the second largest park in Paris after the Buttes Chaumont. The park offers a quieter, calmer side of Paris. On sunny days, you’ll see boy scouts and girl scouts picnic on the grassy field. Children can play on the playgrounds, ride ponies, or even watch a puppet show.
Created by Emperor Napoleon III and his prefect of the Seine, Georges-Eugène Haussmann. Looking for a good place to stay Hotel du Parc Montsouris which is a one-minute walk to the park a continental breakfast is available for the guest every day. The Pavilion Montsouris restaurant welcomes you to the heart of one of the most beautiful parks in Paris. An abandoned section of the Petite Ceinture railway line runs through the park.
Practical Information
The park is free to all both locals and tourists.
Opening Time: 7 am to 8.30 pm but the timings depend on the seasons
How to get there:bus: You can take bus lines 21, 67, and 216 from La Transverse Bievre Montsouris.
By metro: You can board a train from Porte d’Orleans.
You can reach the venue from Cite Universitarse by RER B.
9. Parc Andre Citroen
Colonnes d’eau Parc Andre Citroen Paris by Siefkin/Wikimedia Commons
Looking for a place to relax near the outer edge of Paris in the 15th arrondissement, Parc Andre Citroen is a hub of activities in an otherwise calm, residential area. It’s a nice spot to picnic, nap, or admire the gardens, but you come here to have fun and feel like a kid again. With a supine green lawn that reaches the Seine, the park has a large playground with separate areas for kids of different ages.
It is embellished with two greenhouse pavilions hosting exotic plants and Mediterranean vegetation. The park has an astonishing fountain that attracts kids and adults to play around, there is a hot air balloon that you can go up in, weather permitting. La Buvette du Parc restaurant is a friendly and ideal place to meet at any time of the day: breakfast, lunch, snack, or delicious aperitif among friends. Visitors of the park are also attracted to the series of concrete walls with built-in waterfalls on one side of the parking area.
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Practical Information
Access to the park is free for all
Hot air balloon ride: Adults: €15; Children 3 to 11yrs €8.
Opening time: depending on the season but its open from 7 am to 9.30 pm
How to get there: By bus: The nearest bus stop is Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou from where the park can be reached in 1 minute on foot.
By train: The nearest RER stations are Javel and Pont du Garigliano.
By Metro: The nearest metro station is Lourmel and once you exit the station you can walk down to your destination in about 8 minutes.
10.Boise De Vincennes
The supine Bois de Vincennes is the largest public park in greater Paris, located at the city’s eastern edge and easily accessible by metro or bus. Parisians and tourists flock here to stroll through miles of wooded paths, glide on human-made lakes in a paddleboat or rowboat, take in summer jazz concerts in the open air or stage a lazy picnic on the vast lawns. The Bois is about three times larger than New York’s central park, and an essential space in a city that seemingly lacks green space in certain areas.
Meanwhile, the impressive medieval chateau and fortress known as the Chateau de Vincennes at the park’s edge attest to hundreds of years of royal and military history, and the neighboring town of Vincennes is also worth a visit. The two attractions are the recently reopened Parc Zoologique de Paris, a state-of-the-art zoo. The remains of a medieval castle, the Château de Vincennes, and a large garden in the park, as well as theaters and a hippodrome for those who prefer to sit back and watch the action. There are several good places to eat and drink at the Bois de Vincennes.
Practical Information
The park is free for all to visit
Boat hire: €13 for 1 hour for 1 or 2 people and €14 for 1 hour for 3 or 4 people.
The park is open 24/7
How to get there: The easiest way to get to the park is via the metro or RER
Here are some of the top Paris day trips for your Paris nature walk.
