In Paris 19th arrondissement lays one of the most exceptional parks in the French capital: the Parc des Buttes Chaumont. All in all, it involves about 25 hectares of greenery with varied landscapes. Inaugurated in 1867, under the reign of Napoleon III, this park evolves like an English garden and has been created by engineer Jean-Charles Alphand.

It has been drawn in order to reproduce a mountain landscape and it is a success: between the rocks, the pastures, the cliffs and the waterways, we almost feel like we left Paris.

For the record, the park has been entirely designed over a poor and miserable neighborhood in 1860, it used to be gypsum quarry. At this time, Napoleon III wanted to give the local poor and peasants some greenery. Inaugurated in 1867, for the World's Fair, the Parc des Buttes Chaumont aimed at replacing a filthy and putrid place with some beautiful greenery, and it was a success.

Here, children and adults play along and explore is cave and admire the waterfall that create the charm of this park. Many Parisians enjoy this beautiful green area to relax in the sun, enjoy a picnic or work out.

Because we must say this place is a true ode to relaxation and contemplation. It’s hard to stay untouched facing the varied landscapes the Parc des Buttes Chaumont offers to its visitors. On the surface of the lake, ducks, gooses and herons rub shoulders in an environment made of lush vegetation.

If you are thirsty or look for a place to have lunch, stop by the Rosa Bonheur guinguette where fast food and refreshing drinks are served.

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Perched on the heights of the Île du Belvédère, the Temple de la Sybille attracts the eyes and gives an almost mystical dimension to this surprising park. From this spot, you can admire views on Montmartre.

We can access the island and its mysterious pavilion two ways: across the Pont des Suicidés, made of stone, and a hanging bridge made of wood created by Gustave Eiffel (yes, the very one of the Eiffel Tower).

The park opens from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. until late April, until 10 p.m. from May to late August, until 9 p.m. in September, and until 8 p.m. in October. You can enter from 1-7 rue Botzaris; 2-6b rue Manin; 55 rue de Crimée and 42 avenue Simon Bolivar.

Ready to get lost, have a picnic and lay in the sun in this gorgeous setting?