Quiet garden guide

Square Séverine, the 20th arrondissement’s green lung and a must-visit space at Porte de Bagnolet.

Porte de Bagnolet district, in the 20th arrondissement, Square Séverine has become the neighborhood’s go-to park: a place to live, to play, to dream, to stroll...

The Hidden Square of Epinettes, a quiet park in the 17th arrondissement.

Right next to the bustling Saint-Ouen Avenue, a narrow street hides a green space that's strategically placed for the neighborhood: a tiny island amid towering concrete blocks. This is the Epinettes Square, in the eponymous 17th arrondissement.

5 gardens and parks to drop by for a picnic or a rest, near the Champs-Élysées

On a trip to Paris, especially when the weather is nice, you don’t always know where to find a pleasant spot to settle in for a while—maybe to tuck into a picnic or simply take a break before continuing on. Here’s a guide to nice places to linger for a few hours around the Champs-Élysées in Paris.

Yerevan Garden, the square on the banks of the Seine named in homage to the Armenian genocide

Along the Parisian banks of the Seine, the Erevan Garden is one of the leafy promenades featured on this charming Parisian stroll. A pleasant garden, named in memory of and in tribute to the Armenians.

The Jardin des Champs-Elysées, a mosaic of 12 historic parks along the famed avenue

From the Champs-Élysées, people mainly know the avenue, the stage for countless milestones in the history of France and Paris. Lesser known, its gardens are worth a detour and offer a greener pause around the clock.

This little-known garden, with rocky outcrops, a pond and quaint footbridges, is tucked away just a few meters from the Grand Palais.

Hidden just a stone's throw from the Grand Palais, the Jardin de la Nouvelle-France is one of those tiny corners of Paris you might walk right past without realizing it. Rocks, a basin, bridges and greenery outline an unexpectedly green interlude in the heart of the 8th arrondissement.

Square Léon Serpollet, the hidden green oasis in the heart of Paris's 18th arrondissement

Situated in the Clignancourt district, Square Léon Serpollet is one of those hidden gems locals know well. A green oasis tucked inside a very urban area, to be discovered on a particularly pleasant stroll.

The Villarceaux Estate and Its Two Castles

The Villarceaux estate, open to the public free of charge in Chaussy, Val d'Oise (95), houses two classified châteaux set in a 70-hectare park and offers, through November 2026, a program of free activities: concerts, night-time strolls, performances and nature. We went to explore the site and here’s everything.

This Pompadour-era château in the Yvelines hides a superb estate and a Japanese garden.

Few people know the Château de La Celle-Saint-Cloud, in Yvelines, which hosts a 23-hectare estate featuring a Japanese garden, contemporary sculptures, and a classified park. For Rendez-vous aux Jardins 2026, we headed out to discover this hidden historical treasure that’s well worth a stroll.

The Carmelite convent in Avon, Seine-et-Marne, unveils a free museum available on request.

In Avon, in Seine-et-Marne, the Carmes Convent hides a memorial open to the public, dedicated to Father Jacques, a Resistance figure made famous by Louis Malle. A place steeped in history that we unveil to you.

Seine-et-Marne: this Royal Garden, listed as a Remarkable Garden, unfolds its sublime rhododendrons with free admission

In Seine-et-Marne, the gardens of the Château de Fontainebleau are in full bloom this spring 2026, showcasing their rhododendron beds. A 130-hectare royal park, listed as a Remarkable Garden, free to enter—you can run, you can dash around (and you can picnic).

This flower-filled park in the Yvelines hides an arboretum, royal secrets, and has inspired Blake and Mortimer.

In Buc, in the Yvelines, the park of Haut-Buc Castle is freely accessible year-round. A pedagogical arboretum, Louis XIV’s secret child, an eccentric astronomer, and the backdrop for Blake and Mortimer: this estate has more than one story to tell. Here’s more about this superb place in full bloom, a must for tulip lovers.

Reuilly Garden transforms into a sakura paradise: cherry and apple trees in full bloom, free to enjoy in Paris

The Reuilly-Paul-Pernin Garden in the 12th arrondissement of Paris is blossoming in shades of pink as spring 2026 kicks off. Its ornamental apple trees are in full bloom, making it the perfect time to enjoy this Parisian hanami and soak in the vibrant, rosy hues of the season.

Have you heard of this award-winning garden hidden behind the Château de Vincennes?

On the east side of Paris, near the Château de Vincennes and just steps from the forest, lies a charming English-style garden that has won multiple awards for its floral displays. It's a delightful spot for a leisurely stroll, perfect to visit during sunny days and to enjoy a romantic, picturesque setting.

Did you know? This over 3-hectare hanging garden is hidden at the top of a Parisian train station.

And what if, atop Montparnasse Station, Paris concealed a lush green oasis suspended above the hustle and bustle of trains and traffic? A tranquil spot where the noise stays below and nature reclaims its space, providing city dwellers with an unexpected refuge. Welcome to the hidden green haven of the 15th arrondissement: the Jardin Atlantique.

Salomon de Rothschild Garden in Paris: a historic green oasis hidden in the heart of the 8th arrondissement

In the heart of the 8th arrondissement, away from the bustling Champs-Élysées, lies the Salomon de Rothschild Garden. This historic green oasis, lined with benches and winding paths, offers a peaceful retreat to pause and take a breath of fresh air.

A sensory garden perched on the heights of an ancient medieval city in the Île-de-France region

Perché on the heights of Pontoise, the Five Senses Garden offers a unique sensory experience amidst the historic ruins of an ancient medieval town in Val-d’Oise. This idyllic spot, with its breathtaking panoramic views along the ramparts, provides visitors with a peaceful retreat immersed in nature and history.

Stroll through the Parisian region: The Bois de la Solitude and the mysterious ruins of its castle

In Hauts-de-Seine, at Le Plessis-Robinson, the Bois de la Solitude conceals the ruins of an ancient castle. A scenic escape near Paris, blending lush nature, romantic remnants, and intriguing historical mysteries.

Have you heard of this hidden garden, a twin of the Place des Vosges, tucked inside a Paris hospital?

Craving the beauty of Place des Vosges without the crowds and the racket? Nestled in the heart of the 10th arrondissement, Hôpital Saint-Louis houses a secret garden framed by red-brick arcades. Discover this architectural gem, a true haven of timeless calm.

The Jardin du Souvenir in Paris, a place of remembrance dedicated to the victims of the attacks of November 13, 2015

In tribute to the victims of the attacks of November 13, 2015, the City of Paris inaugurated the Jardin du Souvenir on November 13, 2025, a place of remembrance located in the heart of the capital. Open to visitors since June 20, 2025 (and reopening on November 17 after the structures for the ceremony were dismantled), this garden was inaugurated on November 13 during a ceremony attended by Emmanuel Macron and the Mayor of Paris, paying tribute to those who lost their lives on that tragic day.