Unusual park guide

Le Jardin Yili, the unusual Chinese garden hidden away in the Yvelines

Jardin Yili is the only privately-owned traditional Chinese garden in France. Head for Saint-Rémy-l'Honoré in the Yvelines, about 33 km from Paris, for a change of scenery. Discover this 10,000 m² green space, imbued with spirituality and tranquility, where you can discover the art of Chinese gardens and immerse yourself in a feng shui setting inspired by age-old traditions.

Yvelines: do you know this temple of love, the romantic kiosque bridge tucked away in a verdant setting?

In the Yvelines, at the heart of the Bonnelles pond nature reserve, a charming bridge-kiosk nicknamed the “Temple of Love” still bears witness to an 18th-century parc à fabriques—an elaborate garden of follies. Open to the public for discovery in 2026.

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.

The Château de Saint-Jean de Beauregard and its Remarkable Garden

The Château de Saint-Jean de Beauregard, located in Essonne in the Parc Naturel Régional de la Haute Vallée de Chevreuse, is a remarkably well-preserved 19th-century château classified as a historic monument. Visitors flock here to discover the grounds, and in particular the Potager, which has been awarded the Jardin Remarquable label.

The Parc du Chemin de l'Île: a lush 18-hectare green oasis with playgrounds in the 92 area

Craving a breath of fresh air in the heart of Nanterre (92)? With strolls along the Seine, sprawling playgrounds, and endless green spaces, everyone—from kids to adults—enjoys a day at Parc du Chemin de l’Île. This urban oasis, proudly awarded the Eve® label, is the perfect blend of relaxation, sport, and nature.

France Miniature: Behind-the-Scenes Tour and Miniature Models of the Park Featuring Small-Scale Monuments in the 78th Department

What if you went behind the scenes? To mark its 35th anniversary, France Miniature Park in Élancourt (78) invites you to an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour from April 11 to May 3, 2026. This rare opportunity offers a glimpse into the making and daily life of its miniature monuments, painstakingly crafted millimeter by millimeter.

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.

Gauthier-Mougin Departmental Park and its sculpture trail on Île Seguin now open

The Gauthier-Mougin Departmental Park and its sculpture trail will open to the public starting January 31, 2026, at the heart of Île Seguin. Covering 3.5 hectares, this outdoor open-air museum offers a unique blend of nature and art, inviting visitors to enjoy a scenic promenade amidst sculptural masterpieces.

Square René-Viviani, an unusual garden home to the oldest tree in Paris

Square René-Viviani is undoubtedly one of the most unusual parks in Paris. Located near the banks of the Seine, this garden is a green spot dotted with historical remains and offering views of Notre-Dame. It is even home to the oldest tree in Paris!

(Re)discover Royaumont Abbey, the largest Cistercian abbey in Ile-de-France

Just north of Paris, in the Val d'Oise, stands the Abbaye de Royaumont, founded in 1228 by Saint Louis and his mother Blanche de Castille. This royal abbey, the largest Cistercian abbey in the Île-de-France region, is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture. With its listed buildings, Royaumont offers a fascinating insight into French medieval history. Many events now take place on the premises, and we take you on a journey of rediscovery.

The Maison de Balzac, home of the famous writer, and its secret garden overlooking the Eiffel Tower

The Maison de Balzac, one of the famous writer's homes, is one of the capital's literary gems, located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. This house-museum also boasts an incredible garden overlooking the Eiffel Tower, as well as a café.

Jardin du Point du Jour, an unusual park classified as a Remarkable Garden in Seine-et-Marne (77)

In Verdelot, in the heart of the Petit Morin valley, lies a garden like no other: Le Point du Jour. Designated a "remarkable garden", it is one of the most unusual in the Paris region. With its perched huts, strange sculptures and plant cathedral, you're in for an out-of-the-ordinary stroll.

Discover Bagatelle Park, its rose garden and sublime gardens

The Parc de Bagatelle awaits you on the Bois de Boulogne side to let you enjoy its enchanting setting. From the Château de Bagatelle to the beautiful rose garden and vegetable patch, this is a magical garden where life is good.

Les Sables du Cul-du-Chien: an unusual desert of fine sand in the heart of the forest in Seine-et-Marne

In Noisy-sur-École, Seine-et-Marne (77), discover a beach... without water! The "sables du cul du chien", on the edge of the Fontainebleau forest, offer a nature getaway that's accessible all year round. An ideal spot for climbers, hikers and Sunday explorers!

The Musée de Cluny's medieval garden: a bucolic journey back in time to the heart of the Middle Ages

In the heart of the Latin Quarter, behind the Musée de Cluny dedicated to the Middle Ages, nestles a pretty, bucolic garden accessible to all, with a view of the ruins: the Jardin Médiéval du Musée de Cluny.

The Musée Albert-Kahn and its garden, an exceptional green setting at the gateway to Paris

The Musée Albert Kahn, with its sublime gardens, is a must-see. Imagined as a scenic garden, this 4-hectare space features a magnificent Japanese garden and village, an English garden, a French garden and forests and meadows. A complete change of scenery.

The Jardin Alpin at the Jardin des Plantes, a lovely hidden garden to discover

The Jardin des Plantes conceals a magnificent alpine garden. Located between the Grandes Serres and the Menagerie, this garden, which has no entrance doors, is accessible via a hidden underground passage. Here you can discover the rock gardens and wild mountain plants. It's a haven of peace to be (re)discovered all year round.

The Jardin d'Agronomie Tropicale, a hidden garden of exotic treasures

Do you know the Jardin d'Agronomie Tropicale René-Dumont? This exotic place steeped in history, hidden away in the Bois de Vincennes? We'll take you on a tour of this unusual garden with its many exotic treasures.

The Hangar Y's contemporary open-air exhibition is back! An artistic stroll in the green

The Hangar Y, which conceals a 10-hectare natural area planted with trees, offers a year-round open-air art walk, free on weekdays and €3 with access to the Hangar on weekends. Since April 28, 2025, new works have been added to the circuit. From Erwin Wurm and Lionel Sabatte to Pauline Tralongo and Odile Decq, it's time for an unusual, unplugged stroll through the heart of the Hauts-de-Seine.

The Butterfly Garden, an unusual stroll through a Parc Floral greenhouse back in 2025

The Butterfly Garden returns to the Parc Floral de Paris. Join us from June 2 to September 30, 2025 for a magical stroll through an enchanted greenhouse, where you'll be surrounded by these shimmering butterflies!