Montfermeil Arboretum: An Unconventional Natural Retreat in Seine-Saint-Denis

In Seine-Saint-Denis, the Montfermeil municipal arboretum stretches over 11 hectares of greenery, featuring a unique botanical trail, open to visitors free of charge year-round. It's a perfect nature getaway to the east of Paris, especially during this sunny season.

In Seine-Saint-Denis (93), the Montfermeil Arboretum stands out as a delightful surprise for those looking to escape Paris without venturing too far. Located at the end of the tramway T4, this 11-hectare park is open to the public free of charge, year-round, offering a rare botanical walk that’s hard to find so close to the capital. Visitors can discover nearly 160 varieties of trees and shrubs, a historic château listed as a Monument Historique, a lively water body alive with local fauna... and a few Victorian-era anecdotes that are sure to bring a smile.

What can you see at the Montfermeil Arboretum?

The park descends from the Château des Cèdres, a 17th-century building famed for its wrought-iron staircase railing, considered one of the finest Louis XIV ensembles in the region, down to a water body below. It’s common to see ducks, herons, and swans gliding across the surface throughout the seasons. Between the two, a disused concrete path winds in sweeping loops over a 35-meter elevation change, accessible even for wheelchair users, and passes through a lush botanical collection: Mandong nut trees, cherry trees, ginkgo biloba trees dating back 300 million years, and much more.

Exhibits are arranged on benches called cairns, organized according to the theme of the Gallery of Evolution. The tour starts beside the water, symbolizing the origins of life, then climbs along the wooded slopes to finish in the Chromatic Gardens, which showcase human influence on nature. Throughout the path, twenty-nine interpretation panels allow each plant to tell its own story. For those eager to explore further, the Friends of the Montfermeil Arboretum Park (AAPAM) offer botanical tours on Saturday mornings, open to everyone.

Victor Hugo, Jean Valjean, and a Bear in Bondy Forest

That's when the walk takes an unexpected turn. Just a few meters from the arboretum, you'll find the fountain believed to have inspired Victor Hugo's depiction of the encounter between Cosette and Jean Valjean in Les Misérables. Conveniently, it's located at Place Jean Valjean. Hugo is said to have started writing the novel in 1845 during a stay in Montfermeil — no wonder the neighborhood has such a rich history.

If you still have energy upon your return, there's nothing stopping you from getting off one stop earlier on the T4 at Clichy-Montfermeil, and slipping into the nearby Bondy Forest. That's the very place where Hugo supposedly claimed to have seen... a bear. A bit of a tall tale, Victor?

What events and activities are scheduled throughout the year?

The arboretum isn’t just a peaceful place for strolling. Each year, it plays host to a variety of events: the Heart Walks, the Sound and Light Show projected onto the façade of Château des Cèdres, the Montfermeil Art Festival, and the local celebration M'ta fête. A dedicated play area for children has been set up in the Chromatic Gardens, and for sports enthusiasts, an Arbosports zone featuring outdoor fitness equipment completes the recreational offerings. In May and June 2026, the park joins the broader celebration of the Festival of Nature (from May 20 to 25) and the Garden Rendez-Vous in Seine-Saint-Denis (June 5-7, 2026).

The arboretum is easily accessible via the T4 tram line, with the stop at Arboretum. There is also a parking lot on Rue de l'Église for visitors arriving by car. Entrance points are located on Rue de l'Église and Boulevard de l'Europe. Access is free and open to all, year-round. For more information, visit the City of Montfermeil website.

Our opinion: a relaxed escape into nature, infused with just the right amount of culture and anecdotes to turn a simple walk among the trees into a richer experience. It’s perfect for curious kids as well as outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore a bit off the beaten path.

Other spots to check out in the area:

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