You don’t have to head to Brittany or the other side of the world to take a walk on an island! You can do it right in Paris, too, especially in the capital’s two largest green spaces: the Bois de Boulogne (in the 16th arrondissement) and the Bois de Vincennes (in the 12th arrondissement). While the islands on the Lower Lake in the Bois de Boulogne are only accessible by river shuttle and one of them is closed to visitors, the islands on Lac Daumesnil are fully accessible.
Head to Lac Daumesnil, at the entrance to Bois de Vincennes (on the Porte Dorée side), to explore Île de Bercy and Île de Reuilly on foot or by bike. Both are artificial islands, created when Lac Daumesnil was landscaped in the 1860s: first, a bridge from Promenade Maurice-Boitel leads to Île de Reuilly, and another footbridge connects it to Île de Bercy.
One of the most iconic landmarks on Lac Daumesnil, an almost identical replica of the Temple of the Sibyl (perched atop the rock in Parc des Buttes-Chaumont), is also located on Île de Reuilly. Also on the island, a grotto and an artificial waterfall were created by architect Gabriel Davioud (according to Wikipedia).
On Bercy Island, remarkable trees take center stage. The island is home to several species of century-old trees, including a Virginia tulip tree and a bald cypress, which turn beautiful shades of orange and bright red once autumn arrives.
The islands are small and, unsurprisingly, uninhabited: the only structure on them is a Swiss chalet, bought for the 1867 Universal Exhibition and now converted into a restaurant. The islands can be reached by rowboat, though boats cannot be moored alongside them. They make for a lovely surprise in the heart of Lake Daumesnil, already popular with Parisians and visitors alike: the islands offer a change of scenery, a touch of magic of the kind that only some of the capital’s hidden gems can conjure up.
As a family, with a stroller or with someone with reduced mobility, the islands are fully accessible (the cave on Reuilly Island can be seen, but the path is rougher).
You can reach the islands in Lake Daumesnil by public transport: take Metro line 8 to Porte Dorée or Liberté, or tram T3a to Porte Dorée. The islands are also accessible by bike, and there’s a Vélib’ station nearby.
Enjoy your walk!
This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.
Dates and Opening Time
From October 30, 2026 to December 31, 2029
Location
ile de reuilly
75012 Paris 12
Route planner
Official website
www.paris.fr
