THE PARKS AND FORESTS OF PARIS
The Parks and Forests of Île-de-France are the green lungs of France’s historic heart. This region of ancient woodlands and meticulously designed gardens offers a serene escape from the urban energy of Paris.
This landscape is a blend of royal hunting grounds, historic estates, and vast, protected natural spaces. It’s a land of peaceful walking trails, historic ruins, and diverse ecosystems waiting to be explored.
Most Popular Attractions
Parks and Gardens near Paris:
Parc de Saint-Cloud: A vast park with stunning views of Paris, beautiful fountains, and historical significance, including the ruins of a royal château.
Jardin du Luxembourg: A beloved Parisian park known for its beautiful flowerbeds, iconic Medici Fountain, and the Palais du Luxembourg.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: A unique 19th-century park with a waterfall, a grotto, and a temple on a cliff, offering a dramatic landscape.
Jardin des Tuileries: The historic garden connecting the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde, famous for its sculptures and elegant design.
Parc de la Villette: A modern park with thematic gardens, a science museum, and a concert hall, located in the northeast of Paris.
Domaine de Sceaux: A classic French garden designed by André Le Nôtre, with grand perspectives, a canal, and a formal layout.
Royal Forests & Historic Sites:
Forêt de Fontainebleau: A massive forest, once a royal hunting ground, famous for its unique rock formations, climbing opportunities, and historic château.
Forêt de Rambouillet: A large forest surrounding the Château de Rambouillet, known for its peaceful trails and diverse wildlife.
Forêt de Saint-Germain-en-Laye: The forest surrounding the royal town of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, with historic hunting lodges and walking paths.
Château de Versailles: The world-famous royal residence with its meticulously manicured gardens, Grand Canal, and the Petit Trianon.
Parc de Bagatelle: A botanical garden within the Bois de Boulogne, famous for its beautiful rose garden and an ornate château.
Domaine de Marly: A historic royal park with a grand perspective, the remnants of a royal chateau, and walking trails.
Nature Reserves & Regional Parks:
Parc naturel régional du Vexin français: A regional park on the border of Normandy with rolling hills, picturesque villages, and the meandering Seine River.
Parc naturel régional de la Haute Vallée de Chevreuse: A beautiful valley with woodlands, streams, and historic villages, popular for hiking and cycling.
Île de la Jatte: An island on the Seine River, a short distance from Paris, famous for its connection to Impressionist painters like Georges Seurat.
Réserve Naturelle Régionale de la Bassée: A protected wetland area with diverse birdlife, located in the eastern part of the region.
Forêt Domaniale de Sénart: A vast forest with well-marked trails, popular with cyclists and walkers.
Forêt de Notre-Dame: A large forest located southeast of Paris, with historic sites and a network of paths.
Forêt de Meudon: The closest major forest to Paris, popular for its walking paths and views.
Lac d’Enghien: The only natural lake in the region, a popular spot for leisure activities.
Forêt de Malmaison: A small but historically significant forest, part of the estate of Empress Josephine.
Forêt de l’Isle-Adam: A beautiful forest with walking paths and a château, located north of Paris.
Activities & Experiences
Hike in the Forêt de Fontainebleau: Explore this vast and ancient forest, famous for its sandstone boulders and winding trails. Known as the birthplace of modern bouldering, it also inspired the Barbizon School of painters.
Go Bouldering in the Forêt de Fontainebleau: Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, this forest offers thousands of unique rock formations. You can rent a crash pad and find a “circuit” to follow, which are color-coded routes of varying difficulty.
Picnic at the Parc de Sceaux: Enjoy a leisurely picnic in this magnificent park designed by André Le Nôtre, the same landscape architect behind the Gardens of Versailles. The park features manicured lawns, grand canals, and a beautiful chateau.
Cycle the Chevreuse Valley (Parc Naturel Régional de la Haute Vallée de Chevreuse): Rent a bike and ride through the scenic, rolling hills and charming villages of this regional natural park. The winding roads are popular with cyclists and offer a great escape from the city.
Explore the Château de Breteuil: Visit this enchanting chateau, also known as the “Château of Fairy Tales,” located in the Chevreuse Valley. The grounds feature scenes from famous fairy tales, making it a perfect outing for families.
Go Boating on the Grand Canal at Versailles: While the gardens are a must-see, renting a small rowboat to paddle along the Grand Canal provides a unique and tranquil perspective of the famous palace.
Attend a Theatrical Show in the Forêt de Meudon: The Forêt de Meudon sometimes hosts outdoor theatrical performances, especially during the summer. Check local listings for unique and immersive cultural experiences in a natural setting.
Visit the Île de Puteaux: This large island on the Seine River offers plenty of recreational space, including sports facilities, a park, and walking paths. It’s an easily accessible green space near La Défense.
Discover the Parc des Impressionnistes in Rueil-Malmaison: Located near the former home of Napoleon and Joséphine, this beautiful park is a tribute to the Impressionist painters who frequented the area. It features a tranquil pond and themed gardens.
Go Horseback Riding in the Forêt de Saint-Germain-en-Laye: The forest offers numerous equestrian trails. You can book a guided horseback ride to explore the vast grounds and see the former royal hunting grounds from a different perspective.
Hike the GR1 Trail: For serious hikers, portions of this long-distance walking trail run through the parks and forests of Île-de-France, offering a way to experience the region’s diverse landscapes on a multi-day trek.
Local Tips & Transport
Public Transport: Most major parks and forests are easily accessible from Paris via the RER (regional express train) or Transilien (suburban train) lines. Check the SNCF or RATP websites for the best routes. Using a Navigo Découverte pass is the most economical option if you plan to travel extensively outside the city center.
Cycling: Many parks and forests have dedicated bike paths and are well-connected to Paris by cycling routes. You can rent bikes at certain train stations or use a shared bike service, though you’ll need to check if you can take them on the train.
Car is Recommended (for some areas): While public transport gets you close, a car can be useful for exploring the more remote sections of larger forests like Fontainebleau or for visiting multiple smaller parks in a single day.
Getting to Fontainebleau: The best way to reach Fontainebleau is by taking a Transilien R train from Gare de Lyon in Paris to Fontainebleau-Avon. From there, a short bus ride or a walk will take you to the forest and the chateau.
Check Opening Hours: While most forests are open year-round, some parks and chateaux have specific opening hours, and some sections may be closed for maintenance or events. Always check the official websites before you go.
Dress in Layers: The weather in Île-de-France can change quickly. Even in summer, bring a light jacket. If you are hiking or bouldering, wear appropriate footwear.
Leave No Trace: Parks and forests in Île-de-France are well-maintained. Always pack out what you pack in, and be mindful of fire restrictions, especially during dry periods.
Embrace the Parisian Escape: Parisians flock to these parks on weekends and during holidays. If you want to avoid crowds, try to visit on a weekday or head to a less-known area. The parks are an integral part of the local culture and are where locals go to relax and exercise.
Food and Drink: While some parks have small cafés, it’s a good idea to pack your own picnic. Many local bakeries and markets sell delicious bread, cheese, and charcuterie perfect for an al fresco meal.
Hidden Gems:
- The Barbizon Village: Located on the edge of the Forêt de Fontainebleau, this quaint village was home to a famous school of landscape painters. It’s a perfect spot to wander, visit art galleries, and have a meal after a hike.
- The Forêt Domaniale de Sénart: Less famous than Fontainebleau, this forest offers a tranquil escape with excellent walking and cycling trails. It is a great spot for a quieter experience.
- Parc de l’Île Saint-Germain: This lesser-known park in Issy-les-Moulineaux, on a small island in the Seine, features a unique and giant sculpture called La Tour aux Figures by Jean Dubuffet. It’s a great spot for a walk or to let kids play on the extensive lawns.
- Parc de la Courneuve: One of the largest parks in Île-de-France, it offers a huge lake, beautiful gardens, and plenty of space for activities. It is a true local favorite for families.
Language: While English is spoken in many tourist areas, learning a few basic French phrases will enhance your experience, especially in smaller villages. A simple Bonjour (hello), Merci (thank you), and Au revoir (goodbye) will be much appreciated.
Top Restaurants
L’Auberge de la Pomme d’Or [$30-$50] – This classic French inn in the village of Samois-sur-Seine, near the Fontainebleau forest, offers traditional French cuisine in a charming, rustic setting.
Le Bistrot de la Forêt [$25-$45] – Located in the heart of the Rambouillet Forest, this cozy bistro serves hearty, traditional French fare, including game dishes in season.
Auberge de l’Étang de la Bûcherie [$35-$60] – Situated by a tranquil pond in the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Natural Park, this restaurant is known for its classic French cooking and serene atmosphere.
Le Cheval Noir [$20-$40] – A charming, family-run restaurant in the village of Dampierre, offering simple, traditional cuisine near the Château de Dampierre.
La Ferme de la Briche [$30-$50] – A farm-to-table restaurant in the Chevreuse Valley that serves dishes made with fresh, local ingredients from their own farm.
La Grignotte [$20-$35] – This unpretentious bistro in the village of Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche, on the edge of the Forêt de Marly, is a local favorite for its classic French dishes and daily specials.
Le Relais de la Forêt [$25-$45] – A traditional restaurant in the village of Vauréal, near the Vexin Français Regional Natural Park, known for its warm atmosphere and classic French brasserie food.
L’Auberge du Bon Vivant [$30-$50] – A true classic in the village of Auvers-sur-Oise, this restaurant offers traditional French dishes in a historic setting, popular with both locals and tourists.
Le Jardin des Fées [$25-$45] – Located in the village of L’Isle-Adam, this restaurant with a beautiful garden terrace is a local favorite, serving traditional French cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients.
Le Bistrot de la Place [$20-$35] – A welcoming, no-frills bistro in the village of Barbizon, famous for its association with the Barbizon School of painters, offering simple, well-prepared food.
Le Panoramique [$40-$70] – Located in the Château de Rambouillet, this restaurant offers stunning views of the surrounding forest and serves modern, refined French cuisine.
La Table des Jardins [$35-$60] – This restaurant at the Domaine de Saint-Jean de Beauregard, near the Forêt Domaniale de Saint-Jean, offers creative, seasonal dishes in a beautiful garden setting.
Le Bistrot des Artistes [$35-$60] – A popular spot in the village of Auvers-sur-Oise, this bistro offers a contemporary take on classic French cuisine in a chic, art-inspired setting.
Le Belvédère [$45-$80] – Perched on a hill overlooking the Chevreuse Valley, this restaurant offers modern, inventive dishes with a focus on local produce and a spectacular view.
Restaurant L’Ô [$50-$90] – Located in the town of Croissy-sur-Seine on the banks of the Seine River, this restaurant offers a contemporary menu and a magnificent terrace.
Le Sept [$30-$50] – A modern and lively bistro in the town of Barbizon, offering a creative twist on classic French dishes with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Le Verre à Pied [$30-$50] – This restaurant in the town of Étampes, near the Étampes Forest, is known for its inventive, modern menu and an extensive selection of natural wines.
Le Faisan Doré [$35-$60] – A charming restaurant in the town of Marly-le-Roi, near the Forêt de Marly, that serves creative French cuisine with a modern touch.
La Fontaine aux Perles [$40-$70] – This elegant restaurant in the town of L’Isle-Adam offers a sophisticated and creative menu, with beautiful presentations and a focus on seasonal ingredients.
La Table d’Hôtes [$50-$90] – This unique dining experience near the Rambouillet Forest offers a multi-course tasting menu of modern French cuisine in an intimate and exclusive setting.
Le Grand Véfour [$150-$250] – A legendary two-Michelin-starred restaurant located near the Forêt de Compiègne. The menu is a modern take on classic French haute cuisine.
L’Essentiel [$80-$130] – Located in the town of Croissy-sur-Seine, this fine dining restaurant offers a refined, seasonal menu that showcases local and organic produce.
Auberge du Jeu de Paume [$120-$180] – This Michelin-starred restaurant is situated inside the prestigious Auberge du Jeu de Paume hotel in the town of Chantilly, offering an exquisite, refined culinary experience.
La Table du Château [$90-$150] – Located in the Château de Maffliers near the Forêt de Montmorency, this restaurant offers a high-end dining experience with a focus on gastronomy and an extensive wine list.
La Table du Lys [$100-$160] – A fine dining restaurant in the town of Coye-la-Forêt, near the Château de Chantilly, known for its elegant ambiance and creative, upscale French cuisine.
Le Bistrot du Lys [$50-$80] – This more casual bistro is also located at the Château de Maffliers. It offers a quality dining experience at a more accessible price point.
Le Parc [$100-$160] – Part of the historic Château de Montvillargenne in Gouvieux, this gourmet restaurant offers a luxurious and intimate dining experience with refined French cuisine.
La Cuisine de l’Hôtel Royal Barrière [$120-$180] – A fine dining establishment in the prestigious Royal Barrière Hotel in Deauville, offering classic haute cuisine with a modern flair.
Le Saint-Germain [$150-$250] – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant in the town of Les Échos, offering a sophisticated and innovative dining experience with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
Le Château de la Forêt [$100-$160] – A high-end restaurant located in a stunning château near the Rambouillet Forest, offering a gastronomic menu in a grand and romantic setting.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Les Paillotes à Cocktails (Fontainebleau): Tucked away in the heart of Fontainebleau, this bar is celebrated for its inventive cocktail menu. Its tranquil, garden-like setting provides a perfect retreat to relax and enjoy a drink after a day exploring the forest.
L’Embarcadère (Fontainebleau): Situated by the Grand Canal, this spot offers a more upscale experience with a refined selection of cocktails and fine wines. The views of the water add to the sophisticated ambiance.
Le Délice des Fées (Fontainebleau): A quaint and rustic bar located on a quiet street, known for its friendly service and a variety of unique concoctions. It’s a true hidden gem for those seeking a more personal touch.
La Suite (Fontainebleau): This is a stylish lounge bar with a cozy, intimate setting. It’s a great place to unwind, offering a curated selection of classic and signature cocktails.
Le Bistrot de la Forêt (near Fontainebleau Forest): Located on the edge of the forest, this bar and restaurant provides a comfortable, rustic atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for a post-hike drink.
Le Verre à Pied (Fontainebleau): A popular local wine bar with a relaxed atmosphere, offering a small but well-made selection of cocktails in addition to its extensive wine list.
Le Rambolitain (Rambouillet): Found in the center of Rambouillet, this classic bar is a staple in the area. It offers a no-frills setting and a good selection of standard cocktails.
Les Colonnes (Rambouillet): A traditional French brasserie that also serves as a bar. It’s a good choice for a casual drink, especially in its location near the Château de Rambouillet.
Le Bar de la Piscine (Rambouillet): Situated in a hotel, this bar offers a relaxing, resort-like feel. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy a refreshing drink after a day of activities.
Le Saint-Hubert (near Rambouillet Forest): A charming hotel bar and restaurant with a cozy and welcoming vibe. It’s a great place to stop for a quiet drink on your way back from a walk in the forest.
L’Escapade (near Rambouillet Forest): A small, local bar with a laid-back atmosphere, popular with residents. It’s a great place to get a feel for the local life.
Le Cellier (Rambouillet): Known for its extensive wine list, this small bar also has a selection of spirits and can whip up a variety of cocktails.
Le 39 (Fontainebleau): A lively pub and club located in Fontainebleau’s city center, offering a vibrant atmosphere with a mix of commercial hits and dance music. It’s a popular spot for both students and locals.
Le New Gibus (Fontainebleau): One of the main clubs in the area, offering a more traditional nightclub experience with a DJ and a dance floor. It’s a great place to go for a night of dancing.
Le Carré (Fontainebleau): A small but energetic club known for its themed nights and varied music. It’s a good option for those looking for a fun night out without the crowds of Paris.
Le Chalet du Lac (Rambouillet): While primarily an event space, this venue near the lake occasionally hosts parties and DJ nights, especially on weekends. It’s an atmospheric spot for a dance.
Le Duplex (Rambouillet): A popular local club with a multi-level layout and different music styles on each floor. It caters to a mixed crowd and is a go-to spot for late-night dancing.
Le Pacha Club (Rambouillet): A small club known for its energetic atmosphere and a mix of mainstream and electronic music. It’s a fun and unpretentious spot for a night out.
Le Millénium (near Fontainebleau): A larger club located a short drive from Fontainebleau, offering a high-energy dance floor and a mix of popular music. It’s a favorite among younger crowds.
Le Krystal Club (near Rambouillet): Located in the outskirts of the region, this club is popular with locals looking for a big night out. It features a spacious dance floor and often hosts themed parties.
Le Club 42 (Fontainebleau): A small and intimate club in the city center. Known for its friendly atmosphere and diverse music selection, it’s a great place to meet people.
L’Escale (near Fontainebleau): A laid-back spot that transforms into a dance club on weekends. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a relaxed atmosphere that can ramp up as the night progresses.