10 Ideas for outdoor outings: extend your vacation in Paris
School starts again soon ! And in the hustle and bustle of daily life, especially after returning from vacation, it is essential to find moments to recharge your batteries and relax outdoors. Paris, a city rich in history and culture, offers an impressive variety of green spaces and activities of all kinds. This allows you to escape from city life and extend your vacation a little. Whether you want to stroll through peaceful gardens, stroll along the banks of the Seine or explore hidden corners.
Paris is full of opportunities to enjoy nature in the heart of the city. Come and discover our 10 ideas for outdoor outings to extend your vacation.
The emblematic gardens of Paris
Tuileries garden
The Jardin des Tuileries, located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, is an oasis of tranquility in the heart of the city. Its tree-lined paths, carefully landscaped flower beds and soothing ponds have made it a popular retreat for centuries. The green chairs lined up along the paths invite moments of contemplation. While striking sculptures, including works by renowned masters, spark artistic inspiration. Stroll under the shade, observe the birds lounging near the ponds. Or simply sit back and let yourself be carried away by the enchanting atmosphere of this iconic garden.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, nestled in the Belleville district, is a natural gem that surprises with its reliefs and its bucolic charm. The main feature of the park is its small lake overlooked by a small island crowned with a temple. If you climb to the top, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. Up there, you can lie down on the grass for a picnic, for example, or simply for a walk. The winding trails also provide excellent short hiking opportunities for those looking to explore more.
Montsouris Park
Parc Montsouris, located in the 14th arrondissement, is an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. This peaceful park is above all famous for its lake where ducks strut. It is possible to rent boats there for a romantic experience. The winding paths through the trees and flower beds therefore provide an ideal setting for a relaxing walk or a revitalizing jogging session. Bird watchers will be delighted with the variety of birds that frequent the park. Which also makes it a great place to spot wildlife.
These iconic Paris gardens are much more than just green spaces. Above all, they are refuges of peace where you can relax, reconnect with nature and let yourself be carried away by the beauty of the environment. Take advantage of the multiple activities they offer and discover the unique charm of each of these places.
Parisian walks: Outings by the water
The Saint-Martin Canal
The Canal Saint-Martin, epicenter of Paris' bohemian atmosphere, reveals a unique urban charm. Lined with trees and old buildings with colorful facades, the canal reflects a romantic and authentic atmosphere. The locks that punctuate its route offer a captivating spectacle when boats pass through them. It almost feels like we’re in Venice ;). The quays are very lively, a veritable theater of teeming social life. With cafes, art galleries and vintage shops contributing to the neighborhood's atmosphere. Walking along the Canal Saint-Martin is an experience of total disconnection. Where the peaceful rhythm of water transports you outside of Paris and invites you to contemplation.
During your visit to the Canal Saint-Martin, there are numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. You can stroll along the banks, stopping to admire the colorful barges and charming bridges. Or opt for a picnic by the water. Explore the small local shops and art galleries that dot the adjacent streets, where you might just find some quirky and unique treasures. The Canal Saint-Martin embodies the essence of a gentle and peaceful life in the heart of the city.
The banks of the Seine
The developed banks of the Seine offer a truly unique experience of Paris. Along this river, the banks have become walking areas ideal for relaxation and contemplation. The quays offer magnificent views of the emblematic monuments of Paris, creating a picturesque setting for your walks. Sitting by the water with a book, enjoying a meditation session or simply admiring the constant flow of the river provides an escape from the urban hustle and bustle.
These banks provide an ideal space to stroll along the shore, let your thoughts wander and absorb the calming energy of the water. Relaxation and contemplation activities are in the spotlight, inviting you to immerse yourself in a moment of tranquility in the heart of the bustling capital.
The secret gardens of Paris for sunny outings
Square du Vert-Galant
Nestled at the end of the Île de la Cité, the Square du Vert-Galant is a romantic haven of peace that invites contemplation. This garden, named after Henri IV, extends on a terrace above the Seine, offering a breathtaking view of the river and the surrounding bridges. The intimate atmosphere of this space makes it an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Benches hidden under the trees provide perfect nooks and crannies to enjoy a moment of tranquility. Visitors can indulge in meditation or simply lose themselves in the calm beauty of the river landscape. The Square du Vert-Galant, with its discreet charm, reveals a secret corner of Paris where you can find a welcome break in the open air.
Catherine-Labouré Garden
Set back from the bustle of Montparnasse, the Catherine-Labouré Garden is a little-known gem that deserves to be discovered. This small garden, surrounded by walls, invites calm and contemplation. Home to a variety of carefully tended plant species, this enchanting place is an ode to nature in the heart of the city. The shaded paths offer refuge for those seeking serene moments. The scattered benches invite you to sit down and reconnect with the plant world around you. Take the time to observe the plants in flower, the leaves dancing in the wind, and enjoy the soothing atmosphere that the Catherine-Labouré Garden offers visitors.
These secret and hidden gardens are like timeless corners where nature and tranquility come together harmoniously. By exploring these discreet oases, you will discover another side of Paris. This will allow you to recharge your batteries and marvel at the hidden beauty of the city.
The great outdoors
Villette Park
The Parc de la Villette, located in the north-east of Paris, an unusual place that combines nature and culture. Vast and diverse, this park offers spacious meadows, themed gardens and a multitude of cultural attractions. Open lawns invite relaxing moments outdoors, while contemporary art installations add a creative touch to the environment. Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the canals or explore the different themed pavilions. Parc de la Villette also hosts cultural events and festivals, offering a dynamic experience where nature and art merge. Take the time to appreciate the unique fusion of nature and culture in this park far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Paris floral park
The Parc Floral de Paris, located in the Bois de Vincennes, is a plant paradise that delights nature lovers. Divided into thematic areas, this park offers a variety of landscaped gardens, each reflecting unique atmospheres. From Japanese gardens to exotic greenhouses, including peaceful ponds, every corner is an invitation to discovery. Walks through the flowered avenues allow you to admire the magnificent flora and observe the fauna which finds refuge there. Take your time to stroll around, marvel at the flowers in full bloom and let yourself be transported into fascinating botanical worlds.
Palace of Versailles: A royal escape
This historic treasure offers an outdoor experience blending history, architecture and the beauty of the royal gardens. You will be dazzled by the architectural grandeur of the palace. Explore the sumptuously decorated rooms, from the royal apartments to the famous Halls of Mirrors. But that's not all: the gardens surrounding the castle are a true masterpiece. It's worth a look! You will also be able to witness the grandiose spectacle of the Grandes Eaux Musicales, where the fountains come alive to the sound of classical music, creating a captivating experience. The Palace of Versailles offers a full day of outdoor exploration, where history and nature come together to create a great experience. However, I do not recommend this place on weekends. Especially if you want to escape the Parisian tumult.
And now you know where to extend your vacation for this month of September which promises to be sunny. Don’t hesitate to tell us your favorite places in the comments! See you next week, see you Quarkos ;)
