Nature
The Bois de Boulogne spans nearly 850 hectares on the western edge of Paris, more than twice the size of Central Park, and was landscaped in the 19th century under Napoleon III with lakes, cycling paths, and gardens including the Bagatelle and Jardin d'Acclimatation. Reviewers describe it as a genuinely large-scale escape from the city, well suited to a half-day or more with kids or a bike.
✨ Reasons to go
- 1At nearly 850 hectares, it covers more than twice the area of New York's Central Park
- 2Landscaped in the 19th century under Napoleon III with artificial lakes and winding paths
- 3Contains the Bagatelle rose garden and the Jardin d'Acclimatation amusement park within its grounds
💡 Good to know
- 1Rent a bike or boat on the lakes for a proper visit, it's too large to see fully on foot
- 2combine with the Bagatelle rose garden or Jardin d'Acclimatation inside the wood
- 3go with a map or GPS, it's easy to lose your bearings.
⏱️ Typical visit
1h30
🕰️ Best time
morning, lunchtime, afternoon or early evening
🚶 Walking intensity
Active — lots of walking
Address
Hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Best season



