9 Best Outdoor Spaces In Paris

In Paris there are countless museums, exhibits, and cathedrals to see and explore. But after all of that, sometimes it’s nice to just take some time outdoors and rest before hitting up the next top tourist site.

1. La Coulée Verte

Sarah Eguchi

Paris’ version of New York’s Highline— also an abandoned railroad track that has now become a public space that goes for a few miles around a loop. You’ll find people jogging, sitting on benches, and simply enjoying the view of the city from above.

2. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

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Large grassy hills are dotted with people having picnics during lunch. Take a stroll to find the hidden waterfall or hike up to a scenic point where you can see as far at Sacre Cœur!

3. Rue Crémieux

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A street of colorful houses evokes almost a beachy vibe in the middle of the city.

(Beware when visiting, this is a residential area, loitering is not appreciated!)

4. Cimetière du Père Lachaise

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This cemetery is the largest green expanse in Paris— where tombstones are small structures often adorned with stained glass windows. Here you can find thousands of passed Parisians including Oscar Wilde among others.

5. Canal Saint Martin

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Amsterdam is not the only city in Europe that has beautiful canals, Paris has its very own— the Canal Saint Martin. It’s wide enough for boats to pass through for a day excursion, and its banks are usually marked with visitors and locals alike, enjoying the view.

6. Parc Montsouris

Franc Escobedo

A beautiful park for a morning jog, very family friendly, lots of benches to enjoy the peace and quiet and read a book.

7. Jardin des Plantes

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Rows and rows of gardens and home to the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle and a zoo, the Jardin des Plantes is a beautiful place to take a stroll and to stop and smell the flower

8. Jardin du Luxembourg

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Exquisitely trimmed trees and a beautiful lawn provide the perfect space for a nap in the park or a picnic with friends. There is even a fountain pond where children rent toy sailboats to push around and it becomes a frenzy of boats on international waters.

9. La Seine

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And finally, the most famous river in Paris, the River Seine. Home to the Paris Plages in the summer months, and often the venue for local bands to perform in the evening, the River Seine is always a wonderful place to find yourself and also a great landmark to help you find your way through the city!