Top Eight: Must Visit Parks/Green Spots in Paris

For my newest spring Top Eight list, I wanted to highlight must see green spaces (big and small) in the city that you might not know about! Several of the most obvious, large, and most famous parks are consistently on Paris blogs and “must-visit” lists, but are crowded in peak times and it can feel like the whole city is there with you. I also love Place des Voges, Jardin Luxembourg, Parc Monceau, and the Tuileries but these are definitely not “hidden gems.” Here are eight of my favorite cool places that are kid friendly, unique, and not overrun. They are frequented by locals and boast amazing greenery/water features.

#1 - Jardin Catherine Labouré (6th/7th)

I love this walled-in park right near Le Bon Marché on the border of the 6th and 7th arrondissements. You would miss it just walking by, but it has a great playground and many paths throughout with pretty trees and vine-covered trellises.

#2 - Square de la Roquette (11th)

I adore this super cool park in the 11th, it has a giant outdoor gym and sport court and one of the best larger playgrounds in the city. Tall slide situation and fully enclosed in sand; a mom’s nightmare but a child’s dream! there is also a dog area in the front of the park and several winding path throughout with amazing greenery.

#3 - Jardin du Ranelagh (16th)

A large park on the edge of the 16th, I discovered this one day heading to one of my favorite museums, the Marmottan Monet. This has several huge grassy areas, playgrounds, swings, and a nicer enclosed child sized football pitch. Biking trails are throughout and is very pedestrian friendly to traverse its size. Accessible from metro line 9.

#4 - Parc André Citroën (15th)

In the 15th arrondissement along the river, there is this amazing park with a huge grassy area, the famous hot air balloon, and gorgeous small nooks throughout with benches and seasonal foliage. Large manicured gravel paths are throughout and is easily accessible from metro line 10 and the RER C.

#5 - Place Emile Mâle (5th)

Would you like an amazing playground, an amphitheater, and ponds? Then this park is your place! Located in the 5th near the Grande Mosque, it is a hilly wonderland of paths and fun features. My kids love the giant rope spider-web climbing structure and it is surrounded by really pretty Parisian buildings. Accessible from metro line 10.

#6 - Square Henri Galli (4th)

This literal triangular mini park is right off the river in the 4th near Pont Sully and boasts a really amazing tall slide for the kiddos. It has a few ping pong tables and benches but I love it for the views and central location as a stop-off from post-breakfast in Saint Paul or on a walk from the river.

#7 - Parc Georges Brassens (15th)

Another beautiful, large park at the bottom of the 15th and borders the 14th, this cool one has amazing trails, ponds and playgrounds. Highly recommend the used book fair on the weekends here and I love all the statues!

#8 - Square du Temple - Elie Wiesel (3rd)

Likely the most “known” on this list but still seems like only locals know about it. This lovely park in the Marais is gorgeous, has a great playground, and features a lot of benches in prime locations for soaking up the sun and enjoying your lunch.