Bois de Vincennes

Overview

Located on the eastern edge of Paris, the Bois de Vincennes is the city's largest public park. Covering nearly 1,000 hectares, this sprawling former royal hunting ground offers a magnificent mix of dense forest, manicured gardens, and major cultural attractions.

Highlights

• Parc Floral de Paris: A spectacular botanical garden within the woods, famous for its massive spring tulip displays and summer jazz concerts.
• Château de Vincennes: A massive, perfectly preserved 14th-century royal fortress featuring the tallest medieval keep in Europe.
• Lac Daumesnil: A romantic, winding lake where you can row boats around two beautiful, connected islands.

History

Like the Bois de Boulogne to the west, Vincennes was historically a walled royal hunting ground accessible only to the French monarchy. In 1860, Emperor Napoleon III ceded it to the city of Paris, commissioning Baron Haussmann to transform it into a massive public recreation space for the working classes of eastern Paris.

Visitor Tips

• Orientation: It is incredibly vast. Decide if you want to visit the Chateau, the Zoo, or the gardens before you arrive, as walking between them takes significant time.
• Biking: Renting a bike is highly recommended to explore the endless, flat wooded trails.
• Duration: 2–4 hours, depending on the chosen activities.