On Paris’s eastern edge, Bois de Vincennes is a vast wooded park for long walks, jogging, cycling, picnics and time by the water. Its lakes, gardens and shaded paths give you room to choose a quiet stroll or a day built around specific stops. On Lake Daumesnil, look for the kiosk and grotto on Reuilly Island; boat rentals are available on the lake. The park also contains Parc Floral, a zoo, an amusement park and the Château de Vincennes, a medieval fortress beside the grounds.
From royal hunting grounds to public park
The woods on Paris’s eastern edge have a history that reaches back to the 13th century, when Philippe Auguste established a hunting preserve near the Château de Vincennes. The château was once regarded as Europe’s largest. Louis XV made the grounds a public park in 1731, and the area was later landscaped under Napoléon III and Baron Haussmann.
The château remains one of the park’s defining landmarks. Its medieval fortress and moat sit at the edge of the grounds, close to Parc Floral. You can make the castle part of a walk through the park or focus your visit on the wooded paths and gardens.
Lakes, islands and gardens
Several lakes break up the wooded landscape. Lake Daumesnil is a good place to slow down: Reuilly Island has a kiosk and a grotto, and boat rentals are available on the lake. Pack something to eat if you want to pause for a picnic by the water.
Parc Floral brings together flower gardens, water gardens and smaller Asian-style gardens. It also has large play areas for children, and summer brings jazz and classical concerts. The park has an English-style landscape garden as well as an arboretum and greenhouses, so a visit can include more than a walk among the trees.
Choosing a route and other stops
Bois de Vincennes is large enough to suit different kinds of outings. Joggers, cyclists and people walking dogs use its paths, while visitors looking for a slower day can choose a lakeside stroll or a picnic. The zoo and amusement park add separate destinations within the grounds, and the Vincennes Hippodrome hosts horse races.
You can reach the park by public transport, including Metro line 1 to Château de Vincennes and RER line A to Nogent-sur-Marne. If you are heading to a particular attraction, plan your walk around that stop; otherwise, explore beyond the busiest areas to find quieter corners. Weekday mornings are a practical choice if you want to steer clear of crowds near the zoo or amusement park.
Perguntas frequentes
How do you get to Bois de Vincennes?
Take Metro line 1 to Château de Vincennes or RER line A to Nogent-sur-Marne.
Can you rent boats at Bois de Vincennes?
Boat rentals are available on Lake Daumesnil.
What can you visit in Bois de Vincennes?
The park includes Parc Floral, a zoo, an amusement park, lakes and the Château de Vincennes.
When is a good time to visit?
Try a weekday or early morning to avoid busier areas near the zoo and amusement park.
