Bois de Vincennes
Bois de Vincennes is a large and beautiful park designed in a very English style located on the outskirts of Paris near the town of Vincennes
The 12th arrondissement of Paris is home to the Bois de Vincennes, a park of monumental proportions. This lovely greenspace is designed in an English style. It is situated on the outskirts of Paris near the town of Vincennes. The contrast between the concrete of urban living and the lush greens of the Bois de Vincennes is striking. It is easy to see why so many travellers and Parisians alike can while away so many hours here.
The Bois de Vincennes spans over a huge area of land covering almost two thousand five hundred acres. In order to help you to imagine just how large this is, it is approximately four times the size of London's famous Hyde Park. Initially used as a royal hunting ground the land was later used as a French army training area. The Bois de Vincennes was opened to the public in 1860 and continues to draw many French and foreign visitors every day.
There is a total of 4 lakes within the boundaries of the Bois de Vincennes. One of these lakes the Lac de Saint-Mande is the only natural lake out of the four. It is situated in the northwest region of the park ,the other three lakes are man made with different visions in mind. Lac Daumesnil was made for romance. The setting is a beautiful, tranquil place located in the western region next to the zoo. Lac de Gravelle in the southwest is the smallest and Lac des Minimes in the northwest section was named after the monastery whose land it was dug from. A few historical ruins are all that's left of the religious building. Some major attractions we like to mention are the world class Paris Zoo, which reopened in October 2014 after extensive upgrades dividing the zoo into environmental zones that matching the habitat of the animals and providing them a comfortable, stress free home.
The Bois de Vincennes is the perfect setting for an enjoyable day out when in Paris with many activities to partake in. Take a walk to the northern end of the park and see at the Chateau that was a second home to a number of kings of France in the 14th century. Pay a visit to the outstanding zoo situated within the grounds of the park or simply relax and enjoy nature and the scenery in the park. No matter what you choose to do, you will not be disappointed.
If you are visiting the zoo it is open year round from 10am-5pm during the Winter season and from 9:30am-6pm (7:30pm on weekends) during the Summer season.
Nearby attractions: Château de Vincennes and Palais de la Porte Doree - (Tropical Aquarium)
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoBois de Vincennes Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: Rte de la Pyramide, 75012 Paris, France
Phone: 01 49 57 15 15
Official Website: Bois de Vincennes
Bois de Vincennes Reviews
Rated out of 5
This beautiful and deceptively big green space is definitely one of the "lungs" of Paris. I've been exploring this wooded forest but really didn't stop to breathe and admire its enormity and what it contributes to this city. There are tracks for all, joggers, dogs, horses, walkers, etcetera. There's so much to discover here if you have the stamina and adventurous spirit to explore beyond the beaten tracks. My favourite spot is the kiosk and grotto on Reuilly Island in Lake Daumesnil (la grotte de l'île de Reuilly du lac Daumesnil). The walk through this green space took us from Nogent-sur-Marne to Vincennes and it's flat ground all the way. Be aware that the tracks get muddy in cooler months but dogs love it. It's accessible from the heart of Paris by taking RER line A to Nogent-sur-Marne and short walk to the beginning of the park at Jardin d'Agronomie Tropicale de Paris or take Metro 1 to Château de Vincennes and walk towards Nogent-sur-Marne via many tracks at Bois de Vincennes. It's definitely worth exploring.
Antoine - a week ago
😍Bois de Vincennes Park is a beautiful and peaceful escape from the city. Perfect for long walks, picnics, and enjoying nature one of my favorite places in Paris 😍
Lijo Madampil - a month ago
Such a hidden gem in Paris! I really recommend to visit this beatiful and romantic place. You can walk through the garden, or you can rent a boat. (The cost is only 14,5 eur for 2 people, for 1 hour, but have +20 eur with you for the deposit. You will get it back in the end)
Csenge Szabó - 4 months ago
It is really, really recommended to visit the place, a huge, beautiful forest, one of the most amazing places in the Paris area.
A large lake that stretches the length of the forest, beautiful and rich vegetation that creates an amazing atmosphere.
Fun for running and also just sitting and walking around,
!You should definitely come
Tamir Caspi - 2 months ago
Great place to go for a walk. So chill place without the hustle and bustle of the city, just surrounded by nature. Pavements were in good shape, so even wheelchair/walker users can experience this trail.
Bartłomiej Wypych - 5 months ago
Directions
| Metro / RER Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| M1 | Château de Vincennes | 4 minutes |
| M8 | Porte Dorée | 2 minutes |
| RER-A | Nogent-sur-Marne | 5 minutes |
How to get to Bois de Vincennes by Metro / RER
By Metro: From Metro Line 1 exit at Château de Vincennes Station via Cote Château de Vincennes and walk south past the Château into the park.
From Metro Line 8 exit at Porte Dorée Station via Boulevard Poniatowsky and walk southeast along Edourd Renard Place into the park. This exit is best for Lac Daumesnil.
By RER-A: exit at Nogent-sur-Marne Station and walk north past the bus loop to Avenue Georges Clemenceau and go left to the paths leading in to the park (both about 5 minutes).
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Bois de Vincennes:
Photo Gallery
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Boaters enjoying a beautiful afternoon on Daumesnil lake in the Bois de Vincennes cc licensed photo by Edhral -
Photo Credit: Daniel_Hache - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: bortescristian - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: bortescristian - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: bortescristian - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: bortescristian - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: bortescristian - cc license via Flickr -
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Photo Credit: bortescristian - cc license via Flickr -
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Photo Credit: tongeron91 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: bortescristian - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: bortescristian - cc license via Flickr
