Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is one of Paris's hidden gems, not so well known by tourists, but loved by locals
There are many great parks scattered throughout Paris but none is quite like Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. This park owes its uniqueness to an original thinking designer Baron Haussmann who designed the entire park with the aid of Adolphe Alphand, a well known landscape architect.
The area where the park now sits was an area that few visited, it was in fact originally an area reserved strictly for the execution of criminals and then at a later stage in its history it became a limestone quarry as well as a public dump. These facts alone make the park a prime example of how easily land that has been used for industrial purposes can be converted into something that is good for the public.
It was Napoleon the Third who decided that it should be converted into a park for the enjoyment of the working class in that area. The park is especially distinctive because the entire park is actually situated on a rocky outcrop that yields the best views of the city of Paris and is therefore one of Parisians' favourite parks to stroll through or just spend time relaxing in.
In designing the park the Baron Haussmann decided on some very radical and revolutionary design techniques. For example, he decided to use dynamite as a sculpting and land shaping technique with some very dramatic and interesting results. The park features a 32 metre waterfall and on top of the cliff is a small temple inspired by the Roman temple to the goddess Sybil.
The park, which stretches for 24 hectares features a both a suspension bridge and a slightly notorious suicide bridge over thirty feet above the ground. There is an accumulated total of around five kilometres worth of walkways and paths to guide you through the beautiful gardens located around the park. There is even a little grotto. All of these features combine to make the park the third largest built this way in Paris. The park is quite easy to get to and there are in fact two Metro entrances leading to the park, namely Botzaris and Buttes Chaumont. There are also a number of exotic species of tree, many of them Asian, such as the Himalayan Cedars, Byzantine Hazelnuts and Siberian elms, to name but a few.
Nearby attraction: Canal Saint Martin
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoParc des Buttes-Chaumont Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Address: 75019 Paris, France
Official Website: Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont Reviews
Rated out of 5
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a truly wonderful and vast park. It is the best place in the heart of Paris to enjoy nature and peace. If you're looking to spend a day away from the city's hustle and bustle, this park is the perfect choice.
Suitable for Everyone
The best part of this park is that it is suitable for everyone from the young to the old.
There are dedicated areas for play and leisure for young children.
The spacious pathways are ideal for both walking and general exercise.
This is a wonderful place to come with family or friends to relax and spend time together.
Natural Beauty
This park is a must-visit for nature lovers. The greenery, silence, and picturesque views are truly calming.
The beautiful bridge and small water reservoirs (or small waterfalls/lakes) further enhance the park's beauty.
Basic Amenities
For your convenience, all basic facilities are neatly maintained in the park
There are plenty of seats throughout the park for resting.Drinking water facilities and toilet facilities are available.
Overall, this is a very peaceful and beautiful place. If you want a unique experience in Paris, you should definitely visit Parc des Buttes-Chaumont!
Kopishankar - 8 months ago
We came here recently as we hadn't been here in years. I used to run here once a week before as it has a great running space especially if you are looking for d+ in Paris. There were so many dogs here on the day we visited which was super nice. Lots of little paths to take you off to different trails.
Brid - 4 months ago
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is unlike any other park we’ve visited in Paris, and it’s absolutely worth going out of your way to experience.
What makes it special is how un-Parisian it feels in the best possible way. The hills, winding paths, and dramatic overlooks create a sense of scale and movement you don’t find in the more formal, centrally located parks. Instead of perfectly manicured lawns and rigid symmetry, this park feels natural, rugged, and alive.
The elevation changes alone make it memorable. Walking up and down the paths feels more like a true nature walk than a stroll through a city park, and the views from the higher points are genuinely rewarding. It’s a place where you can slow down, wander, and forget you’re in a dense urban environment.
If you’re looking for something different from the classic Paris park experience, or if you want a bit of nature without leaving the city, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is an excellent choice. One of the most refreshing and distinctive green spaces in Paris.
Yury Berson - 4 months ago
Located more north in Paris, you'll find a serene and residential park that's perfect for joggers, pet owners, hikers... I wanted to escape from the hustle and bustle of central Paris and I knew this park would be peaceful. I loved it, absolutely recommend taking the metro to get here. There is a cliff with a gazebo and the path to it was closed off but from the bottom, you can a fantastic view of it and the lake.
C Pan - 8 months ago
My most adorable city park, it’s really huge with abundance of breathtaking views and picnic spots. The lake with the ducks , the waterfalls and kids playgrounds. The only downsides are the ubiquitous joggers, few public toilets and only a few vending stations for water and coffee. The place is very clean and those multi-century trees are just amazing
anna koval - 9 months ago
Directions
| Metro / RER Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| M7 + M7 bis | Buttes Chaumont | 0 minutes |
| M5 | Laumière | 5 minutes |
| M11 | Pyrénées | 6 minutes |
How to get to Parc des Buttes-Chaumont by Metro / RER
By Metro: Via Metro Line 7 go to Louis Blanc Station and transfer to the M7bis to Buttes Chaumont Station. The park entrance is just ahead of the exit on your right. Via Metro Line 5 go to Laumière Station; exit and walk straight south along Avenue de Laumière to the park entrance. Via Metro Line 11 ride to Pyrénées Station; exit onto Avenue Simon Bolivar and follow it north west to the park gate.
Map & Instant Route Finder
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Accommodations near Parc des Buttes-Chaumont:
Photo Gallery
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Enjoying the view from Parc des Buttes-Chaumont cc licensed photo by Os Rúpias -
Photo Credit: Yssso - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: C. B. Campbell - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: C. B. Campbell - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Sjaak Kempe - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: C. B. Campbell - cc license via Flickr
