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 – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Address: 75019 Paris, France
Official Website: Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont Reviews
Rated out of 5
I spent my final afternoon in Paris exploring this lovely park in the outer districts. It was a great afternoon and it's a really well laid out city park, with fairly nice perches and views. Unfortunately, the construction and repairs spoiled some of the experience, along with not the best weather. But I am glad I went, it was nice to see another slice of life with families picnicking, runners jogging, and others just meandering to a calmer pace than central Paris.
Saminda Wijegunawardena - a month ago
One of the most beautiful parks in Paris. It has everything, a pond with ducks , small hill and really good ice cream shop. Just loved my time here
Amruta Nandargi - in the last week
Beautiful park, despite the renovation and restoration work. Beautiful slopes to sit on and stare at the skyline - stunning sunsets. Lots of birds and ducks. Quiet place, good for a walk, a picnic, a run.
Bianca Ghose - 2 weeks ago
The most beautiful park I have been to in paris. With streams, waterfalls and most beautiful structure at the top of a cliff. That admittedly you can’t access, but you can watch from the bottom with a hot chocolate in your hand.
Lateesha-Marie Tyler - a month ago
This is a lovely park with some wonderful views of Paris from the top of its hills. Unfortunately, as it was built on the remains of a gypsum quarrie then covered in concrete, there has been a lot of erosion and large parts of the park and its features are closed whilst they are stabilized and repaired. Still lovely to wander through the open paths.
G Mac - 2 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.
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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: Sjaak Kempe - cc license via Flickr
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