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 – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Thursday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Address: 75019 Paris, France
Official Website: Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont Reviews
Rated out of 5
I’ve always loved the parks in Paris. They are always well-maintained and by far the prettiest parks of all European cities. But did I just stumble on mother?! It’s amazing!!!! I’m happy it wasn’t too crowded. A real hidden gem in the middle of Paris without all the tourists (myself included). Great to cool down on a hot day in the shade or to run apparently with all the breathtaking height differences the park offers. Absolutely stunning!
Nick - a month ago
An interesting park designed around a 100-foot hill, with a spectacular cliff island (a former gypsum mine transformed under Napoleon III). Approaching from the north side, you're greeted with the iconic view of the clifftop rotunda and hundreds of picnickers. The park is rather popular with locals who suntan and relax, often with a CBD joint, particularly on the eastern slopes that face west with ample afternoon sunshine. Unfortunately, the best part of the park is closed for renovations that should have begun two years ago in 2022 (no sign of active work), and you can't walk around the island or access the island or the rotunda. On the plus side, most of the park is paved and not very dusty like Jardin du Luxembourg, more like Parc Andre Citroen in this regard, just way more crowded, and the best parts are closed. All in all, a nice park to see, but I wouldn't go out of my way to see it now that I know you can't go up. Oh, and the only public bathroom has a perpetually long line.
Y B - a month ago
It was a very beautiful park. I visited on a sunny day, the park was huge and had amazing views. Just grab something to eat and we could sit and watch the sceneries all day. It just calms your mind and soul. I had a very good day. They also have a pizza store inside but I didn’t visit them. It’s a very good park overall.
Mahalakshmi P Ramkumar - 4 months ago
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a truly beautiful park with a unique landscape set on hills. The winding paths are lovely to walk, and the park is quite large, with cliffs, small waterfalls, and a peaceful lake.
It’s a great spot for a picnic, with a play area for kids and even a small, cute café. We’ve visited in both winter and summer, and it’s equally charming in every season.
AG - 4 months ago
This parc is very close to my house and I visit there very often. My favourite attractions are the ducks and the rocky section of the parc. Nice place to have picnics near the lake, spend some quite time , watch dogs and people.
Sanchari Chatterji - 5 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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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: C. B. Campbell - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Sjaak Kempe - cc license via Flickr
