In the "Park it in Paris" series, I write about the city's parks - some of the best spots to relax, people-watch, and mingle with the locals.
I'm just going to come out and say it. My favorite park in Paris is undoubtedly Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.
I know that I really love this place because of the obstacles I've endured to picnic there. This park is perched up in the northeast corner of Paris in the 19th arrondissement, which is a hike to get to from my apartment. Even when I've faced transportation hitches to get there (like the bus by my house suddenly not running its normal route), I know in the end I will be happy that I withstand the hassle. And I always am thankful.
Let me show you just how beautiful and romantic this park is through the seasons, from the vantage point of my favorite area of lawn to sit on.
Early April 2012, my first visit to the park. Instantly fell in love.
May 2014 during a relaxing four-hour or so Saturday picnic
June 2013 - My brother and Carissa came to visit and the weather went from overcast to stunningly gorgeous
I remember reading somewhere when I first moved to Paris that this was the city's most romantic park. Though love seems to abound throughout the entire city, the prominent Temple de la Sibylle certainly adds to the romantic landscape.
I love to walk up to the temple for its view, and often catch a bride and groom in the middle of a photo shoot.
If you look to the west, there's Sacré-Cœur.
Walking down from that high point, turn and take a walk over another of the park's features - a suspension bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel.
If you want to see an aspect of authentic Paris, go here on a sunny, warm day. Everyone gathers here - families, friends, lovers, kids, musicians, runners, dogs...I've even seen pet bunnies and parrots join the mix. Just don't forget to pack a picnic when you go! The best way to enjoy this park in my opinion is by relaxing on the lawn with food and drink, while reading/people-watching/chatting/listening to the nearby guitarist. And then go on a walk to explore the rest of the park.
If you're looking for a scenic spot to relax, look no further. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont delivers every time.
Do you have a favorite park in Paris?
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Main entrance: 1 rue Botzaris, 75019 Paris
Also access at: 2-6b rue Manin, 55 rue de Crimée, 42 avenue Simon-Bolivar
Open daily; see connect.paris.fr (in French)
Insider-tip: If you get off at Metro stop Pyrénées, as you walk up Avenue Simon Bolivar, you'll pass by Picard (15-17 avenue Simon Bolivar). Stop by and get some ice cream to start off a picnic in the summer sun. (If you're not familiar with this food store in France, they sell only frozen food.)
Other posts from the "Park it in Paris" series:
