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: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
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
I love everything about this park! In April 2024, the cost to get in is about €2.50. They have so many things to offer! Bonsai, ferns, rhododendron, iris, a bug farm, an amphitheater, beautiful forest to walk/run in.
Terri L - in the last week
My fave jardin/ parc in 20th eme in Paris. It’s totally free to enter, you can do almost anything you want, jogging, walking, running whether you alone or in a group. Visit the arboretum the river just sitting down alone to contemplate your life, reading a book, kissing a with your lover.
But please keep it beautiful as it is.
I’m just running here circling the park and it turned out to my half marathon run.
Putri Dumadi - in the last week
You don't need to pay anything to enter here. Near this place is Chateau Vincennes, a really big castle. Unfortunately when i visited this area the place was closed, but i could walk in the woods.
This area is really big, and has a lot to offer, especially on the other side, you will find Lac Daumesnil. You won't regret going there.
Alessandro Stefan - 2 months ago
Great afternoon watching le trot (Harness rating). A great pizza from Tony, fantastic view of the racing, beautiful horses made a lovely day out even tho the weather was full and wet.
Kevin Gray - 2 months ago
I really love this area! So does my dog! I usually take him to the rugby field next to the triangle that’s falsely called Polygon and we enjoy the nature.
Leo Novel - a month 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
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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: 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 -
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 -
Photo Credit: bortescristian - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: tongeron91 - cc license via Flickr
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