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

Pathways by Lake Saint-Mande in Bois de Vincennes
Pathways by Lake Saint-Mande in Bois de Vincennes cc licensed photo by Edhral

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: No

Bois de Vincennes Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Address: Rte de la Pyramide, 75012 Paris, France

Phone: 01 49 57 15 15

Official Website: Bois de Vincennes

Bois de Vincennes Reviews

Rated 4.5 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating 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 - 6 months ago

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4 Star Rating Optimal for walking, biking, jogging and ... during the day. At night there is another business on = not to recommend ...
Michael Volkmar - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating Beautiful place to run and walk, surrounded by water, birds, ducks and nature.
Clara Tomé - 3 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating 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 - 8 months ago

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5 Star Rating Bois de Vincennes, located on the eastern edge of Paris, is one of the largest green spaces in the city, offering a stunning retreat from the urban hustle. Often referred to as the “lungs of Paris,” this expansive park covers nearly 2,500 acres, making it a haven for nature lovers, joggers, cyclists, and families looking to relax outdoors. The park’s diverse landscapes range from sprawling meadows and thick woodlands to picturesque lakes, creating a variety of ecosystems that are home to numerous bird species and wildlife. One of the highlights is the Lac Daumesnil, where visitors can rent boats and float peacefully, surrounded by lush greenery. The Parc Floral is another must-see, especially in spring and summer when the vibrant flower displays are in full bloom. For those interested in history, the Château de Vincennes, a medieval fortress located at the park’s edge, adds a touch of cultural charm. Bois de Vincennes is well-equipped with paths for biking and walking, making it an ideal spot for those looking to stay active. There’s also a small zoo, the Parc Zoologique de Paris, and an equestrian center for horseback riding enthusiasts. The park’s peaceful atmosphere and size make it feel like a natural escape, despite being just a short metro ride from central Paris. The park hosts various events throughout the year, from concerts to festivals, adding a lively cultural element to the natural surroundings. Whether you’re after a peaceful walk, a scenic picnic, or just some fresh air, Bois de Vincennes offers something for everyone, blending the tranquility of nature with the charm of Paris.
Payel Khan - a month ago

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Directions

Metro / RER Line Nearest Station Walking Time
M1Château de Vincennes‎4 minutes
M8Porte Dorée2 minutes
RER-ANogent-sur-Marne5 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).

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