Bois de Vincennes
Bois de Vincennes
4.5
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This large park on Paris's eastern side includes the Château de Vincennes and a popular zoo among its many attractions.
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Neighborhood: Bercy / Nation
Nestled between the Seine, Bastille, and Père Lachaise lies a peaceful side of town where wide avenues and impressive buildings accompany green spaces and small parks. Landscaped havens are plentiful, from the Bercy Park to La Coulée Verte and most impressively the Bois de Vincennes, which even contains a medieval castle on its doorstep. For an escape from the masses head to this calming neighborhood where real Parisians make their homes.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
393 reviews
Excellent
181
Very good
162
Average
34
Poor
10
Terrible
6
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Martine M
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Solo
The Bois de Vincennes today for a single woman walking, there are also exhibitionists and very heavy men who approach you and never let go of you during your walk. It wasn't like that "before" but unfortunately it is like that today. Personally, I, who love this pretty green spot where I learned to ride a bike as a child, no longer want to go back there alone, too afraid of running into one of these people again. Unfortunately this was again the case today when I wanted to take advantage of the good weather by returning quietly from Charenton to Saint-Mandé on foot. I'm disgusted, it's also the sad reality.
Written August 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan C
Melbourne, Australia1,539 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
We have only walked through the western corner of the main section of the Bois de Vincennes. We crossed the road from the Lac Daumesnil area and started following the paths near the artificial creek and then came back via other walking trails. These paths were surrounded by trees but are quite wide and well laid out. It is pleasant to be able to walk in the greenery instead of just buildings and roads.
I can only review the forest walks we did which were pleasant but not spectacular. However, I gather that Lac Daumesnil (previously reviewed) may also considered part of this forest and that had a lot more attractions which I enjoyed. We also didn't get to the further sections which apparently consist of various gardens and other lakes. We are eager to come back and explore them.
I can only review the forest walks we did which were pleasant but not spectacular. However, I gather that Lac Daumesnil (previously reviewed) may also considered part of this forest and that had a lot more attractions which I enjoyed. We also didn't get to the further sections which apparently consist of various gardens and other lakes. We are eager to come back and explore them.
Written September 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victor
Rennes, France24 contributions
Jul 2024 • Friends
A beautiful and resourceful place, perfect to relax and enjoy friendly moments with friends. Whether it is for jogging, walking, picnicking, boating, practicing yoga, reading or spending time with the family, everything is thought out to guarantee a pleasant time. An ideal getaway for everyone!
Automatically translated
Written August 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA17,813 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
The zoo is here, a good one, and some left over buildings from an international expo. A big castle, worth visiting, and some pretty lakes where one can rent a row boat. A big expanse with lots of room for biking, running, hiking or a picnic, all accessible by the Metro or bus. On the eastern edge of the city.
Written January 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katerina 💎
Patras, Greece535 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
On our trip to Paris we were staying close the bois de vincenne, we walked there and it was a really nice walk. But nothing important to do or see. It drives you to an intrresting chateau.
Written October 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave C
Charenton-le-Pont, France605 contributions
Nov 2017 • Family
I am so lucky to be living next to this park. I really enjoy taking my dog for long walks. The Bois can be a bit intimidating and it's easy to get turned around or lost. It's a good idea to have your cell phone with a map / GPS program to keep your bearings, however there are some areas with no cell service.
It's a big place - 3 km north/south and 5 km east/west.There are 4 large artificial lakes. Water is pumped up 40 m from the Seine river to Lac de Gravelle. It then flows through little streams to the other lakes. There is a Hippodrome (horse racing track), Chateau de Vincennes (ancient King's summer hunting palace). sports area, zoo, floral park, horse stables, Buddhist Temple, and Velodrome (bicycle track). It is also home to many circuses in the summer and winter.
The park started out as a royal hunting reserve circa 1,100 AD. The current park dates back to the mid 1,800's.
The highest point is the Butte aux Canons. It was used by the Germans during WW II as a machine gun post and lookout point. Some foundations from this still remain at the base on the west side. It is very difficult to find the Butte, especially in the summer, as it is overgrown by foliage. (Lat: 48.827478 / Lon: 2.435757).
I especially enjoy following the streams from lake to lake. There are many walking trails and exercise stops. There are also over 20 water fountains, however they are turned off in the winter months.
I do hope that you get a chance to visit and that you enjoy it as mush as I do.
It's a big place - 3 km north/south and 5 km east/west.There are 4 large artificial lakes. Water is pumped up 40 m from the Seine river to Lac de Gravelle. It then flows through little streams to the other lakes. There is a Hippodrome (horse racing track), Chateau de Vincennes (ancient King's summer hunting palace). sports area, zoo, floral park, horse stables, Buddhist Temple, and Velodrome (bicycle track). It is also home to many circuses in the summer and winter.
The park started out as a royal hunting reserve circa 1,100 AD. The current park dates back to the mid 1,800's.
The highest point is the Butte aux Canons. It was used by the Germans during WW II as a machine gun post and lookout point. Some foundations from this still remain at the base on the west side. It is very difficult to find the Butte, especially in the summer, as it is overgrown by foliage. (Lat: 48.827478 / Lon: 2.435757).
I especially enjoy following the streams from lake to lake. There are many walking trails and exercise stops. There are also over 20 water fountains, however they are turned off in the winter months.
I do hope that you get a chance to visit and that you enjoy it as mush as I do.
Written November 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cataloamericano
Valencian Community, Spain20 contributions
Nov 2011
My three year old loves jungle gyms and playgrounds, and this park was literally a dream come true for him.
After quietly and patiently going through museums and grown ups shopping, it seemed perfectly fitting that we spent Sunday with the three children in our group as a reward.
The park itself is beautiful and has plenty to see for adults as well. The Parisian of our group kept telling us how much nicer it was in the spring when the flowers are in bloom, but we were not at all disappointed with its autumn colors. The Bonsai nursery was particularly beautiful.
There are a series of attractions within the parks which are fairly priced (within the context of Paris' prices). We took a 4 person pedal car around the park for 30 minutes, which is enough time to see almost the whole park for 8 euros. There was also a adventure park section in the trees with zip lines and via ferrata type activities between the trees. Our kids were too small to try it but it looked like a lot of fun as well.
The playgrounds were the best part though. Basically there is one after another for about a 2 acre area. We went on Sunday and it was crowded but there is enough space that it can handle all the kids and parents without becoming dangerous or even unpleasant.
It was great for them to have a place where they could let loose, run, scream and jump after all the shushing in museums. The adults were able to sit on benches and chat in a wonderful environment and keep an eye on the kids without any trouble. It was a wonderful Sunday, relaxing for the grown ups and a great reward for the kids.
On the way in or out there is a very nice castle between the park entrance and the metro stop.
In November the park closed at 5pm. I think it was the only way we would have been able to get the kids away anyway, but it would be wise to check the closing time during the season of your visit to avoid coming too late.
After quietly and patiently going through museums and grown ups shopping, it seemed perfectly fitting that we spent Sunday with the three children in our group as a reward.
The park itself is beautiful and has plenty to see for adults as well. The Parisian of our group kept telling us how much nicer it was in the spring when the flowers are in bloom, but we were not at all disappointed with its autumn colors. The Bonsai nursery was particularly beautiful.
There are a series of attractions within the parks which are fairly priced (within the context of Paris' prices). We took a 4 person pedal car around the park for 30 minutes, which is enough time to see almost the whole park for 8 euros. There was also a adventure park section in the trees with zip lines and via ferrata type activities between the trees. Our kids were too small to try it but it looked like a lot of fun as well.
The playgrounds were the best part though. Basically there is one after another for about a 2 acre area. We went on Sunday and it was crowded but there is enough space that it can handle all the kids and parents without becoming dangerous or even unpleasant.
It was great for them to have a place where they could let loose, run, scream and jump after all the shushing in museums. The adults were able to sit on benches and chat in a wonderful environment and keep an eye on the kids without any trouble. It was a wonderful Sunday, relaxing for the grown ups and a great reward for the kids.
On the way in or out there is a very nice castle between the park entrance and the metro stop.
In November the park closed at 5pm. I think it was the only way we would have been able to get the kids away anyway, but it would be wise to check the closing time during the season of your visit to avoid coming too late.
Written November 3, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gormalkav
Porto Alegre82 contributions
This place is awesome, just rent a velib (bike) and you can ride for 1 hour with 1 euro!!! And you will see: it is priceless. Lakes, woodlands, small rivers, a chateau..
Very, very beatiful, and away of the crowded city center.
You can spend a day here and take a picnic, walk around the Paris Parc Floral, go to a zoo...
Awesome, awesome, awesome!!!!!!!!!!!
Very, very beatiful, and away of the crowded city center.
You can spend a day here and take a picnic, walk around the Paris Parc Floral, go to a zoo...
Awesome, awesome, awesome!!!!!!!!!!!
Written October 29, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jsthouston
Houston, TX6,069 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
A large park in the 12th with adjacent zoo, we did not visit the zoo, which we visited on a very warm weekend when it appeared half the people in Paris had the same idea. Not as much shade as I expected and what shade there was seemed to be occupied. The large lake/pond is more for boats you go out on ghat for children playing with toy boats, we prefer to watch the latter. I would have probably felt better about this park had it not been so busy and such a warm day in April, certainly did not expect temperatures in the 80s in April.
Written April 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edward S
London, UK383 contributions
Aug 2015 • Solo
Bois de Vincennes is just that -- bois. It is a large wooded area with wide gravel/dirt paths that are good for jogging, dog-walking (mostly women for some reason with posh dogs), cycling and -- if a hot day -- for a picnic under the trees (no tables though). Since it is so large, I double-checked with one of the walkers, and they confirmed it was basically just trees. True, it has a bit of history as a royal hunting ground but you don't need to look at a bunch of trees to glean that. Your time is better spent at the nearby Parc Floral (if you want nature) or the Chateau Vincennes (if you want history). More details about these in my reviews of these.
Written August 3, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Merci de me dire quels hotels peut on trouver près du Bois de Vincennes (chalet des iles Daumesnil)
Cdlt
Written January 1, 2017
Bonjour
Au vu de la situation du chalet, vous n'aurez que deux solutions, soit sur Charenton le Pont, soit sur Paris XII.
Cdt
Written January 2, 2017
Can you hire bikes mid week in the Bois de Vincennes and if so, taking into account the size of the place, where is the rental place situated and what is the most convenient metro station to it? Many thanks for any help you can give.
Written October 6, 2015
A Tripadvisor member
Pasadena, California
Fairly certain there is no bike rental at the Bois, however, there may be a bike rental at or near the Vincennes metro station. If not, it really is walkable - just will take a long, leisurely time.
Written October 7, 2015
Hi! My partner and I will be visiting paris this coming June. We only have 4 days but would like to spend a part of one of these days at the races. We found a race on the 21st of june called Prix du President and i have tried to look into getting tickets up front, and what sort of tickets we can get etc. I am 99% sure it is held at Vincennes race course. Is anyone able to give me any further information?
Thanks very much :)
Karina
Written April 9, 2015
Hi - last week in Paris we went to the races at Longchamp (Bois du Boulogne) and it seemed pretty easy to just buy a ticket at the gate (5euros). Not sure if it will be more difficult in the height of summer but as with all things in Paris in tourist season, getting there early would be the key. Try the Paris Info website for contact details and info on times etc - for the Hippodrome de Vincennes, Paris.
Also very easy to get metro to Vincennes but it's a huge place so you might want to check if there's a courtesy bus from the Metro to the race track - there was one at Longchamps but as we were running a bit late we chose to get a taxi instead. Good luck and enjoy the races!
Written April 11, 2015
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