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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The area
Address
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.
How to get there
- Porte Dorée • 4 min walk
- Michel Bizot • 8 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
5,183 within 3 miles
Attractions
3,871 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
384 reviews
Excellent
176
Very good
159
Average
34
Poor
10
Terrible
5
nursebelle
London, UK89 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Our new fave Paris park! So much fun for our children 9yrs & 11yrs. Paris Zoo (which is of a really great standard), row boats, lake, playgrounds, trees, nature. We loved it & will definitely return!
Written August 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
hannasophia
Trier, Germany144 contributions
Dec 2021 • Couples
Green lung next to busy streets. Especially early in the morning or in the evening you find a lot of locals spending their free time here. You can take a nice route around the ponds and there is a small island you can crossover to.
Written December 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Katerina 💎
Patras, Greece416 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.
Dave C
Charenton-le-Pont, France684 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.
Cataloamericano
Valencian Community, Spain23 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.
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.
jsthouston
Houston, TX6,189 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.
Edward S
London, UK420 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.
Eli B
Sydney, Australia3,697 contributions
Dec 2014 • Couples
For centuries this was the hunting grounds for the Kings of France. Today it lies, in its 2,100 acres south-east of the city limits, marked by the ring motorway. Footpaths and bridle paths lead you around the two lakes in the park.
It's easy to hop on a train from central Paris to the Metro station of the same name where the Chateau de Vincennes provides an impressive backdrop with a former hunting lodge. We took an armoury of noshy goods with us to enjoy by the lake,a s we were told there were no eateries nearby. Alfresco, in the snappy cold under blue skies, food always tastes better. We rented bikes in town and did a casual sweep of the grounds and parks which kept us warm and laughing uncontrollably.
It's easy to hop on a train from central Paris to the Metro station of the same name where the Chateau de Vincennes provides an impressive backdrop with a former hunting lodge. We took an armoury of noshy goods with us to enjoy by the lake,a s we were told there were no eateries nearby. Alfresco, in the snappy cold under blue skies, food always tastes better. We rented bikes in town and did a casual sweep of the grounds and parks which kept us warm and laughing uncontrollably.
Written January 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
YankeePeddler1978
Alexandria, VA13 contributions
The Bois de Vincennes abuts the village of Sainte Mande on the east side of Paris -- very accessible from the Metro's Line 1. This huge park features several lakes, wooded areas, open fields, carousels, gardens, and sports facilities. I spent a few hours exploring the area during an early morning last May. I visited the Château de Vincennes and the arboretum and walked around Lac Sainte Mande. I did not make it to the zoo. All in all, it was a very pleasant (and safe) retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city. I sense relatively few visitors make it out here, so if you're interested in blending in with the locals (especially if you're fluent in French), I recommend a visit.
Written June 10, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Pierre-Alain M
Templemars, France36 contributions
Merci de me dire quels hotels peut on trouver près du Bois de Vincennes (chalet des iles Daumesnil)
Cdlt
Fabior_de_nulle_part
Charenton-le-Pont, France89 contributions
Bonjour
Au vu de la situation du chalet, vous n'aurez que deux solutions, soit sur Charenton le Pont, soit sur Paris XII.
Cdt
Sue P
Sydney, Australia213 contributions
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.
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.
Karina L
Melbourne, Australia1 contribution
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
Chris B
North Fitzroy, Australia116 contributions
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!
Bois de Vincennes (Paris) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Bois de Vincennes
- We recommend booking Bois de Vincennes tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Bois de Vincennes tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Bois de Vincennes:
- (0.03 mi) Motel One Paris-Porte Doree
- (0.18 mi) Hotel de la Porte Doree
- (0.18 mi) Hotel ibis Daumesnil Porte Doree
- (0.28 mi) Hotel L'interlude
- (0.26 mi) Typical Parisian apartment in Haussmannian building
- Restaurants near Bois de Vincennes:
- (0.00 mi) Le Poisson Lune
- (0.06 mi) C'sters Cafe
- (0.13 mi) Les Cascades
- (0.11 mi) Au P’Tit Doré
- (0.22 mi) Au Bois Dorée
- Attractions near Bois de Vincennes:
- (0.00 mi) Aquarium Tropical de la Porte Doree
- (0.03 mi) Palais de la Porte Dorée
- (0.03 mi) Monument a la mission Marchand
- (0.04 mi) Porte chinoise
- (0.05 mi) Dans le Bonheur