Explore the best things to do in the Bois de Boulogne, from leisure activities to nature outings and sporting activities:
Covering 846 hectares, the Bois de Boulogne is the largest green space in western Paris and has picturesque lakes, famous gardens and a wide range of sporting activities for all ages. Find out what this special place has to offer Parisians and visitors and enjoy a family outing in the west of Paris.
The Bois de Boulogne has many famous attractions that are well worth a visit. Here's a list of places not to miss from historic gardens to contemporary cultural attractions.
This English-style garden, created in 1775, has an exceptional rose garden with more than 10,000 roses. Peacocks also roam around freely in the park which also hosts temporary exhibitions and concerts in the orangery.
An architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Gehry, this building with its glass 'sails' hosts internationally renowned exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. The building's terraces offer panoramic views of the Bois and Paris.
Founded in 1860, this popular family park offers over 40 rides and attractions in an 18-hectare green setting and is home to more than 450 animals and birds. With over 300 events organized throughout the year, the Jardin d'Acclimatation is the only amusement park within the city.
The world-famous Roland-Garros hosts the French Open every year. Outside competition time, visitors can take a behind-the-scenes tour, from the presidential box to the corridor leading the players to the clay courts.
These two prestigious racecourses host horse races throughout the year. The fully renovated ParisLongchamp Racecourse is the venue for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, amongst other events, while the Auteuil Racecourse is renowned for its spectacular steeplechase races.
Created in 1761 under the reign of Louis XV, this garden hosts five glasshouses, listed as historic monuments, which house tropical and Mediterranean plants. Admission is free and the setting is a wonderful escape on the edge of the city. A botanical treasure not to miss.
Beyond its more famous sites, the Bois de Boulogne has some lesser-known spots that are worth discovering.
On the Longchamp estate, this foundation created by Yann Arthus-Bertrand raises awareness about environmental issues through exhibitions, workshops and film screenings. The surrounding park is ideal for a stroll. Admission is free at the weekend.
This unusual garden in the Pré Catelan park becomes an outdoor theatre in spring, presenting plays by Shakespeare in an enchanting green setting. A unique theatrical and poetic place.
At Porte d'Auteuil, the Square des Poètes is a delightful and almost secret public garden with a poetic theme. In this peaceful, leafy setting, stone monuments line the paths, inscribed with verses by some of France's greatest poets extolling the beauty of nature.
Larger than Central Park or Hyde Park, **the Bois de Boulogne is an ideal place for outdoor activities and leisure pursuits in a natural setting. It offers 17 km of paths closed to traffic, perfect for running, fitness training or simply a stroll, and 14 km of cycle paths for a pleasant bike ride.
On the Lac inférieur, you can rent a rowing boat for a tranquil outing on the water. The Bois also has many areas for families and children, particularly near the Jardin d'Acclimatation, with playgrounds and leisure activities. For horse riding, there are 28 km of bridleways to explore.
Hikers can walk the 6 km of the GR1 hiking route, between Porte Maillot and the Passerelle de l'Avre, as well as more than a dozen kilometres of short walking trails to explore the wood. Finally, the vast lawns provide the perfect spot to picnic and relax.
The Bois de Boulogne changes with the seasons and sporting, cultural and fundraising events throughout the year.
In spring, the Soli'Run launches the season's events with a fundraising run for Habitat et Humanisme. The 10 km UNICEF run also encourages solidarity, inviting participants to run in support of children's rights and the fight against child malnutrition. The French Open at Roland-Garros is a leading event on the sports calendar in Paris and brings together the world's best tennis players on its clay courts.
In summer, the music festival Solidays attracts tens of thousands of festival goers and is organized by Solidarité Sida. The Théâtre de Verdure in the Jardin Shakespeare also has an outdoor programme of theatre, music and dance in a picturesque setting. And for a sporting event accessible to everyone, there is the 10 km du Bois run.
In autumn, the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe gathers the elite of the horse racing world at Hippodrome de ParisLongchamp. Finally, the Fête au Bois transforms an area of the Bois into an enormous funfair with attractions, rides and fairground treats for all the family.
All year round, the Bois de Boulogne is a popular place where people go to enjoy sport, culture and meet up outdoors.
The Bois de Boulogne has several excellent restaurants. Here is a selection to enjoy after a morning stroll.
A few minutes from Place de l'Étoile, the Auberge du Bonheur is a restaurant tucked away in the Bois de Boulogne. In summer, its leafy garden is a great spot for al fresco dining and barbecues. And in winter, the cosy chalet setting and an open fire are perfect for enjoying hearty, comforting French cuisine.
La Grande Cascade is a gastronomic restaurant housed in a historic 19th-century pavilion that captivates guests with its elegant decor and huge bay windows. The chef offers refined, seasonal French cuisine in a tranquil, timeless setting. An exceptional place to enjoy a moment suspended in time in Paris.
Situated in the heart of the racecourse, Brasserie ParisLongchamp puts a fresh spin on the brasserie experience with fresh, seasonal cuisine inspired by local produce. A place for socializing and relaxing, it welcomes families and friends in an elegant, rustic setting.
Accessible only by boat on the Lac Inférieur, this restaurant boasts a unique and romantic setting. Classic French cuisine is complemented by breathtaking views of the lake. A truly special experience.
This Michelin three-star restaurant serves haute cuisine in a Second Empire-style pavilion. The chef elevates seasonal produce with creativity and elegance.
