The Villette Canal Basin is 800 metres wide and 70 metres long, which makes it the largest artificial stretch of water in Paris. It links the Canal de l’Ourcq to the Canal Saint-Martin and has encouraged the development of river transport. The canal basin is popular with Parisians who enjoy the many special events and cultural activities (shows, concerts, theatre) and festive atmosphere here. For a day by the water, climb on board one of the electric boats hired out by Marin d’Eau Douce.
Must-do walks in the east of Paris. Another place to explore all year round: the banks of the Canal de l’Ourcq which run along the Villette Canal Basin in a green park.
The Parc de la Villette with its 35 hectares of green spaces is one of the most original spots in the capital and attracts more than 10 million visitors every year. There is plenty to discover here including 3,000 m² of ecological gardens and the astonishing architecture of the 26 ‘Folies’, such as the Folie Obervatoire, that are dotted around the park.
Visitors of all ages can enjoy all-year-round events and activities at the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie and an eclectic programme at the Philharmonie de Paris, a one-of-a-kind centre for music with exhibitions and concerts.
This public park extends over different levels and affords beautiful views of the city, especially of the district of Montmartre. The park has been landscaped with grottoes and waterfalls, a suspension bridge and a folly perched on a belvedere that give it a special charm. It is planted with exotic and native trees and home to numerous birds (seagulls, moorhens, mallards) that appreciate the man-made lake. The park has entertainment for children and many places offering refreshments and snacks.
The Canal Saint-Martin has linked the Arsenal basin to the Villette basin since 1825 over a distance of 4.5 km, of which 2 km are underground. It is pleasant to follow its course through popular suburbs, punctuated with locks, moveable bridges, Venetian-style footbridges, and bordered with chestnut trees and little public gardens. An opportunity to discover waterside brunches and colourful bistros and other eateries.
Laid out in 1988 on the heights of Belleville, Belleville park (45,000 m²) offers a breathtaking view of Paris. It has something for all ages to enjoy: a play area with wooden apparatus for children and views of Belleville vineyard - a vestige of the city's wine-growing heritage.
Honoré de Balzac, Guillaume Apollinaire, Frédéric Chopin, Jean de La Fontaine … Step back in time to remember great figures who have marked the history of France over the centuries on this visit to the Cemetery of Père-Lachaise! Situated in the 20th arrondissement, it is considered the most prestigious necropolis in Europe, as can be seen from the 44 hectares of this green and preserved area.
Once a hunting ground for the Kings of France, the Bois de Boulogne is today the largest recreational area in the west of Paris. With a surface area 850 hectares, it is one of the capital’s ‘lungs’ and encompasses the Parc de Bagatelle, the Jardin des Serres d'Auteuil, the Pré-Catelan and the Jardin d'Acclimatation. It has numerous paths, 28 km of bridleways and 15 km of touristic cycle routes. There are numerous recreational facilities for the public: playgrounds for children, the Musée en Herbe, picnic areas, bicycle hire and boat hire on the Lac Inférieur, the Auteuil and Longchamp racecourses, restaurants and the Théâtre de Verdure.
The Bois de Vincennes is Paris’s second largest green space and can be found in the east of Paris on the edge of the 12th arrondissement. There are plenty of leisure activities here ranging from boating on the lake to a trip back to Medieval times on a visit to Château de Vincennes. The Parc Floral de Paris is a perfect place to stroll with wonderful planting; its Events space fulfils all the requirements for your professional and private events with 5 pavillons (a total of 23,000m²) for private hire for your projects.
And why not go along to one of the famous horse races that take place every year at the l’Hippodrome de Vincennes!
Discover the Coulée Verte René Dumont a 4.5 km-long route with all kinds of lime trees, hazel trees, climbers, roses and other plants. It offers walkers remarkable and varied views of the recent and very typical districts of the 12th arrondissement.
A royal residence on the edges of Paris.
The Château of Vincennes was used as royal residence from the 12th …
