Bois de Vincennes

About

Bois de Vincennes, located on the eastern edge of Paris, is the city’s largest urban green space, covering 995 hectares. Originally a royal hunting preserve, the park today offers a diverse array of landscapes, from manicured lawns and formal gardens to expansive water features. Visitors can stroll along winding paths, paddle on one of four picturesque lakes—Lake Daumesnil with its two islands, Lake Des Minimes, Lake Saint‑Mandé, and the smaller Lake Gravelle—or explore the verdant Arboretum de Paris and the Jardin Floral de Paris. The park also houses the renowned Paris Zoological Park, which showcases a spacious mountain exhibit, a Swiss chalet, and a Buddhist temple. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy the historic hippodrome, the velodrome that hosted the 1900 Olympic Games, and the INSEP training campus. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the park accommodates over 11 million visitors each year, making it a must‑visit destination for families, history lovers, nature seekers, and athletes alike.

Highlights

• Massive Urban Green Space
• Four Scenic Lakes
• Parc Floral de Paris
• Arboretum de Paris
• Paris Zoological Park
• Historical Château de Vincennes

Must-See Areas

Good to Know