Bois de Boulogne, Paris
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Bois de Boulogne - by Jean-Baptiste D. on Unsplash
Description
The Bois de Boulogne is the 2nd largest park in Paris, it is located just across the périphérique (the high traffic belt road), on the western side of the city; almost a mirroring situation to the other main park - the Bois de Vincennes. It covers 845ha and contains several lakes, two botanical and landscape gardens, a zoo and amusement park in the Jardin d'Acclimatation, two well-known horse racecourses (Auteuil and Longchamp), the Stade Francais sports club (top division Rugby team) and the Roland Garros tennis complex where the French Open takes place every year. The Park often features in classical novels from the 19th / early 20th centuries (Flaubert and Proust for instance) and in paintings from master Impressionists Manet, Renoir, Van Gogh). Nowadays it is very popular for sport activities such as horse riding, running and cycling.
Access & Transport
The best way to get there is by train/metro or driving. Porte d'Auteuil (line 10) is located at the Souheastern edge of the park, Avenue Henri Martin and Avenue Foch (both RER C) cover its eastern boundary, Neuilly Porte Maillot is at the north-eastern corner (line 1 and RER C) and Les Sablons et Pont de Neuilly run close to the northern boundary (both line 1).
Instructions & Recommendations
The Park is large (twice as large a Central Park in NYC) so we would recommend you pick up a non-rainy day, carry water and wear some proper shoes. On a different note, you should avoid the park after sunset as it is still an informal "red light" area.
Environmental & Social
This is a green activity which also enhances the living environment of residents
Conclusion
We would happily recommend anybody to take a walk or run in the Bois de Boulogne during daytime - it is large and surprisingly scenic with several lakes and landscaped gardens. Just make sure you leave the area before sunset.
Key positive
Very large - great for walking, running, cycling and horse riding
Just outside of Paris intra-muros but quite easy to get to by metro or RER C
Key negative
Dodgy in the evenings and at night
Suitability
Suitable for all ages / families during the day. Visitors with reduced mobility will have access to most areas but not all paths
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 35m
est. visit time:2h
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningNo
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo