Bois de Vincennes, Paris
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Bois de Vincennes - by Vicente Guttierez on Google
Description
The Bois de Vincennes is the largest park in Paris (~10km²). The key features are a landscape garden (Parc Floral), four lakes, a botanical garden and arboretum, a zoo (Zoo de Vincennes, known for its moat enclosures and its 65m high artificial mountain) and a horse racing track. Historically, tt was used as a royal hunting reserve in the 12th century and the Château was built during the 14th century. In the middle of the 18th century, Louis XV had hundreds of trees planted in long straight alleys intersecting one another and in the 2nd half of the 19th century Emperor Louis Napoleon and Haussman decided to turn the Bois de Vincennes into a public park to provide green space to the working-class population of that side of the city. It was there that most events took place during the 1900 Paris Olympics, which explains why the French Sport Institute (INSEP) is located there as well as a velodrome.
Access & Transport
The parc is located just across the périphérique (the ring road), on the eastern side of the city. The traditional access point is at the Château de Vincennes (1) where the castle is located but there are other possibilities such as Nogent sur Marne and Joinville le Pot station, both on the RER A line on the eastern side or Liberté, Porte de Charenton stations and Porte Doré along line 8 on the southwest/western side. By car, take the Porte de Charenton (southwest) or Porte de Vincennes (north) exits on the Péripherique
Instructions & Recommendations
You should avoid the park after sunset as it is still an informal "red light" area - just like the Bois de Boulogne. The Park is large so we would recommend you pick up a non-rainy day, carry water and wear some proper shoes. From there it is possible to visit the Château de Vincennes, the Zoo de Vincennes or walk back 5km along the Coulée Verte René-Dumont until Place de la Bastille.
Environmental & Social
This is a green activity which also enhances the living environment of residents
Conclusion
The Bois de Vincennes is the best green space option for those staying on the eastern side of Paris and not willing to invest more time to get out of the city and into the countryside. It is quite picturesque around the lakes and great for an early morning run or walk. The Château and the Zoo are bona fide standalone tourist attractions as well.
Key positive
Very large - great for walking, running or cycling
Just outside of Paris intra-muros but quite easy to get to by metro or RER A
Seldom crowded
Key negative
Some instances of prostitution 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 40m
est. visit time:2h 30m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo