Parc Floral de Paris: A Real Gem in the Bois de Vincennes

Parc Floral de Paris: A Real Gem in the Bois de Vincennes

Tucked into the eastern end of the Bois de Vincennes, Parc Floral de Paris is the kind of peaceful escape that locals love and tourists often miss. Spanning over 35 beautifully landscaped hectares, the park transforms with the seasons—from spring’s cherry blossoms to summer’s open-air picnics under tall pines.

Even on the busiest weekends, it never feels overcrowded. There’s space to lay out a blanket, wander quiet flower trails, and grab lunch at one of the two scenic restaurants. Kids can enjoy everything from pedal cars to playgrounds, while adults can unwind among bonsai trees and peacocks roaming the grounds.

Peacock at Parc Floral

Getting There and Entry Info

How to Reach the Park

Located in Paris’s 12th arrondissement, the main entrance is on Route de la Pyramide, but most people enter via the Esplanade opposite the Château de Vincennes.

  • Metro: Take Line 1 to Château-de-Vincennes, then walk 10 minutes.
  • RER: From the RER A, get off at Vincennes station.
  • Bus and Bike: Several buses serve the area and there are bike paths throughout the Bois de Vincennes.
  • By Car: Limited paid parking is available along Route de la Pyramide.

Hours and Admission

  • Open daily at 9:30 AM
  • Closes at 8:00 PM (April–September)
  • Entry is free from October to March
  • Between April and September, admission is €2.70, or €1.55 reduced rate. Kids under 7 enter free year-round.

Things to Do Inside the Park

Mini-Golf with Paris Landmarks

Mini Golf Course

Kids and adults can tee off at an 18-hole mini-golf course featuring miniature versions of iconic Paris buildings. Each hole is built around a model—like the Eiffel Tower or Panthéon.

  • Tickets: €12 (adults), €8 (kids under 12)
  • Clubs, balls, and scorecards are included
  • Shaded tables and snack kiosks nearby make it great for breaks

Explore Botanical Trails and Greenhouses

Bonsai Pavilion

Near the entrance are two glasshouses:

  • Tropical Hall: Orchids, palms, carnivorous plants
  • Butterfly Garden: Open from June–September

The Bonsai Pavilion showcases 200+ ancient miniature trees. Outside, you’ll find tulips in spring, iris and rhododendrons through early summer, and dahlias in fall.

There’s also:

  • A living green wall
  • Water lily ponds
  • A medicinal herb garden
  • Mediterranean and desert plant sections

Everything is included with your entry ticket.


Let the Kids Run Wild

Parc Floral is a paradise for kids, with multiple playgrounds, a ropes course, zip lines, and outdoor games.

  • Slides, climbing walls, and forts: Great for all ages.
  • Ropes adventure park: Small entry fee; safety harnesses provided.
  • Pedal karts and bike rentals: Available for a few euros.

On weekends, you might find pop-up puppet shows, face painting, or outdoor kids’ concerts. In summer, many areas also have splash zones and misting machines to cool off.


Free Outdoor Concerts in Summer

Every summer, Parc Floral hosts “Pestacles,” “Paris Jazz Festival,” and “Classique au Vert”, with live concerts every weekend. Bring a blanket and some snacks for a cozy afternoon picnic while enjoying jazz, classical music, or world rhythms under the trees.

  • Concerts are free, included with park admission
  • Lawn seating—arrive early for a good spot
  • Kid-friendly shows and activities are part of the lineup

You can check the full schedule on the Ville de Paris website closer to summer.


Cafés and Picnic Spots

Two restaurants serve visitors inside the park:

  1. Restaurant de la Pinède – A casual café with plenty of shaded outdoor seating and views of the pine forest.
  2. Le Bosquet – A charming spot offering salads, sandwiches, and coffee.

You’ll also find food trucks and snack kiosks near the playgrounds. Or, bring your own picnic—there are dozens of shaded grassy areas and wooden picnic tables scattered across the grounds.


Is It Worth Visiting?

Absolutely—especially if you’re craving a break from the hustle of Paris. Unlike more crowded city parks, Parc Floral feels calm, creative, and endlessly explorable. Whether you’re a couple looking for a quiet stroll, a parent needing play space for kids, or a plant lover admiring rare blooms, you’ll find something to love.

Bonus: It’s dog-friendly, has accessible paths for wheelchairs and strollers, and it’s large enough to spend a full day without seeing the same view twice.

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