Bois de Vincennes

The Basics

The Bois de Vincennes is beloved as Paris’ largest green space, and it remains a popular urban retreat for harried Parisians. The park, which sprawls across 2,459 acres (995 hectares), is roughly three times the size of Central Park in New York and is home to a wide array of attractions. The Château de Vincennes hints at its regal past, while the Vincennes Hippodrome de Paris and the Vélodrome de Vincennes (also called La Cipale) both date to the 19th century. The Parc Floral de Paris is both a beautiful botanical garden and event venue, while the Parc Zoologique de Paris is the largest zoo in town. Other highlights include a Buddhist temple, the Ferme de Paris (a working farm), and INSEP (National Institute of Sport, Expertise, and Performance).

The Bois de Vincennes is free to all visitors and can easily be explored independently, though individual sites and events are ticketed. The Paris Pass includes entry to the Château de Vincennes.

Things to Know Before You Go

• There are several restaurants in the Bois de Vincennes, including Le Plateau de Gravelle and Le Chalet des Iles Daumesnil.

• Boat rentals are available at Lac Daumesnil for a small fee.

• Many on-site attractions are ticketed, but the Ferme de Paris, only open on Saturdays and Sundays, is free to enter.

How to Get There

Bois de Vincennes is part of the 12th arrondissement and is located just across the ring road (Périphérique) from the city center. Take Métro line 8 to the Porte Dorée station, located at the park’s western edge. You can also take the RER A and B to Vincennes or Métro line 1 to Château de Vincennes, both of which stop adjacent to the fortress. The Bois de Vincennes is largely closed to cars, but it is crisscrossed by miles of biking and walking trails.

When to Get There

Bois de Vincennes is free to enter and is open throughout the year; it’s at its busiest during warm, sunny days and during festivals and other events. The venues within all have varied opening hours, so it’s worth researching in advance if there are particular attractions you’re looking to visit.

Popular Events in Bois de Vincennes

Bois de Vincennes is host to several high-profile, annual festivals, most of which are held in the Parc Floral de Paris. The Paris Jazz Festival, held in June and July, is a major highlight, as is the Classique au Vert, a classical music festival held in August and September. We Love Green, a contemporary music event with an eco twist, is held in the park in June.

Ways to explore

You can explore Bois de Vincennes on foot or join a guided Segway tour to cover its highlights in just a few hours. This popular urban retreat for harried Parisians features countless attractions inside its massive confines; book advance tickets to visit the Château de Vincennes, glimpse the 19th-century Vincennes Hippodrome de Paris and the Vélodrome de Vincennes (also called La Cipale), stroll through the Parc Floral de Paris botanical garden, admire plants from around the globe at the Arboretum de l'École du Breuil and the Jardin Tropical de Paris, and keep the kids entertained at the Parc Zoologique de Paris. Other highlights include a Buddhist temple and the Ferme de Paris (a working farm).

Accessibility

Most attractions within the park are wheelchair accessible, but the Château de Vincennes is only accessible on the ground floor.

Age limits

This great park is ideal for families; kids will enjoy the rental rowboats on Lac Daumesnil, the marionette theater, and the Parc Floral play areas.

What to pack

Picnic supplies, picnic blanket, mosquito repellent

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, sun hat, sunscreen

Not allowed

Entering park attractions outside of opening hours, barbecue grills, camping, alcoholic beverages

Amenities

Restaurants, restrooms, playgrounds, sports facilities

Address

Bois de Vincennes is within the 12th Arrondissement and is located just across the ring road (Périphérique) from the city center. Though too far to reach on foot from central Paris, there are plenty of public transportation options available.

Driving

The Bois de Vincennes is largely closed to cars, but it is crisscrossed by miles of biking and walking trails. Opt to reach the park on foot, by bike, or by public transportation.

Public transportation

Take metro line 8 to Porte Dorée station, located at the park’s western edge. You can also take RER A and B to Vincennes or line 1 to Château de Vincennes—both stop adjacent to the fortress.

Best times to visit

The park is open around the clock, but many attractions are only open during the day. Visit during the midday hours to get the most out of your time in the park.

Best days to visit

A few park attractions are only open on weekends (including the farm and puppet theater), so visit on Saturday or Sunday to experience all the highlights.

Best months to visit

Spring and fall are the best times of year to enjoy the park’s greenery, while winter is generally too cold to spend much time outdoors.

Special events

Bois de Vincennes hosts numerous events during the year, including the Paris Jazz Festival, Festival Classique au Vert, and Les Pestacles each summer.