Buttes-Chaumont Park (Parc des Buttes-Chaumont)

The Basics

Covering almost 62 acres (25 hectares), the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont ranks among Paris’ largest parks. Constructed on a disused limestone and gypsum quarry, the park opened to the public in 1867, which coincided with that year’s Universal Exposition. The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont’s most recognizable feature is the Temple de la Sibylle, a Roman temple folly, which was designed by architect Gabriel Davioud and inspired by the Temple of Vesta at Tivoli. It stands on the summit of the impressive Île de la Belvédère and can be reached on foot.

The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont features on bike tours, as well as off-the-beaten-track-themed city explorations. It is also easy to discover independently.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont has several on-site eateries and bars, including the trendy Rosa Bonheur and Le Pavillon du Lac.

• Entry to the park is free for all.

• The park is accessible to wheelchair users via its main paths, though uneven terrain makes certain areas difficult to access.

• Some of the best views of the park can be taken in from its 207-foot-long (63-meter-long) suspension bridge.

How to Get There

The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is served by the 7B Metro line, which stops at Buttes Chaumont and Botzaris. It can also be reached via the 26, 60, and 75 bus lines, as well as on foot, by car, or by Vélib’ bike.

When to Get There

The park is open daily. From May to September it opens 7am–10pm; from October to April it opens 7am–8pm.

Events at the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont hosts several major annual events, including the Silhouette Short Film Festival, held at the start of every September. Nuit Blanche, a late-night festival of art and culture that’s held in October, also sees the park decorated with various luminous installations.

Ways to explore

Covering almost 62 acres (25 hectares), the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont ranks among Paris' largest parks. It's worth setting aside an hour or two to discover some of its prettiest features, including the Temple de la Sybille, a Roman temple folly inspired by the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli. It stands on the summit of the impressive Île du Belvédère, and can be reached on foot. If you want a more in-depth way to explore the park (and learn about its centuries of history), set off on a walking tour, or visit as part of an off-the-beaten-track city tour.

Accessibility

The bulk of paved paths are accessible for wheelchair users, but some areas may be steep, uneven, or otherwise challenging to access.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sun protection, camera, umbrella, picnic supplies

What to wear

Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip, as well as weather-appropriate layers.

Not allowed

Unleashed dogs, disorderly behavior

Amenities

Walking trails, public toilets, cafés, proximity to public transportation

Address

Buttes-Chaumont Park is located in northeastern Paris, in the 19th arrondissement. It is served by several metro lines and bus routes, while taxis and rideshare services offer another way to get there.

Driving

Owing to limited or expensive parking and traffic congestion in this part of Paris, driving to Buttes-Chaumont Park is not recommended. However, you can try your luck with parking garages or street parking in the surrounding area.

Public transportation

Take Line 7Bis on the Paris Metro to Buttes Chaumont or Botzaris stations, or Line 11 to Pyrénées. Several buses, including the 48, 60, 71, and 75, also stop nearby.

Best times to visit

There’s rarely a bad time to visit the tranquil Buttes-Chaumont Park. Aim for a daytime visit on a sunny day to maximize your experience.

Best days to visit

While Buttes-Chaumont Park is less crowded than other more central Paris parks, you can expect it to be least busy on weekdays.

Best months to visit

Although summer offers beautiful weather and festive occasions, you’ll find more comfortable sightseeing weather in the spring or fall.

Special events

The park hosts events as part of several citywide festivals, including the Music Festival (Fête de la Musique) and the White Night (Nuit Blanche) arts festival, both held in June.