Bois de Vincennes

Bois de Vincennes is Paris's largest public park, offering families an incredible escape from the city with over 2,300 acres of forests, lakes, playgrounds, and attractions. This vast green space combines nature walks, boating, cycling, a medieval castle, beautiful gardens, and the popular Paris Zoological Park, making it perfect for families who want multiple activities in one location without the typical Paris price tag.

• ✓Rowing boats on Lac Daumesnil with views of romantic grottoes and a Buddhist temple on an island
• ✓Parc Floral with its huge adventure playground, peacocks, and seasonal butterfly garden (small admission fee)
• ✓Medieval Chateau de Vincennes with its impressive keep and moat, offering English audio guides
• ✓Paris Zoological Park featuring over 2,000 animals in naturalistic habitats
• ✓Wide open spaces perfect for kite flying, ball games, and letting kids run free

1. 1.Download the park map before visiting as the park is enormous and easy to get lost in. Key family areas are spread out, so plan your route to avoid unnecessary walking with tired kids.
2. 2.Rent bikes or a family quadricycle near Lac Daumesnil to cover more ground. The park has dedicated cycling paths that are safe for children and make exploring much easier.
3. 3.Arrive via Metro Line 1 to Chateau de Vincennes or Line 8 to Porte Doree. The park has multiple entrances, so check which is closest to your planned activities.
4. 4.Pack a picnic and plenty of water. While there are cafes, options are limited given the park's size, and prices can be high near tourist spots like the zoo.
5. 5.Combine your visit with the Parc Zoologique de Paris (separate admission required) located within the park. Book zoo tickets online in advance to skip queues, especially during summer and school holidays.

Spring (April to June) and early fall (September to October) offer the best weather with fewer crowds than summer. Visit on weekday mornings for the most peaceful experience. Avoid weekend afternoons when Parisian families flock here, especially around the lakes and zoo.

The park itself is free and open 24 hours, though attractions like the zoo, chateau, and Parc Floral have separate admission fees. Limited English signage, so bring a translation app. Public restrooms are available but can be basic, so plan accordingly with young children.

The park is open year-round and beautiful in all seasons. Spring brings cherry blossoms and tulips in the Parc Floral. Summer offers outdoor concerts and theater performances. Fall foliage is stunning. Winter can be muddy and cold, but the park is less crowded. Some facilities within the park (boat rentals, certain cafes) close or reduce hours in winter.

Le Chalet des Iles on an island in Lac Daumesnil offers family dining with outdoor seating (accessible by small ferry). For easier options, head to the cafeteria-style restaurant in Parc Floral or bring your own picnic to enjoy lakeside.