Gardens, parks and green spaces soften Paris

It's easy to think of Paris only as a city of great buildings and iconic monuments. Few other places can match the drama of the Eiffel Tower, the grandeur of Notre Dame or the startling Centre Georges Pompidou. Or perhaps ancient cobbled streets and shabby chic shutters come to mind. And then there are the museums, beautiful structures filled with some of the greatest paintings and sculpture ever created.

All those are great, but on a warm, sunny day I also want to spend time in one of the many green spaces found throughout the city, whether enjoying a picnic lunch in the Luxembourg Gardens or taking a stroll along the Promenade Plantée.

Along the Promenade Plantée in the 12th arrondissement.

Pique-niquers in the Luxembourg Gardens.

Even just ducking into the gardens at the Palais Royal (instead of trolling the shops on nearby Rue Saint Honoré), provides a nice respite from the noise and congestion in the streets.

Jardin du Palais Royal provides a green break in the center of Paris.

These three examples are well-known and popular, but there are many more, 400 in all, according to this website, which points to 15 lesser known green spaces throughout the city. And even the smallest ones likely have a bench or two where you can enjoy a snack or read a book.

If you like to stay near a favorite park in Paris, or in a particular location, send an email to info@likelivingthere.com and we'll check what's available. Or check out examples of the many short-term rental apartments we offer at www.likelivingthere.com.