Paris has her fair share of green spaces, quiet spots and parks. In fact, it’s one of the things I love so much about the city. Parks are a great respite from busy sightseeing and perfect places to lay your blanket for picnics.
You can watch locals interact and go about their daily lives. Parks are vibrant, both with activity and with greenery in the warmer months. Most of them are well-tended, scenic, full of flowers in bloom. Some have beautiful fountains and architecture, others offer art-installations or statuary; even fun activities for kids.
You can also grab a bench and work, as many of them have free wifi connections! I can’t think of a better work setting, really. And perhaps the best thing about them – they are one hundred percent free to use.
Much of my time spent in Paris has been focused on the inner arrondissements, with the exception of places like Montmartre and the Place d’Aligre market. I’m forever drawn to the Marais, which is home to the Village of Saint-Paul and Place des Vosges, possibly my most favorite Paris park, to date.
I have visited quite a few over the years, but since I hadn’t spent any time in the 16th, Parc Monceau in Paris had eluded me. Until now.
Turns out, one of my partners for cooking classes and market tours in Paris, lives in the 16th. So when I realized I’d be spending the day touring their local market (for research of course), followed by a wine and cheese tasting at their apartment (more research!), mere steps away from Parc Monceau – I knew I would finally have time for a pre-tour visit.
Lucky for me, it was a picture perfect day, weather-wise and I was able to enjoy about an hour wandering around before my tour.
As I climbed up the steps from the metro at the entrance to the park, I was delighted to find one of Guimard’s Art Nouveau entrances. I’m also a sucker for anything elegant, extravagant or with gilt gold and the gated entrance with ornate scrollwork was simply stunning. I knew immediately this park was going to be something special.
Enjoy a brief stroll of Parc Monceau in Paris
Can you tell I’m enamored with those gates? I hope you enjoyed the stroll through Parc Monseau in Paris. Please make an effort to get out to the 16th arrondissement the next time you’re in Paris for your own visit. You won’t regret it.
