Bois de Boulogne

Updated on October 7, 2026

The Bois de Boulogne, on the western edge of Paris (16th arrondissement), is a vast green space of about 850 hectares. It combines two lakes, paths for walking, cycling and horse riding, the Longchamp racecourse and several gardens: Bagatelle, the Pré Catelan and the Jardin d’Acclimatation. The woods are open to all, day and night.

Highlights

The lower and upper lakes

The woods have two lakes, including the lower lake where you can go canoeing. Its banks and islands are best explored on foot or by bike, away from traffic.

The Pré Catelan and the Shakespeare Garden

The Pré Catelan is a free park with large trees: a 200-year-old purple beech and a sequoia planted in 1872. The neighbouring Shakespeare Garden brings together small gardens inspired by five of the playwright’s plays.

The Parc de Bagatelle

This park holds more than 1,200 varieties of roses, an iris garden and a water-lily pond, with a 19th-century Chinese pagoda. It has its own opening hours and an entry fee in season.

The Jardin d’Acclimatation

This leisure park, designed by Gabriel Davioud, offers rides and activities for children. It is paid and next to the Fondation Louis Vuitton.

Practical info

Tips

The woods are free and open 24 hours a day, but the gardens have their own hours: from 1 to 24 October 2026, Bagatelle and the Pré Catelan opened from 9:30am to 6:30pm (hours seen on paris.fr). At Bagatelle, entry is free from October to March; from April to September it cost €2.80 full price and €1.60 reduced. The Jardin d’Acclimatation charges admission: check its official website. Dogs are allowed on a leash. The woods are very large: plan for a bike or a precise route.

How to get there

Metro Porte Maillot (line 1), Les Sablons (line 1, for the Jardin d’Acclimatation), Porte Dauphine (line 2), Porte d’Auteuil (line 10) or Ranelagh (line 9). For Bagatelle, buses 43 and 244 serve the park. Address: Bois de Boulogne, 75016 Paris.