A public garden at the heart of the neighborhood that shares its name, Montsouris Park sits in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, between Rue d'Alésia and the Cité Universitaire. It was laid out in the 19th century under Napoleon III. Spanning 15 hectares, Montsouris Park is one of the largest green spaces within inner Paris.
Highlights
A park built for families
Montsouris Park is a favorite spot to spend a pleasant time with the family, with its open lawns and playground fitted with swings. Close to the Cité Universitaire, it's also one of the neighborhood's favorite spots for students to unwind. Children and parents gather here just as much for a picnic as for a break between classes.
1,400 trees and rare species
The park is home to roughly 1,400 trees, most of them over a century old, offering plenty of variety to discover along its paths. You'll spot the Chinese parasol tree, the exotic persimmon, tulip trees, and beeches, along with several cedars, including this Cedar of Lebanon planted in the park. This tree collection makes Montsouris Park a genuine arboretum in the heart of Paris.
A lake that's a haven for birds
The large lake at Montsouris Park is home to a particularly varied wildlife, where swans, ducks, and geese roam freely. Depending on the season, you might also spot the crested tit, the parakeet, or the heron. This body of water is a genuine bird sanctuary in the heart of the capital.
Sculptures along the paths
Numerous sculptures line the park's paths, all created between 1878 and 1960, including works by Edmond Desca and Antoine Etex. Among them stands the statue of Thomas Paine, created by sculptor Gutzon Borglum in 1939 and unveiled in 1948. It pays tribute to this philosopher and pamphleteer who was engaged in both the American and French revolutions.
Paths made for jogging
With its wide lawns and shaded paths, like the Allée Jacques Higelin that runs along the former Petite Ceinture railway line, Montsouris Park is an ideal spot to get some exercise. Plenty of joggers come to run here year-round, enjoying the calm and greenery of the site. The park's rolling layout makes it a favorite training ground for Parisian runners.
Infos pratiques
Tips
From May to September, plenty of concerts are held at the park's bandstand — well worth checking out. For visitors with reduced mobility, the park lends out wheelchairs and is fully step-free.
How to get there
Montsouris Park has several entrances on Avenue Reille, Rue Gazan, and Boulevard Jourdan. You can reach it by metro at the "Glacière" station (line 6).
Opening hours
Nearby
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