Once a royal hunting ground, the Bois de Boulogne is now the sprawling green lung of Paris’s 16th arrondissement, covering some 845 ha—about 2.5 times the size of Central Park. Open 24/7 and entirely free, it’s a rich blend of nature, culture, and outdoor activities.

Its origins trace back to the ancient Rouvray forest, later a royal game reserve under Philippe Auguste, before Napoleon III transformed it (1852–57) with lakes, waterfalls, English landscape gardens, and scenic walks.

Highlights include two artificial lakes connected by the Grand Cascade, the Bagatelle rose garden, Serres d’Auteuil greenhouses, Pré-Catelan, Jardin d’Acclimatation, the Auteuil and Longchamp racetracks, the Louis Vuitton Foundation, and the Roland-Garros stadium.

Activities range from walking, biking (14 km of cycle paths), horseback riding (28 km), boat rental (≈ €10–12/h, mid-Feb to Oct), picnicking, playgrounds, summer open‑air theater, to horse racing. Families can also enjoy the children’s park.

The atmosphere is pastoral by day—runners, families, boating couples, nature lovers—and vibrant during events like race days or summer cultural performances. The diverse audience spans families, sports enthusiasts, romantics, and tourists.

Notable anecdotes:

A small kiosk on the Lower Lake island honors Napoleon III.

The Grand Cascade was built with 4 000 m³ of Fontainebleau rock and features two man-made grottoes.

A 7‑ha campsite is available for visitors residing over 50 km away (reservation required).

Practical info:

Access via Metro lines 1, 2, 10; RER C; buses 244, 32, 43, etc.

Pay parking Mon–Sat 9am–8pm (demo “Promenade Bois” ticket: €3 for 3 h).

Dogs on leash, restroom facilities & water fountains available in some areas.

In summary, the Bois de Boulogne is a vibrant and multifaceted destination blending historic charm, natural retreat, and various leisure pursuits.