The Bois de Vincennes: Paris's Eastern Escape, a Self-Guided Paris Walk
3h. 3.1 miles. Loop walk.
When Paris feels tight, Parisians go east: a medieval keep, a flower park made for slow afternoons, lake islands you reach by rowboat, and a golden Buddhist temple in the woods. A half-day of green at the end of line 1.
The local move
Rent a rowboat on Lac Daumesnil and land on the islands like the local families do. It costs little, and the view of the temple from the water is the best in the woods.
Best time to go
Late spring through early autumn; weekday afternoons are blissfully empty.
When to avoid it
Winter weekdays, when the flower park sleeps and the boats are put away.
The stops
Chateau de Vincennes
The tallest medieval keep in Europe and a Sainte-Chapelle of its own, at the metro's doorstep. Kings lived here before Versailles.
Tip: The keep is a paid ticket but the courtyard and chapel exterior are free to wander.
Parc Floral de Paris
A vast flower park with themed gardens, pine groves and free jazz concerts on summer weekends.
Tip: Small entry fee in concert season, free most of the year. The bonsai pavilion is the connoisseur's corner.
Arboretum de l'Ecole du Breuil
The city's tree school: a quiet arboretum of labeled species where you will meet more gardeners than tourists.
Tip: Free, daily with seasonal hours. Combine with the adjacent flower school gardens.
Lac Daumesnil and its islands
The romantic lake of the woods, with two islands linked by bridges, a grotto and rowboats for rent.
Tip: Boats rent by the hour by the main landing; go before 4pm on weekends to skip the line.
Grande Pagode de Vincennes
A Buddhist temple in the woods housing the largest Buddha statue in Europe, gilded and serene.
Tip: The temple opens on ceremonies and some weekends; the walk around it is peaceful any day.
Ways to change it up
Porte Doree finish
Exit at Porte Doree for the Palais de la Porte Doree and its art deco aquarium, then metro 8 home.
About these walks
This is one of the free self-guided Paris walks written by the Chic Trip team, locals who plan and book full Paris trips for American travelers. Get our free insider Paris guide at chic-trip.com/free-paris-guide, or have us plan your whole trip at chic-trip.com/paris-travel-planner.
