Bois de Vincennes, Urban park and forest in 12th arrondissement, Paris, France
The Bois de Vincennes is an expansive urban park on Paris's eastern side featuring four lakes, wooded areas, open meadows, and cultivated gardens spread throughout. Specialized facilities including a zoo, botanical garden, and arboretum are connected by walking and cycling paths.
The area served as a royal hunting forest starting in the 12th century for French kings. In the 19th century, it was transformed into a public park under Napoleon III to beautify the city and provide public access to nature.
The medieval fortress at the eastern edge draws visitors interested in royal history and architecture. The zoo and botanical gardens serve as gathering spaces where families explore living collections and learn about different species from around the world.
Metro stations at the perimeter provide easy access from different parts of the city to various entry points. Visitors can explore on foot, by bicycle, or by renting boats on the lakes depending on their preferred way to spend time there.
The park supports hundreds of plant and animal species, many rarely seen elsewhere in the city, creating an unexpected wildlife refuge within urban surroundings. This biological diversity makes it one of Paris's most important natural reservoirs.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
