Bois de Boulogne Paris
A sprawling Parisian oasis, the Bois de Boulogne offers serene lakes, lush trails, and unique island dining, providing a magical escape from city life...

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy lush greenery before crowds
Bois de Boulogne Paris
Best Time
Enjoy lush greenery before crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling Parisian oasis, the Bois de Boulogne offers serene lakes, lush trails, and unique island dining, providing a magical escape from city life during the day.
"“This place is like something out of a fairytale, especially the restaurant on the tiny island!”
"🛶 Ferry to Chalet
Don't miss the charming ferry ride to Le Chalet des Îles; it's part of the magical experience!
👟 Join LeParcrun
Experience the park like a local! Participate in the free weekly 5K run for a unique morning.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Le Chalet des Îles
Lac Inférieur
Discover this enchanting restaurant on a tiny island, accessible by a charming ferry ride. A truly magical and picturesque escape in the heart of the Bois de Boulogne.

La Ferme du Pré
Bois de Boulogne
Explore this new bistrot offering a fresh culinary experience within the park. Perfect for a casual meal in a beautiful, natural setting.

LeParcrun (Weekly 5K)
Bois de Boulogne
Join locals for a free, timed 5K run every week. A great way to experience the park's natural beauty and stay active during your visit to Paris.
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Vastness & Hidden Gems
Evening Safety & Awareness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🛶 Ferry to Chalet
Don't miss the charming ferry ride to Le Chalet des Îles; it's part of the magical experience!
👟 Join LeParcrun
Experience the park like a local! Participate in the free weekly 5K run for a unique morning.
☀️ Daytime Visits Only
For safety, avoid the Bois de Boulogne at night. Stick to daytime hours for a pleasant visit.
🗺️ Plan Your Route
The park is vast; pinpoint your destination (e.g., restaurants) to navigate efficiently.
Tips
from all over the internet
🛶 Ferry to Chalet
Don't miss the charming ferry ride to Le Chalet des Îles; it's part of the magical experience!
👟 Join LeParcrun
Experience the park like a local! Participate in the free weekly 5K run for a unique morning.
☀️ Daytime Visits Only
For safety, avoid the Bois de Boulogne at night. Stick to daytime hours for a pleasant visit.
🗺️ Plan Your Route
The park is vast; pinpoint your destination (e.g., restaurants) to navigate efficiently.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Bois de Boulogne to be a beautiful and expansive green oasis, offering a refreshing escape from the city. The unique dining experiences, particularly the island restaurant, receive high praise for their charm and picturesque settings. However, a significant concern highlighted by the community is the park's safety reputation after dark, with strong recommendations to avoid evening visits.
"Defenitely worth a visit here. Though I work in forestry so for me this was rather a park then a forest but I loved hanging out here. Lots of lakes and little parks and gardens. It would be great to have more tashbins around because I barely found one."
Imola Tóth (Mollie)
"What an enjoyment to be in nature in the middle of Paris! Lovely area with several ponds, lots of little paths. We also saw a nutria rat cleaning itself!! See the video attached."
Francina S
"One of the bigger parks around Paris. There is an option for boating if the weather is nice. You can peacefully run, walk or stroll around in the forest or the park side. Or pick a spot and relax with a book and snacks as we choose to."
Raja Sinha
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting Around & Access
The Bois de Boulogne is easily accessible by metro (Porte Dauphine, Porte d'Auteuil, Les Sablons) and various bus lines. Many visitors find it most convenient to use public transport to reach the park's perimeter and then walk or cycle to their specific destination within the park.
The park is quite large, so it's highly recommended to have a specific destination in mind, such as Le Chalet des Îles or La Ferme du Pré, and use a map. Planning your route beforehand will help you navigate efficiently and avoid getting lost in the expansive green space.
The Bois de Boulogne has numerous entry points along its extensive perimeter. The most suitable entrance depends on your starting location and your intended destination within the park, with different metro or bus stops serving various sections.
Yes, cycling is a very popular and enjoyable way to explore the Bois de Boulogne. The park features an extensive network of paths and trails perfect for bikes. You can rent bicycles nearby or bring your own to fully appreciate the scenic routes.
The Bois de Boulogne is situated on the western edge of Paris, making it a relatively short journey from the city center. Depending on your exact starting point, a metro or bus ride typically takes between 15 to 30 minutes.
🍽️ 🍽️ Dining & Activities
Le Chalet des Îles is highly recommended for its unique island setting and charming ferry access, offering a truly magical dining experience. La Ferme du Pré is another popular new bistrot that provides a great atmosphere amidst the park's greenery.
Beyond dining, you can enjoy boating on the lakes, exploring the beautiful botanical gardens, or even joining the free weekly LeParcrun 5K event. This run is a fantastic way to experience the park like a local and stay active.
Absolutely! The Bois de Boulogne offers countless picturesque spots perfect for a picnic, especially around the serene lakes or in quieter grassy areas. It's a beloved activity for both Parisian locals and visiting tourists.
Yes, the Jardin d'Acclimatation, located within the Bois de Boulogne, features beautiful gardens, an amusement park, and various attractions. It's a particularly great spot for families looking for diverse activities.
Restaurants such as Le Chalet des Îles and La Ferme du Pré typically offer a range of French cuisine. This can include traditional brasserie fare, contemporary dishes, and often a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, providing a delightful culinary experience.
🎫 ⚠️ Safety & Best Practices
Reddit users strongly advise against visiting the Bois de Boulogne at night. It is widely known for prostitution and can be described as 'creepy as f*,' posing significant safety concerns after dark.
During the day, the park is generally safe, but it's always wise to be mindful of your belongings, as you would in any large public space. However, after sunset, it is strongly recommended to avoid the area entirely due to known safety issues.
While specific areas aren't explicitly named for daytime avoidance, the overwhelming consensus from Reddit discussions is to avoid the entire park after sunset, particularly main intersections where illicit activities are known to occur.
As a public park, the Bois de Boulogne is technically open 24/7. However, for both safety and enjoyment, it is highly recommended that visitors limit their visits to daylight hours. Specific attractions within the park will have their own operating hours.
While there are official park staff, Reddit users note that individuals standing around in certain areas, often in polos, are not part of the park staff and are frequently involved in prostitution. It's important to be aware of your surroundings and avoid engaging with them.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
🏃♀️ Active Travelers & Runners
🍽️ Foodies & Romantics
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers & Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Island Dining Experience
This iconic spot is a favorite for both locals and visitors seeking a unique Parisian experience. Instagram reels highlight its stunning setting, making it a perfect backdrop for special occasions or a memorable summer meal. It's often cited as a "blast from the past" for those who grew up in the west of Paris, emphasizing its long-standing appeal and iconic status.
Safety and Navigating the Park After Dark
Travelers should be aware that men in polos and women in bikinis in vans are often associated with prostitution, and mistaking them for park staff or engaging with them can lead to uncomfortable situations. For a safe and enjoyable experience, it is strongly recommended to limit your visit to daylight hours. If you're heading to attractions like the Fondation Louis Vuitton, plan your visit to ensure you're leaving the park before sunset.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit