Bois de Boulogne, Paris - Some Scenes of Parisian Life Avenue du Bois de Boulogne 1899 Pierre Bonnard (French, 1867–1947) published by Published by Ambroise Vollard; Printed by Auguste Clot France, 19th century lithograph Support: Cream (1) china paper Sheet: 41.4 x 53.2 cm (16 5/16 x 20 15/16 in.); Image: 31 x 46 cm (12 3/16 x 18 1/8 in.) Gift of the Hanna Fund 1948.156.2
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Bois de Boulogne Paris

4.3
·28k reviews·Paris, France

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

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer Mornings

Enjoy lush greenery before crowds

CrowdMedium
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Bois de Boulogne, Paris - Some Scenes of Parisian Life Avenue du Bois de Boulogne 1899 Pierre Bonnard (French, 1867–1947) published by Published by Ambroise Vollard; Printed by Auguste Clot France, 19th century lithograph Support: Cream (1) china paper Sheet: 41.4 x 53.2 cm (16 5/16 x 20 15/16 in.); Image: 31 x 46 cm (12 3/16 x 18 1/8 in.) Gift of the Hanna Fund 1948.156.2

Bois de Boulogne Paris

Best Time

Summer Mornings

Enjoy lush greenery before crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

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.

4.3
(28k reviews)

"“This place is like something out of a fairytale, especially the restaurant on the tiny island!” TikTok"

Vertical photo
TIP

🛶 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Le Chalet des Îles

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. TikTokInstagram+1

La Ferme du Pré

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. TikTok

LeParcrun (Weekly 5K)

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. Reddit

Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Vastness & Hidden Gems

The Bois de Boulogne Paris is immense, so pinpointing your destination is key. Whether you're seeking the enchanting Le Chalet des Îles or the charming La Ferme du Pré, plan your route to avoid aimless wandering. Public transport access varies, so check maps for the most convenient entry point to your chosen spot. TikTokInstagram+2

Evening Safety & Awareness

While a beautiful green oasis by day, the Bois de Boulogne Paris has a known reputation for being unsafe at night. Reddit users strongly advise against visiting after dark due to prostitution and other illicit activities. Stick to daytime visits for a pleasant and secure experience. Reddit+2

Best Times

When
Summer Mornings
Why
Enjoy lush greenery before crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Afternoons
Why
Quieter, ideal for leisurely strolls
Crowd
Low
When
Saturday Mornings
Why
Join the community 5K run
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This place is like something out of a fairytale. Although it’s not secret it’s definitely not on most Paris recommendation lists I’ve seen. You do have to walk a bit through the park to get there if y...
@just.restless
32.2K likes • 601.3K views

🛶 Ferry to Chalet

Don't miss the charming ferry ride to Le Chalet des Îles; it's part of the magical experience! TikTokInstagram+1

👟 Join LeParcrun

Experience the park like a local! Participate in the free weekly 5K run for a unique morning. Reddit

Nichée sur une île du lac inférieur du Bois de Boulogne, Le Chalet des Îles est une véritable évasion bucolique en plein Paris. Accessible par une courte traversée en barque, cette adresse historique,...
@jvlparis
18.8K likes • 603.9K views
Four of my favorite summer spots in Paris: - @chaletdesiles 📍Bois de Boulogne Paris16 - @joli.restaurant 📍 @museecarnavalet Paris3 - @lpm.paris 📍 @palaisgallieramuseedelamode Paris16 - @riviera_fuga ...
gourmadela
302 likes • 5.3K views

☀️ Daytime Visits Only

For safety, avoid the Bois de Boulogne at night. Stick to daytime hours for a pleasant visit. Reddit+2

🗺️ Plan Your Route

The park is vast; pinpoint your destination (e.g., restaurants) to navigate efficiently. TikTok+1

Chapter 59 : One of the things I love most about Paris is that you can find a jardin in every neighborhood. Somehow, I’d never visited the 16th before and I happened upon Bois de Boulogne…sorry Parc...
malloryivy
50 likes • 802 views

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! TikTokInstagram+1

👟 Join LeParcrun

Experience the park like a local! Participate in the free weekly 5K run for a unique morning. Reddit

☀️ Daytime Visits Only

For safety, avoid the Bois de Boulogne at night. Stick to daytime hours for a pleasant visit. Reddit+2

🗺️ Plan Your Route

The park is vast; pinpoint your destination (e.g., restaurants) to navigate efficiently. TikTok+1

What Travellers Say

4.3
(28k reviews)

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

Enchanting dining experiences
Vast green space, nature
Unique island setting

What People Dislike

Safety concerns at night
Can be difficult to navigate
Prostitution presence after dark

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. Instagram

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. TikTok+1

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. TikTokInstagram+2

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. Reddit

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. TikTokInstagram+1

🎫 ⚠️ 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. Reddit+2

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. Reddit+2

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. Reddit+2

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. Reddit+2

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

🏃‍♀️ Active Travelers & Runners

For those who love to stay active, the Bois de Boulogne offers fantastic opportunities. The park is home to LeParcrun, a free, timed 5K event that takes place weekly. It's a wonderful way to join the local community, get some exercise, and explore the park's natural beauty.Reddit Beyond the organized run, the extensive network of trails is perfect for jogging, walking, or cycling, providing a refreshing escape from urban streets.

🍽️ Foodies & Romantics

If you're looking for a unique dining experience, the Bois de Boulogne has some hidden gems. Le Chalet des Îles is a must-visit for its enchanting island setting and charming ferry ride, perfect for a romantic meal or a special occasion.TikTokInstagram+1 For a more casual but equally delightful experience, check out La Ferme du Pré, a new bistrot that offers a lovely atmosphere amidst the park's greenery.TikTok These spots are ideal for those seeking picturesque settings with delicious food.

🚶‍♀️ Day-Trippers & Nature Lovers

The Bois de Boulogne is an excellent destination for a relaxing day trip from central Paris, offering a vast expanse of nature. You can spend hours exploring its lakes, botanical gardens, and walking trails. It's a perfect spot to unwind, enjoy a picnic, or simply stroll through the beautiful landscapes. Remember to plan your route if you have specific attractions in mind, as the park is quite large.Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Enchanting Island Dining Experience

One of the most talked-about experiences in the Bois de Boulogne is dining at Le Chalet des Îles. This picturesque restaurant is nestled on a small island in the Lac Inférieur, offering a truly magical and romantic escape from the city bustle. The journey itself is part of the charm: visitors take a short, scenic ferry ride across the lake to reach the restaurant.TikTokInstagram+1

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.Instagram

Safety and Navigating the Park After Dark

While the Bois de Boulogne is a beautiful and expansive green space during the day, it has a well-known reputation for being a red-light district at night. This is a critical piece of information for any visitor planning their trip. Reddit discussions consistently warn against visiting the park after dark, with users describing it as "creepy as f*" and advising against getting friendly with individuals in certain areas.Reddit+2

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.Reddit+1 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.

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