If you’re in need of a change from the typical city scenery while travelling through Paris, then you should definitely head on over to Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. Not only does this public park offer its visitors ample greenery to walk through, sit down, and enjoy, but it also has a temple perched on the top of a cliff where you can gaze down on the park and look out onto some of Paris’s beautiful buildings.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, built in 1867, is located a bit outside of the city center in the 19th arrondissement with the closest Metro stop being Buttes Chaumont. The park is 61 acres of walking paths with trees and other greenery surrounding it. As we were wandering through the park, we came across a group of Chinese women practising their Tai Chi, dog walkers, people out for a run, and families enjoying a picnic on the grass.
In the center of the park, there is a man-made lake that surrounds a cliff. You can get to the cliff by crossing one of two bridges. Make sure if you’re visiting, to head up to the cliff – you will not be disappointed!
Once you make it up the cliff, you’ll be greeted with a beautiful temple (Temple de la Sibylle) that overlooks the park and the surrounding buildings. I found this to be such a unique feature of the park, not to mention the views were absolutely beautiful, especially on a clear sunny day. Paris has quite a few parks and green space throughout, but this park was hands down my favourite.
After we were done wandering around the cliff and looking out from the temple, we made our way back down and stumbled upon a cave with a waterfall inside of it. This park just kept on surprising us!
So, if you’re wanting to see something a bit different and a bit less touristy, I highly recommend making a trip out to see Parc des Buttes-Chaumont!
