Even though Paris has a dense urban structure, the city boasts more than 400 parks. While some date back to the 17th century, many of them have been created in the last couple of decades. These parks are famous for their elegant and diverse architecture and scenic views. Unfortunately, I doubt I'll be able to name them all here. So instead, I'll present three of Paris' most famous parks and gardens.

1.) Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Other Parisian parks are more famous (and more visited by tourists), but the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont may be the most distinctive--and romantic--park in the city. The park, which replaced a gypsum quarry and execution ground, was begun in 1863 as the crowning touch in Napoleon III's plan for green spaces throughout Paris. The site was carved out of the old quarries and slums with dynamite, then outfitted with such romantic touches as waterfalls, a grotto, a lake, and a folly--the Temple of Sybil--on top of a cliff with views of Montmartre in the distance. Unlike formal Parisian gardens such as the Jardin des Tuileries, the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont attempts to recreate nature (albeit an idealized version of nature) in the style of a 19th Century English garden.

2.) Jardin du Luxembourg

The Jardin du Luxembourg is probably the most popular park in Paris. At the center of the park is an octagonal pond, known as the Grand Bassin. Here, children can rent small boats. Another attraction for children is the puppet theater.
Around the pond are nice lawns and alleys, all laid out in a geometrical pattern. Numerous statues, including the Statue of Saint-Geneviève - patroness of Paris - adorn the park. This is also one of the parks where you can simply get hold of one of the many chairs and take it to the exact spot where you want to sit. The park is also popular with chess players and Jeux de Boules players. Between 1615 and 1627 the Palais du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Palace) was constructed at the northern end of the Jardin du Luxembourg. It was built for Marie de Medicis, mother of Louis XIII.


3.) Jardin des Plantes

Jardin des Plantes was first established as a royal garden of medicinal plants and wasn’t open to the general public until 1650. It was designed and planted by Guy de La Brosse, the physician of Louis XIII. Today, many people head to the Jardin des Plantes in order to visit the Natural History Museum, which is located within the grounds of the garden. There’s also a small zoo which once housed the royal menagerie and now contains some small animals in simulated natural habitats. The Jardin itself boasts tropical hothouses that are home to a variety of unusual plants, native mostly to Mexico and Australia. There’s also an Alpine garden, a magnificent rose garden, and an Art Deco-style wintergarden. A botany school can be found onsite and is dedicated to the training of future botanists. The students plant demonstration gardens and participate in other special projects throughout the year.