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Bois de Vincennes is a vast public park of roughly 995 hectares (about 2,460 acres) situated on the southeastern fringe of Paris, in the 12th arrondissement and spilling into the commune of Vincennes in the Val-de-Marne department. It is often paired in conversation with the Bois de Boulogne on the western side of the city as one of the two great 'green lungs' of the French capital.
The forest has deep royal roots. French kings hunted here for centuries, and Louis IX (Saint Louis) is said to have administered justice beneath its oaks. The landscape was redesigned in the English style under Napoleon III and Baron Haussmann in the 1860s, transforming it into a public park accessible to all Parisians.
Today the park draws joggers, cyclists, families, anglers, and cultural visitors in roughly equal measure. Within its boundaries you will find multiple lakes, a Buddhist temple, a horse-racing track, an outdoor theatre, a working farm, a medieval château, and a zoological park — making it one of the most varied urban green spaces in Europe.
Getting There
From Central Paris by Metro
The most straightforward approach is by Paris Métro Line 1, which terminates at Château de Vincennes — one of the park's main entry points and directly in front of the château. Journey time from central stations such as Châtelet is around 15–20 minutes.
RER A
The RER A also stops at Vincennes, giving fast connections from Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport (change at Châtelet–Les Halles) and from La Défense.
Bus
Several bus routes serve different edges of the park; the RATP journey planner (ratp.fr) is the most reliable tool for current routes and schedules.
By Bicycle
The park is accessible via Paris's Vélib' bike-share network. Dedicated cycle lanes connect it to central arrondissements. Check the Vélib' app for docking-station locations near park entrances.
Getting Around
The park is large enough that walking between its far corners takes the better part of an hour. Cycling is the most efficient way to cover ground, and bike hire is available seasonally near Lac Daumesnil — verify current providers and pricing on arrival.
The main attractions (château, zoo, Parc Floral, Lac Daumesnil) cluster in the northern and central sections, making them manageable on foot if you plan a logical route. The southern portions around Lac de Gravelle and the Hippodrome de Vincennes are quieter and best reached by bike.
There are no internal shuttle services within the park; distances between the château, the zoo, and the southern lakes can be 2–3 km. Wear comfortable shoes and carry water, especially in summer.
Where to Stay
Bois de Vincennes itself has no hotels within the park boundaries. Accommodation options are found in the surrounding communes of Vincennes, Saint-Mandé, and Nogent-sur-Marne, all of which have small, locally run hotels and short-term rental properties.
Staying in the 12th arrondissement of Paris (notably around Nation or Daumesnil) gives easy metro access to the park while keeping you close to central Paris. Verify availability, current rates, and guest reviews on established booking platforms before committing.
Things to See & Do
Château de Vincennes
The Château de Vincennes is a genuine medieval royal fortress complete with a 52-metre-high keep — the tallest surviving medieval keep in Europe. The château remained a royal residence, prison, and military barracks across the centuries. It is managed by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux; admission fees and opening hours should be verified on the official monument website or at the entrance before visiting.
Parc Zoologique de Paris
Commonly called the Zoo de Vincennes, this major zoological park reopened after a thorough renovation in 2014. It is organised into biozones representing distinct ecosystems from Patagonia to Madagascar. Admission is charged; verify current prices and booking requirements at the Paris Zoo's official site, as advance online booking is often recommended in peak season.
Lakes and Water Activities
- Lac Daumesnil — the largest of the park's lakes, with two islands connected by footbridges. Rowing-boat hire is available seasonally; verify availability locally.
- Lac des Minimes — quieter and less visited, popular with anglers.
- Lac de Gravelle and Lac de Saint-Mandé — pleasant for a lakeside walk.
Cycling and Walking
More than 100 km of paths criss-cross the forest. Bike hire is available near Lac Daumesnil (verify operators and current rates on arrival). The park is a favourite weekend circuit for Parisian runners.
La Ferme de Paris
A working municipal farm open to the public on weekends and public holidays, giving children and adults a glimpse of agricultural life. Entry is generally free; verify current schedules with the City of Paris parks authority.
Parc Floral de Paris
This botanical garden within the bois hosts summer concerts, children's activities, and impressive seasonal floral displays. A modest admission fee may apply; check the Parc Floral's official page for current details.
Institut National des Jeunes Sourds and Buddhist Temple
The Tibetan Buddhist temple (Temple du lac Daumesnil) near the lake is one of the largest Buddhist temples in France and is occasionally open to respectful visitors outside of private ceremonies — confirm opening arrangements before visiting.
Food & Drink
Food and drink options within the park are limited and mostly seasonal. Near Lac Daumesnil there are typically café kiosks and a lakeside restaurant; availability varies by season, so do not rely on these as your only option — carry a picnic if you are visiting in shoulder season.
Picnicking is entirely normal and encouraged; large flat areas of grass around the lakes are popular for family lunches. Supermarkets and boulangeries in the adjacent towns of Vincennes and Saint-Mandé (both a short walk from Château de Vincennes metro) make good provisioning stops before you enter the park.
The town of Vincennes itself has a lively high street with cafés, brasseries, and bakeries within a few minutes of the château. This is the most reliable place to find a proper sit-down meal before or after a park visit.
Practical Information
Admission
Entry to the park itself is free and open at all hours. Individual attractions — the château, the zoo, and Parc Floral — charge separate admission fees. Verify current prices on official sites before your visit.
Facilities
Public toilets are scattered through the park; they are not always guaranteed to be open or well-maintained in every season, so plan accordingly. There is limited mobile phone coverage in the densest wooded sections.
Accessibility
Main paths around the lakes and between key attractions are paved and generally accessible to pushchairs and wheelchairs. Wooded trails are uneven. The zoo and château have dedicated accessibility information on their respective official sites.
Emergency Numbers
- General emergency (France): 112 (EU-wide)
- Police: 17
- SAMU (medical): 15
- Fire: 18
Visas
France is part of the Schengen Area. For visa requirements relevant to your nationality, consult TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official website of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your nearest French consulate.
Safety
Bois de Vincennes is generally considered a safe park during daylight hours and is heavily used by families and sports enthusiasts. As with any large urban green space, it is advisable to stay on well-lit, populated paths after dark, particularly in the denser wooded sections.
Petty theft can occur in any crowded Parisian location; keep bags closed and do not leave valuables unattended on picnic blankets. The park is patrolled by Paris municipal police.
If you are cycling, be mindful of pedestrians, especially on weekends when the paths are busy. Helmets are not legally required for adults in France but are recommended.
Local Culture & Etiquette
The Bois de Vincennes carries significant layers of French history. The forest was a favoured royal hunting ground from the Middle Ages onward, and the château served at various points as a royal palace, a state prison (Diderot and the Marquis de Mirabeau were held here), and a military installation used into the 20th century.
During the First World War, Mata Hari was executed by firing squad at the Château de Vincennes in 1917 — a fact occasionally mentioned on guided tours. The site retains a palpable sense of layered national memory that distinguishes it from a purely recreational park.
The Tibetan Buddhist temple near Lac Daumesnil is a reminder of Paris's diverse religious community; visitors are asked to be respectful and quiet in the vicinity of the temple grounds, particularly during religious observances.
