Myweekin.net

Parc André-Citroën — This 35-acre field on the banks on the Seine is a futuristic look at ‘green spaces’. There are several areas to visit including a rock garden, sculptures, glasshouses, fountains and waterfall......now that should amuse the kids..
M: Javel or Balard

www.paris.fr

Parc Champs-de-Mars — A lovely big park to unwind with the kids. It’s a stone-throw away from the Tower, sit on the grass, grab a paper and magazine and explain to the kids that they are playing on a historical French battlefield that dates back to 1791 and that the park is named after ‘Campus Martius’ of Rome, it translates as “Field of Mars, Mars being the Roman god of War.

The puppet shows are normally each Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 3.15 then 4.15pm

M: Champ de Mars or Harkim Barkim

Bois de Boulogne — This is one of Paris' largest parks (over 2,000 acres); there’s also a small zoo with snakes and farmyard animals. Rent boats in summer and skate in Winter. The charming 19th century 'Le Petit Train' will get you orientated, catch it from the Porte Maillot near the entrance of the 'Jardin d'acclimatation'.

Remember this park is best visited in the daytime (night time brings a different crowd). The link below is to the Paris Marie.
RER: Port de Boulogne Metro: Les Sablons, prendre la rue d'Orleans, l'entree du Jardin.
www.jardindacclimatation.fr

Tuilieries or Jardin du Luxembourg — In the summer months, the Luxembourg stages a number of photographic exhibitions around the park. Both parks are great to spend a couple of hours just relaxing, find a deck chair and watch ‘Parisian’ life go by.

On the edge of the park you can watch the goings on of the live bee apiary. Students study beekeepings in the nearby condominiums. Honey sales happen Autumn. More info, although in French at the link below.
www.la-sca.net

Bois de Vincennes - eastern Paris — Another large and gorgeous Park in Paris with a farm and plenty of activities for the kids. The link below provides a couple of good maps that can be telecharged and one of the large zoo. Hire bikes, walk and visit the Chateau de Vincennes.

Me: Porte Doree for the Zoo Entry 5 euros.
www.boisdevincennes.com

Montsouris Park — This is one of those great parks where children can just run wild. Over 15 hectares of English gardens, it is said to be the favourite of Napoleon III. This second empire garden has a vast array of trees and inner-city wildlife. In the summer months there are puppet shows, and numerous entertainment areas for buskers, pony rides, ice cream vendors. Don’t tell the kids but piles of bones from a former Parisian cemetery are piled up here, somewhere!

RER B : Cité-Universitaire
Bus: Line 21, 67, 88


www.speedylook.com
Boulevard Jourdan, avenue Reille?75014 - PARIS

Parc Monceau — A small but enchanting park in the 8th. Its a short walk from the Place de l’Opera, its quite a unexpcted ‘French’ parc when 'order' and perfection is usually of the essence of French parks, this one has a more rambling effect. Pictured is a 'Monet'. Metro" Monceau
www.v1.paris.fr
58 boulevard de Courcelles, 75008

Les Jardins de Bagatelle — A beautiful display of French artistry, this garden within the Bois de Boulogne. Admire the peacocks, have lunch in the restaurant, admire the rose and other regularly exhibitions and of course, just soak up the ambiance. The story goes that this once modest hunting lodge was transformed into a magnificent estate in less than 63 days on a dare by Marie-Antoinette that it couldn't possibly be done. More info at the link below.

Métro : Pont de Neuilly (ligne 1) then bus 43
ou Porte Maillot (ligne 1) then bus 244

www.frenchgardening.com
71 avenue de l'Hippodrome