Pooch Parcs in Paris
If you’re like me and would never dream of leaving your little pooch behind when traveling to Paris, you will definitely want to know which jardins and parcs little Fifi (fee-fee) or Fido will be allowed to sniff the roses. While many places in this amazing city are dog-friendly, contrary to common belief, not everywhere including many of the famous parcs welcomes our precious little pets. But have no fear; here are some green spaces where dogs “sont autorisés” (are allowed) to enjoy their daily afternoon strolls while strutting their stuff!
Jardin du Luxembourg- 6th Arrondissement
Restricted pet access found along Rue Auguste-Comte and Boulevard Saint-Michel on the periphery
One of the largest public parcs in Paris, the Jardin du Luxembourg is the garden of the French senate, which is housed in the Luxembourg palace. This lavish green space, originally owned by the Duke of Luxembourg, was purchased and “beautified” by Marie de Medici, widow of Henry IV. After the murder of her husband in 1610, she moved from the right bank to this location here on the left bank. Queen Marie wanted a parc and palace similar to what she had back home in Florence. She hired an architect to design terraces, plant trees, and create a magnificent fountain which still exists today. Back then, this garden was private and enjoyed by only the monarch and aristocrats. But since the Revolution, it has been opened to the public for everyone to be able to enjoy. On Sunday afternoons, especially during the warm spring and summer months, look for the free concerts featuring jazz or classical music!
Bois de Boulogne- 16th Arrondissement (on the West border along the 16th district)
A former hunting ground for the Kings of France created under the reign of emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, the Bois de Boulogne has become the largest spot for relaxation in the West of Paris. Here you’ll find a beautiful lake, walking paths, picnic areas, and playground. This parc is an absolutely gorgeous setting for taking your dog on a long, peaceful afternoon stroll.
Near Champs Elysées – 8th Arrondissement
What I love about these little parcs is that although you’re walking along the lively and bustling Champs Élysées, you can still enjoy quiet time along these secluded green spaces.
Jardin des Ambassadeurs– (Champs Elysées and Place de la Concorde)
Square Marigny (Champs Elysées and Av. de Marigny)
Jardin du Théâtre du Rond-Point– (Champs Élysées and Av. de Marigny/ Av. Matignon)
Jardin de la Nouvelle France (formerly Jardin de la Vallée Suisse, Next door to Palais de la Découverte)
This is one of my favorites in the area. Here you can descend the curving stone steps next to a statue of 19th-century poet Alfred de Musset. You’ll find yourself surrounded by weeping beeches, bamboo and ivy that gracefully droop into a pond fed by the River Seine and traversed by a footbridge. Just lovely!
Jardin des abords du Petit Palais– 8th Arrondissement- Champs Elysées and Av. Winston Churchill
Parc Monceau- 8th Arrondissement
Phillippe d’Orléans, Duke of Chartres, was a lover of all things English. And so when it came time to establish a parc in Paris (1700’s), naturally the inspiration for design came from England. As an interesting side note, Phillippe d’Orléans was a supporter of the Revolution and was even voted a member of the Assembly for execution of his cousin, King Louis XVI. But unfortunately, despite his political position, he was guillotined during the Reign of Terror in 1793 and the parc was then nationalized.
Here you will find beautiful statues, a pond, a Renaissance archway, and Parisians and tourists enjoying wine and cheese on the lawn. This pleasant parc is surrounded by luxury buildings and mansions bordering the 8th and 17th arrondissements.
Parc des Buttes Chaumont- 19th Arrondissement
As lovely as this green space is, one would never have guessed that this site was formerly used as a dumping ground for dead horses and corpses of executed criminals. Another part of the site was a former gypsum and limestone quarry mined for the construction of buildings in Paris and in the United States. But in the 1860’s, Baron Haussmann, architect and designer of the beautiful Paris we know today, took this not-so-promising site and turned it into a public parc for the recreation and pleasure of nearby residents. Today it is a gorgeous place to unwind and enjoy a lovely afternoon, away from tourists and in the company of mainly locals.
Esplanade Ben Gourion- 7th Arrondissement, Near Passerelle Debilly
Jardin du Champ de Mars (between the Eiffel Tower and École Militaire)- 7th Arrondissement
This large esplanade whose translation literally means “Field of Mars”, has been a multi-use space throughout the past few centuries. Originally, the Champ de Mars was part of a large flat open area called Grenelle, which was reserved for market gardening. Citizens would grow fruits, vegetables, and flowers for the local markets. But the plains here were not too productive in farming and so later became the drilling and marching grounds for the French military. Years later, this same parc played host to festivals of the French Revolution and was also the site for the World’s Fair in 1867, 1878, 1889, 1900, and 1937. Today, while the huge crowds flock around the base of the Eiffel Tower, the Champ de Mars is an attractive place to picnic, unwind, and enjoy a restful afternoon or evening with friends.
