After all that shopping, discover the best places to relax in Paris with our guide to the city's most gorgeous parks
Paris Parks
Jardin Du Luxembourg
Peppered with hard-backed green metal chairs to perch on, kick back and watch a microcosm of Parisian society mingle before your eyes from students and early morning joggers to boules players and dog-walkers, all set against the milieu of the French senate. http://www.aviewoncities.com/paris/jardinduluxembourg.htm
Parc Andre Citroen
Once the site of the Citroën car factory, the park has now been converted into eclectic and eccentric gardens, courtesy of myriad architects and landscapers. Spread across 14 hectares, your eyes will be darting constantly, eager to take in the themed and wild gardens, lawns and elegant glasshouses. http://www.gardenvisit.com/garden/parc_andre_citroen_paris
Parc Andre Citroen
Once the site of the Citroën car factory, the park has now been converted into eclectic and eccentric gardens, courtesy of myriad architects and landscapers. Spread across 14 hectares, your eyes will be darting constantly, eager to take in the themed and wild gardens, lawns and elegant glasshouses. http://www.gardenvisit.com/garden/parc_andre_citroen_paris
Le Jardin des Serres d Auteuil
For a taste of tropical paradise, make a beeline for these romantic glasshouses, opened back in 1895 to cultivate beautiful plants from orchids to begonias to populate Paris parks and public spaces. Remember to layer up your style ensemble the steamy tropical pavilion, with its palms, birds and Japanese ornamental carp, can get rather warm! http://www.frenchgardening.com/visitez.html?pid=31017869138603
Parc Floral de Paris
One of the more modern parks in the French capital, Parc Floral was created as part of a garden festival in 1966 on the ancient royal estate of Vincennes. http://www.parcfloraldeparis.com/parc_floral.html
Parc de Bercy
Parc de Bercy is one of the youngest in the city, only created a decade ago in the 1990s. So, what can visitors look forward to? A little slice of home actually. Think a square rose and herb garden, vegetable plots (maybe hold back from pinching the strawberries though) and beautifully laid out gardens which represent the four seasons. http://www.paris-walking-tours.com/parcdebercy.html
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
As one of the largest city parks, Parisians flock to its spacious grassy slopes, armed with a picnic to relax or stroll through the five kilometres of paths. The park was commissioned by French Emperor, Napolean III and features various eye-catching sites, including several cliffs, bridges, a grotto and waterfall and a lake crowned by a mini temple. http://www.gardenvisit.com/garden/parc_des_buttes_chaumont
Bois de Vincennes
The clue is in the name (bois=forest) for Paris s largest park of all, which features a veritable feast of activities to keep you entertained all day. Boating lakes attract romantic rendez vous, which a the city s main zoo and restaurants keep families entertained. Set against the backdrop of the imposing Château de Vincennes, your senses will be drawn in every direction! http://www.boisdevincennes.com/site/index.php3
Parc de Thoiry
Housing a host of animals, Parc de Thoiry boasts one of Europe s first animal reserves. Who knew a visit to the capital of chic could also incorporate a safari park trail where (in your car) you can mingle with zebras and bears. http://www.thoiry.net/index.2.php?lang=en
Parc Montsouris
Designed in the style of a traditional English garden, you ll free right at home in this gem of a park situated in the southern area of the city. Wile away the afternoon after a serious morning shopping spree on the gently sloping lawns and listen to the cascade of water from the artificial lake. http://www.v1.paris.fr/EN/Visiting/gardens/parc_montsouris.asp
Parc Asterix
Are you a fan of the Astérix and Obelix adventures? Then the tribute to the French cartoon illustration duo will be right up your street. The park is divided into the old regions of Ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, the Land of the Vikings and the unconquerable Gaulish village. Featuring log flumes, rollercoasters, meet your favourite characters in the flash just remember to take a child. http://www.parcasterix.fr/
