The Bois de Vincennes is the largest public green space in Paris, a former royal hunting forest on the eastern edge of the city that now covers roughly 2,400 acres. It holds a working medieval castle, a zoo, a botanical garden, several lakes, and a horse racing track within its boundaries.
Château de Vincennes, a fortified royal residence dating to the 14th century, anchors the park’s northern edge and can be toured independently with an audio guide. Elsewhere, Lac Daumesnil offers seasonal rowing boat rentals, and the Parc Floral botanical garden adds mini-golf and play areas that appeal to families.
Renting a bike is the easiest way to cover real ground here — Vélib’ stations sit at the main entrances, and cycling paths connect the lakes, the zoo, and the castle without much backtracking.
