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Paris is rife with green spaces, be it parks, gardens, or lawns. You may know a few by the names of Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Gardens), Jardin des Tuileries (Tuileries Gardens), and the Parc Monceau. However, there are so many small squares and parks that deserve recognition, too—one of which is the Parc de Bagatelle, located in the Bois de Boulogne in the 16th arrondissement.

As it possesses an interesting history, I thought it deserved a little post. Flower lovers, this is for you. The park is known for its rose garden that explodes in colour every year in May. Although the day I went it was cloudy, the colours were nice and cheery. It’s a bit of a hassle to get to, but not impossible. A bus ride is involved, which takes you through the Bois de Boulogne, and while I love seeing Paris pass by through the windows, I don’t like the unreliability. But, I wasn’t willing to take a 30-minute hike from the metro, so bus it was.

Visit Parc de Bagatelle, Paris

Transportation & Fees

The best way to arrive at the park is by bus if you don’t want a half-hour walk from the métro. I recommend downloading Citymapper. It’s a transportation app that helps you navigate many major cities, including Paris. I used it all the time while I lived there. The app will tell you what trains, connections, etc, you need to make, and even where to stand on the platform so that you’re closest to your exit!

The park is free but is gated, so make sure you show up when it’s open, generally beginning at 9:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. April through September.

Things to do in Parc de Bagatelle

Built in 64 days on a bet between Marie Antoinette and the Comte d’Artois, her brother-in-law, the grounds are impressive. A small lake, château, and gardens in the English and French styles occupy the property. Some notables are the famed rose garden, which features 10,000 species, and a 19th-century Chinese pagoda.

It’s a great place for a stroll or picnic (or both!). Plenty of peacocks strut around, which were a surprise, delight, and a little bit of an intimidation. They are huge but beautiful birds. Kids will love exploring the caverns, rocks, and artificial waterfalls. In the summer, there are also concerns, and in the early spring magnolias bloom—a fact oft overshadowed by the roses.

Pin this guide to the Parc de Bagatelle.