The Parc de Bagatelle in Paris is a must-visit for anyone who loves gardens, history, and culture. Whether you’re in the mood for a peaceful walk or a botanical discovery, this park offers a unique and refreshing experience right in the heart of Paris.
I love visiting parks and botanical gardens, and Paris is full of beautiful places — parks, gardens, châteaux, and hidden paths. Even when you think you know the city well, there’s always something new to discover. The Parc de Bagatelle is one of those special spots, a real favourite of mine!
Wandering Through the Parc de Bagatelle in Paris
Located in the Bois de Boulogne, this park is one of the four major botanical gardens managed by the City of Paris, alongside the Serres d’Auteuil (home to the Roland-Garros tennis tournament), the Parc Floral de Paris, and the Arboretum of the École du Breuil. They’re all worth a visit, but Bagatelle has a charm that’s truly its own.
You can enter the park through the gates on Route de Sèvres, near Neuilly-sur-Seine.
A Royal Bet Behind the Château
The main entrance to the Parc de Bagatelle is on Route de Sèvres, near Neuilly-sur-Seine, Paris. That’s where the visit begins, in a place full of history. The Château de Bagatelle was built in 1777 in just 64 days, following a bet between Marie-Antoinette and her brother-in-law, the Count of Artois. The neoclassical-style château is surrounded by formal French gardens, while the rest of the park was later designed in the Anglo-Chinese style that was all the rage at the time.
The Gardens of Parc de Bagatelle
The park covers 24 hectares and remains surprisingly peaceful, even in spring or summer, when most Parisian gardens are packed with visitors.
The Rose Garden at Parc de Bagatelle – A must-see in Spring
The rose garden is one of the highlights of the Parc de Bagatelle. Since 1907, it has hosted the annual International New Rose Competition. You’ll find around 10,000 rose bushes here, representing over 1,200 different varieties. If you’re a fan of roses, plan your visit in May or June, it’s absolutely worth it!
The Water Lily Pond
Created between 1850 and 1860, the water lily pond adds a romantic touch to the landscape.
Grotto and cascade
The Chinese Pagoda
Built in the 19th century, the Chinese Pagoda is an unexpected architectural gem you’ll stumble upon along one of the park’s winding paths.
The Orangerie
Dating back to 1835, the Orangerie is surrounded by a well-kept French formal garden. It’s often used for exhibitions and concerts throughout the year.
Le Kiosque de l’Impératrice: The Empress’s Pavilion
Perched on a small hill, the Empress’s Pavilion offers a lovely view over the rose garden. Its Victorian-style architecture adds a unique charm to the park’s overall atmosphere.
Visiting the Parc de Bagatelle – everything you need to nnow
Address: Parc de Bagatelle, Bois de Boulogne, Route de Sèvres à Neuilly, 75016 Paris
How to get there: Take metro line 1 to Pont de Neuilly, then hop on bus 43 or 244
Opening hours: Open year-round, with seasonal hours (typically from 9:30am to 6:30pm in summer)
Entry fees: Paid entry from May 1st to October 31st: €2.50 (full price) / €1.50 (reduced price), Free from November 1st to April 30th
Pets: Not allowed, even on a leash
Pro tip: May and June are the best months to see the rose garden in full bloom. Even in high season, the park stays surprisingly peaceful
More Green Getaways in Paris
If you enjoy places like the Parc de Bagatelle, I also recommend checking out:
Right next door, the Serres d’Auteuil are also worth a visit, a stunning mix of glasshouse architecture and tropical plant collections. Read the article here.
The Albert Kahn Gardens, a peaceful escape where French, English, and Japanese garden styles blend together beautifully, it feels like stepping into another world. Read the article here.
The Promenade Plantée (also known as the Coulée Verte), a green walkway built on a former railway line, perfect for a walk or bike ride above the city streets. Read the article here.
