Paris has more than 400 parks and gardens: an enormous ecologic, historical and aesthetic environmental heritage.
The French capital disposes of several green areas; each one has its particular identity, its own configuration and its peculiar magic.
One of the most known green areas is the Jardins de Luxembourg (Luxembourg gardens), on the left bank, created in 1617.
It represents a green haven of peace, in the centre of the city, where Parisians use to go on weekends to have a relaxing break.
Chalgrin planted in this garden, during the First Empire, more than 2000 horse chestnuts and the English garden amazes tourists and Parisians.
In the north part of the city, the Bois de Boulogne is the green belt of Paris.

Created under the Emperor Napoleon III and conceived following the model of the English gardens, the Bois de Boulogne includes waterfalls and two little lakes (inferior lake and big lake) where rowing races are held every year.
The Park of Bagatelle, conceived by Forestier who took inspiration from Monet paintings, is a relaxing garden in the XVI arrondissement.
Forestier also created the well-known roseraie de Bagatelle (rose bed) which has hosted an international competition every year since 1907.
Another important element of this garden is the flower theatre that can house up to 300 spectators.

The biggest park of Paris is also located in the north area: the park of La Villette.
It is made of 55 hectares and it was conceived by the architect Bernard Tschumi.
The main element of this park is water: the park is crossed by the Ourcq canal and the Saint Denis canal and it is decorated by many water games and installations.
This is only a glimpse of the richness of the Parisian parks and gardens; keep discovering all the other green areas below.