The history of the Bois de Boulogne
The Bois de Boulogne in the west of the city is the largest resort, jogging, leisure and family entertainment area in Paris. The current site is the remnant of a huge forest called Rouvray. The forest takes its name from the church of Notre-Dame-de-Boulogne-la-Petite, which was built by the inhabitants of a village located there in the 14th century in honor of their pilgrimage site – Boulogne-sur-Mer.
The forest covers an area of 8,460 dunams and contains hundreds of thousands of trees, with the most common types being oak, chestnut, acacia, sycamore, and maple. Like its counterpart, the Vincennes Forest to the east of the city, it is designed in the English style, and you will find spectacular artificial lakes, boating opportunities, huge lawns, roads, hiking trails, bike and horseback riding, and many kilometers of wooded areas. It has no shortage of diverse attractions for all ages, so you can spend at least a full day here in nature and enjoy an ideal escape from busy city life. The forest has 15 km of bike paths and 28 km of walking trails.
During the reign of the kings, the forest served as a hunting ground closed to the general public. In 1556, when the forest became a hiding place for gangs of robbers, King Henry II decided to surround it with a wall with 2 gates, with the gates at Fort Mayo and Fort La Motte being the most important and main ones. In 8, the English and Russian armies set up camps in the forest and destroyed a significant part of it. In 1815, Baron Haussmann demolished the wall and designed the forest according to Napoleon III's taste. The new design was inspired by London's Hyde Park after Napoleon was deeply impressed by it during his visit there. On this occasion, Napoleon ordered the place to be opened to the public.
The Bois de Boulogne is still considered an aristocratic site. Baron Haussmann is responsible for this when, among other things, he ensured that one of the main approaches to the forest would be along the prestigious Avenue Foch, which leaves from the Arc de Triomphe and reaches the outskirts of the forest. This avenue is considered the place where real estate prices are the most expensive in the city. The 16th arrondissement to which the forest is annexed is considered the most prestigious district in Paris.
Transportation in the forest
The metro of course does not go into the forest and only reaches its edge. Given the large distances between the sites, it is worth considering how you will get around. To see as many attractions as possible, it is advisable to arrive here with Rented vehicle Or with an electric bike or scooter.
It is also possible to combine public transportation with a lot of walking, but we must be aware that this will limit us greatly. Bus number 244 leaves from Port Mayo and connects several parts of the forest. We must also take into account that our tour of the forest can only be done during the day, as at night the place becomes questionable. Although since 1992, after the intervention of the authorities, the widespread phenomenon of prostitution in the forest has been reduced, it still exists in several locations.
What not to miss in the Bois de Boulogne?
The lakes
The two famous lakes along the eastern part of the forest are, in my opinion, the most wonderful places in the forest. They are a must-see for anyone who has bothered to explore the environment. The large lake is called LAC INFERIEUR, it is over 1,000 m long but can be easily circumnavigated.
At the northern end of the lake, you can rent rowboats. It has two islands connected by a bridge. On the islands is a high-quality, expensive and famous restaurant called Le Chalet des Iles, located in a stunning chalet imported from Switzerland by Napoleon especially for his wife.
At the southern end of the large lake on the island stands a circular structure known as the 'Emperor's Kiosk'. Not far from there you will find a wonderful waterfall that can be reached by rowboat. Adjacent to it, on the other side of the road, is a smaller but equally beautiful and interesting lake called LAC SUPERIEUR.
You can reach the northern end of the large lake by metro PORTE DAUPHINE or by RER suburban train at Avenue Foch station. In both cases, when you exit the train, there is a walk of about 800 meters to the lake via La Route de Suresnes. Another option is to reach the connection point between the two lakes by bus to the square De la Porte de Passy and walk about half a kilometer.
Louis Vuitton Museum
At the end of 2012, it was inaugurated in the Bois de Boulogne Louis Vuitton Museum, and its French name is FONDATION LOUIS VUITTON. The original and very special building was designed by the American Frank Gehry. Some call it the architectural diamond. The spectacular and unique building built using terraces allows visitors to enjoy special panoramic views. This new and important museum focuses on contemporary art and displays permanent collections and temporary exhibitions.
Louis Vuitton Museum Tickets
Because this is one of the most popular museums in Paris, it is highly recommended to buy tickets in advance to save time waiting in line. Tickets can be purchased atMuseums page.
Opening Hours
The museum opens at 12:00 and on weekends at 11:00. Closed on Tuesdays.
Directions to the Louis Vuitton Museum
The museum is located at: AV DU MAHATMA GANDHI 8 and can be reached by metro line 1 at the LES SABLONS station plus a fifteen-minute walk through the forest, or by bus line 244, or by the museum's special minibus that leaves near the Hôtel (Arc de Triomphe) at the beginning of AV. DE FRIEDLANDE.
When leaving the museum, I highly recommend that you take a quick dip into the wonderful little lake Mare St-James, which is a short walk west of Louis Vuitton.
Acclimatization Garden
Next to the Louis Vuitton Museum is the Jardin d'Acclimatation, founded in 1860 for the welfare of children. ParisIf you are traveling with children, this is the largest amusement park in Paris, pleasant and quiet for them with plenty of facilities, a boat ride in a water canal called the “Magic Stream”, a puppet theater, climbing and swinging facilities, pony rides, an animal corner, a miniature train that travels throughout the park, a small science museum for children, art exhibitions for children, and more. The park is open for a fee every day from 10:00. You can get here by metro line 1, LES SABLONS station, plus about a 10-minute walk.
You can read more about it and buy tickets in the article. Attractions in Paris for children.
Bagatelle Park
In the northwestern part of the forest is a wonderful and unique park – Bagatelle Park. It is not for nothing that many call it ‘Paradise’. The garden was built in 1775 following an intervention between the Count of Artois (future King Charles X) and his sister-in-law. Marie AntoinetteThe count claimed that he could design and build a small palace with a landscaped garden around it in just three months.
The Count won the bet and the public was rewarded with a place of rare beauty. In 1806 the castle was purchased by Napoleon. The place subsequently passed through several more owners, including during the Restoration period it was purchased by the Duke of Berry and then sold to the Hartford family until 1905 when it was purchased by the City of Paris.
In the magnificent park in its current form, in addition to the small palace, one can also find a 19th-century Chinese pagoda, giant trees, a rose garden with 10 roses in bloom, artificial caves, ponds with noble geese and swans, artificial waterfalls, bridges and extensive lawns with colorful peacocks. Of particular interest are the magical Japanese garden, the iris patch and a small lake with its magnificent water lilies.
Every year in June, an international rose growers' competition is held in the park. The garden also regularly hosts exhibitions, events, performances and concerts. The park is located in a beautiful building, a large restaurant located near the Sevres Gate. The park opens daily at 09:30, an entrance fee of two and a half euros is charged from April to October. From November to March, admission is free. Bus No. 244, which leaves from Porte Maillot, reaches the park.
If you would like to learn more about the fascinating history of Bagatelle Palace, you are invited to read Ronen Sass's article. Château de Bagatelle – If the walls could talk.
Longchamp area
The Longshan area, which extends to the southeastern part of the forest, is mainly famous for horse racing, which takes place here in a huge hippodrome built in 1857 by Napoleon. Longshan is one of the most famous racecourses in the world and can accommodate over 10 spectators.
At the intersection north of the hippodrome – Carrefour de Longchamp – you will find a large artificial waterfall and next to it a monument commemorating 35 people who were shot here by the Nazis in 1944.
Between the Hippodrome and the Bagatelle Park lies the Fondation Goodplanet, a garden immersed in abundant greenery, a relatively new place built in 2005 and whose main goal is to expose the public to the issues of the Earth's ecology and the preservation and quality of the environment. Concerts and exhibitions are held there. Admission is free.
Pre-catalan
In the center of the forest is the 'Pre Catalin' park, a small and pleasant park with an old beech tree over 200 years old with the widest crown in Paris. Here is also the 'Shakespeare Garden' with a variety of flowers, plants and trees mentioned in Shakespeare's works, wide lawns and play areas for children. In the summer months, classic Shakespeare plays are performed here in a small amphitheater. Details about the plays can be obtained by calling 0142714406.
Otay
In the south of the forest in the Auteuil area, you can find a number of interesting attractions: First and foremost, there is another hippodrome where riding lessons can be held and where horse races with obstacles are held that attract a large crowd.
South of the Hippodrome are the Otay Greenhouse Gardens.
The gardens were founded in 1761 by order of Louis XV. The garden is built around huge beds of rare flowers and special trees in greenhouses with an abundance of tropical plants and a seasonal selection of orchids and succulents. Getting here with the Porte d'Auteuil metro.
Roland Garros
Next to the greenhouses are the famous Roland Garros tennis courts, where the French Open tennis championship is held every year. FranceA competition that attracts tens of thousands of enthusiastic tennis fans. In the tennis court complex you will also find a small museum that presents the history of 500 years of tennis activity. Admission is free.
Parc des Princes
South of the forest at 24 Rue du Commandan Guilbaud is the football stadium of the French champions Paris Saint Germain (PSG). Football fans can join organized tours that take place there. Details on the dates can be found by calling 0141416100. Getting to the stadium via the Porte de Saint Cloud metro.
Want to live near the Bois de Boulogne?
The Bois de Boulogne is located in the prestigious and quiet 16th arrondissement. It is true that it is a little far from the center (although not that far), but the tranquility and beauty definitely make up for it. Also, since it is a less touristy area, the prices of apartments and hotels there are also lower compared to the center of Paris. So if you have decided to live in the area, you are welcome to visit these links and choose a recommended hotel or apartment.