PARIS HÔTEL PLAZA ATHÉNÉE Two day itinerary: Parks & Gardens Nestled among the French capital’s world-famous sights are a surprisingly large number of green spaces, where visitors can take a breather from the bustle of Parisian life. With more than 400 options to explore, from pocked-sized gardens to grand parks and historic stately escapes, there are plenty of urban oases in the City of Light. Discover the must-see parks and gardens in Paris with the help of this two-day itinerary. Day One After breakfast, take a 15-minute drive to the first park of the day, Parc Monceau.

PARC MONCEAU T: 01 42 27 39 56 | 35 Boulevard de Courcelles, 75008 Paris The history of Parc Monceau is evident from the moment you pass through its wrought iron gates. Dating back to the 17th century, the park is filled with statues, Renaissance archways and colonnades, a Venetian bridge, and even a model Egyptian pyramid. It’s a peaceful escape in the heart of the city’s eighth arrondissement. Then, take a 10-minute drive to Bois de Boulogne.

BOIS DE BOULOGNE T: 01 53 92 82 82 | 75016 Paris Bois de Boulogne is an 850-hectare adventure playground that was once a royal hunting ground. Swapping hunting for sports, the park is now a key leisure hub for Parisians. From boating on Lac Inférieur and cycling on the bike trails, to horse riding on the bridleways and watching horse racing on the Longchamp Racecourse, there’s plenty to entertain visitors all year round. Still within Bois de Boulogne, seek out Parc de Bagatelle.

PARC DE BAGATELLE Bois de Boulogne, Route de Sèvres à Neuilly, 75016 Paris Created in 1775, Parc de Bagatelle is one of four botanical gardens in Paris. For more than 240 years, the garden has been cultivating intriguing varieties of trees and plants. One of the most romantic spaces in Paris, the park offers artificial waterfalls, quaint bridges, a Chinese pagoda and a large rose garden filled with ten thousand rose bushes. Next, take a 35-minute drive to Parc Montsouris.

The Dorchester, London | 45 Park Lane, London | Coworth Park, Ascot | Le Meurice, Paris | Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Paris Hotel Principe di Savoia, Milan | Hotel Eden, Rome | The Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills | Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles | Dubai (opening 2020) PARC MONTSOURIS 2 Rue Gazan, 75014 Paris The regal Parc Montsouris is arguably the finest English garden in Paris. Created by Emperor Napoléon III, the beautiful park features statues, impressive tree-lined landscaped lawns, exotic trees, a lake, and cultural attractions including the Meteorological Observatory and the Mire du Sud – a monument marking the Paris meridian. There is also a bandstand which hosts free concerts throughout the summer months. The final garden of the day can be reached with a 15-minute drive.

JARDIN ALPIN T: 01 40 79 56 01 | Jardin des Plantes, 57 Rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris Delve into the heart of Jardin des Plantes to discover Jardin Alpin, an alpine garden which brings more than 2,000 plant species from the mountains to the city. Over a space of more than 4,000sqm, botanists have created microclimates in which they can grow and cultivate various plant life as though in the wild. Even if you don’t know much about nature, it’s a beautiful walk. End the day with a 25-minute drive back to the hotel.

Day two Start the day with a 15-minute drive to Square du Vert-Galant. SQUARE DU VERT-GALANT Place du Pont-Neuf, 75001 Paris A tiny park at the tip of Ile de la Cité, Square du Vert-Galant is as charming as it is remote. Built in honour of King Henri IV of France, it received its name ‘Vert-Galant’ due to the King’s reputation for having many mistresses. It’s a popular spot with lovers and affords beautiful views of the river, which surrounds it on three sides, and the nearby Musée du Louvre. Take a 20-minute drive or a 30-minute walk to the next garden.

JARDIN SAINT-GILLES-GRAND-VENEUR 9 Rue du Grand Veneur, 75003 Paris A hidden square near Le Marais, Jardin Saint-Gilles-Grand-Veneur is a peaceful space where locals go for quiet reflection. Tucked away behind the shops and galleries of Rue de Turenne, it’s hard to find but worth the effort. It’s accessible via a choice of two narrow alleyways that cut through a building – look out for the iron gates leading to Rue de Grand Veneur or Rue de Hesse. Next, take a 15-minute drive or a 30-minute walk to Parc de Belleville.

The Dorchester, London | 45 Park Lane, London | Coworth Park, Ascot | Le Meurice, Paris | Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Paris Hotel Principe di Savoia, Milan | Hotel Eden, Rome | The Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills | Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles | Dubai (opening 2020) PARC DE BELLEVILLE 47 Rue des Couronnes, 75020 Paris A modern sloping park that affords some of the best panoramic views of the city, Parc de Belleville occupies a hill that peaks at almost 200m above sea level. Before becoming a park, the hill was covered in vines, around 140 of which remain and continue to produce Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay grapes. There’s also a playground for families with climbing frames and even a toboggan ride. Then, drive for 30 minutes to Parc Floral de Paris.

PARC FLORAL DE PARIS T: 01 49 57 25 50 | Esplanade du Château de Vincennes, 75012 Paris Located within the giant Bois de Vincennes park, Parc Floral de Paris is a popular park and botanic garden with abundant wildlife and plant life. Enjoy a walk through the grounds, a picnic on the lawn or even a round of mini golf, before venturing out into the wider park for sports and activities such as boating and horse riding. Reach the final destination via a 25-minute drive.

PARC DE LA VILLETTE T: 01 40 03 75 75 | 211 Avenue Jean Jaurès, 75019 Paris A cultural hub in the north of Paris, Parc de la Villette is a large 55-hectare urban park with lawns (often hosting shows and festivals), ponds, fountains and play areas. A whole host of cultural attractions line the park, including the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie and the Musée de la Musique. Every summer, the park holds an al fresco film festival. To get back to the hotel, it’s a 30-minute drive.

All journey times are approximate and subject to variation.

The Dorchester, London | 45 Park Lane, London | Coworth Park, Ascot | Le Meurice, Paris | Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Paris Hotel Principe di Savoia, Milan | Hotel Eden, Rome | The Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills | Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles | Dubai (opening 2020)