7 Places to Enjoy Autumn Foliage in Paris

FRANCE – Autumn is the best time of year to enjoy the natural beauty of parks, gardens, and forests in the capital of France.

A Parisian gardener shared her experiences with The Guardian about finding spots to admire the golden and red foliage in autumn. She spoke about her quest to find locations with trees that showcase shades of yellow, amber, brown, and vibrant red in the fall. Here are seven recommendations published by The Guardian for beautiful autumn foliage spots in Paris.

Jardin du Luxembourg

The Luxembourg Gardens, situated in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, were constructed in the 17th century under the patronage of Queen Marie de’ Medici. While the landscape and layout of the garden have undergone significant changes over the years, it still remains a verdant oasis in the heart of the city. The garden is adorned with over 600 fruit trees located in the southern corner, adjacent to the oldest beekeeping school in Paris.

Luxembourg Gardens also serve as a peaceful haven for those looking to read books in a serene and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can wander through the garden’s meandering paths, find solace on benches with views of shaded alleys, and even admire the stunning Medici Fountain. For a glimpse of autumn foliage, there is a particular area near Luxembourg Gardens where whitebeam trees display vibrant yellow leaves along Saint-Michel Boulevard, at the crossroads of the 5th and 6th districts. Photo credit: paris_shuffle

Clichy-Batignolles – Martin Luther King Park

The 17th arrondissement, known as Batignolles or District 17, in Paris isn’t just a hub for trendy cafes and upscale restaurants, but it also features a farmers’ market and the enchanting Square des Batignolles. Local residents often frequent this square for playing pétanque and feeding ducks. Two other noteworthy places in the 17th district for admiring autumn scenery are the green complex of Clichy-Batignolles – Martin Luther King. This complex, completed in 2004, covers an area of 10.8 hectares and offers a unique ambiance for each season. In the autumn, visitors can explore this green space and witness cherry trees bearing fruit, marvel at the tamarisk garden, and admire the variety of fruit-bearing trees displaying their autumn bounty. Photo credit: bisachira

Albert Kahn Museum and Gardens

The garden of the French photographer Albert Kahn is located in the western suburb of Boulogne-Billancourt, approximately 10 km from the center of Paris. This garden also serves as a museum preserving a vast collection of photography and cinematography, known as the Archives de la Planète, a project that spanned from 1908 to 1931, documenting images of human cultures from around the world.

The landscape of the garden features a diverse array of plant species from different countries, coexisting harmoniously. Among them are two Japanese gardens, which showcase a blend of traditional and contemporary elements, with meticulously pruned trees. These Japanese-style gardens, surrounded by red maple trees, transport visitors to the ambiance of Kyoto right in the heart of Paris. It’s advisable for visitors to explore this place at least twice – once to appreciate the visual beauty and ambiance and another time to delve deeper into the photography museum and the various plant species that adorn the premises.

On the second Tuesday of each month, the garden remains illuminated and open until 10 PM. From October to March, the museum and garden are open from Tuesday to Sunday, between 11 AM and 6 PM. The admission fee is 8 euros for adults, with free entry for individuals under 26. Additionally, on the first Sunday of each month, visitors enjoy free admission. Photo credit: scissorisback

Vallée-aux-Loups Nursery Garden

This garden dates back to the 18th century but officially opened its doors to the public in 1994. It boasts a collection of 165 tree species, including many rare varieties such as Japanese maple, oak trees, whitebeam, and numerous diverse shrubs. The garden also adorns itself with vibrant shades of yellow and red during the autumn season. Visitors to Paris should make a point to visit this garden in the morning, as it closes relatively early, around 4 PM. The location offers free admission year-round. Photo credit: Microaventure

Cemeteries

Visitors can pay a visit to the cemeteries in Paris to escape the crowds and embrace a serene atmosphere. Père Lachaise Cemetery, located in the eastern part of Paris, is the final resting place for numerous renowned figures, including artists, writers, and composers. This globally renowned cemetery features peaceful, tree-lined paths and valuable works of artistic sculpture. The Passy Cemetery in the 16th arrondissement and the Montparnasse Cemetery are also recommended destinations to explore during the autumn season. In the picture, you can see the landscape at Père Lachaise Cemetery. Photo credit: quantum.75

Vineyards

The scenery in Parc George Brassens transforms during the autumn season. The vineyards burst into shades of yellow, orange, and vibrant brown, embracing the ripening clusters of grapes. Visitors can explore the public Parc de Bercy, which houses over 400 grapevines, located in the 12th district, for a splendid view. The period from October 11th to 15th marks the grape harvest festival here. Furthermore, Parc George Brassens, situated on the southern slopes of Paris, is another delightful location with beautiful vineyards to explore during the autumn. Photo credit: Tripopola

Suburban Forests

For a break from the bustling city, travelers can venture to two suburban forests on the outskirts of Paris. To the east lies Bois de Vincennes, and to the west is Bois de Boulogne. Visitors can access these forests by bus or subway. Both of these woodlands feature walking paths and tranquil lakes bordered by trees ablaze with color. Additionally, there are boat rides available on the lakes for admiring the botanical gardens. The picture captures a walking path in Bois de Boulogne in early October, as the leaves begin to change colors. Photo credit: thealexstef

Plan your visit to these spots between late September and early November to enjoy the most vibrant autumn foliage in Paris.