The Bois de Vincennes is beloved as Paris’ largest green space, and it remains a popular urban retreat for harried Parisians. The park, which sprawls across 2,459 acres (995 hectares), is roughly three times the size of Central Park in New York and is home to a wide array of attractions. The Château de Vincennes hints at its regal past, while the Vincennes Hippodrome de Paris and the Vélodrome de Vincennes (also called La Cipale) both date to the 19th century. The Parc Floral de Paris is both a beautiful botanical garden and event venue, while the Parc Zoologique de Paris is the largest zoo in town. Other highlights include a Buddhist temple, the Ferme de Paris (a working farm), and INSEP (National Institute of Sport, Expertise, and Performance).
The Bois de Vincennes is free to all visitors and can easily be explored independently, though individual sites and events are ticketed. The Paris Pass includes entry to the Château de Vincennes.