Established as part of a city-wide beautification project during the mid ’90s, Parc de Bercy has three distinctly-themed gardens within its confines. With huge shady trees, you can often find sunbathers on warm days lounging on the grass and next to the water features in the Grande Prairie. For a more traditional garden setting—complete with an orchard, vineyard, and vegetable and flower beds—walk through Les Parterres section. For a more romantic meander check out Jardin Romantique’s lily pond and public art installations.
Paris’ largest cultural and sporting venue, Bercy Arena, is at the northwest side of the park, as is Bercy Village, a quaint shopping area built in the remnants of Bercy wine cellars.
Reach the park on either Metro line 6 or 14 before taking the Bercy station stop, or take line 14 to Core Saint-Émilion. You can also get to the park on bus line 24 or 87.
The park is open every day, and though the shops, boutiques, and restaurants in Bercy Village vary in hours, they’re generally open daily. To experience the super blooms that happen every year in gardens around Paris, consider planning your trip to Parc de Bercy during May.
For more leisurely garden strolls check Jardin des Plantes in the Latin Quarter of Paris. This garden is hidden in plain sight. Inside the garden is a lush oasis full of different botanical gardens which include tropical plants, rose gardens, and blossoming cherry trees. You can also visit multiple museums within the garden walls including the botanical, natural history, and evolution museums.
