Parc Montsouris, Paris's green bubble in the 14th arrondissement

In the 14th arrondissement of Paris, not far from the Cité Universitaire (and its magnificent park, which we also recommend!), the Parc Montsouris offers a bubble of greenery right in the heart of the city, with its century-old trees, its small pond populated by ducks and koi carp and its beautiful walkways, perfect for a jog or a stroll!

• To be read
• Where to shop for bargains in Paris?
• Tips for the week of November 18 to 24, 2024 in Paris: free or inexpensive outings
• What to do in Paris and the Paris Region in November 2024? Our tips and ideas for outings

With its 1,400 trees (many of them over a hundred years old), Parc Montsouris hasn't always been a green space: in the past, it was here that the Montrouge quarries were located, and used as a necropolis (it's said that over 6 million souls are buried here). At the instigation of Napoleon III, work began on the Parc Montsouris, which was completed in 1878 after complications caused by the war with Prussia in 1870. The project was entrusted to theengineer Alphand, who created a magnificent 15-hectare English-style garden inspired by the great London parks. The name Montsouris comes from "Moque Souris", a reference to a time when the mills on the Bièvre were inhabited by rodents.

A family stroll is ideal, as you can punctuate your walk with a ride on the merry-go-round or pony, or a session on the swings... In fine weather, you can enjoy a book on one of the benches set up around the park's small lake, from where you can also watch the green-necked ducks swim and dive!