Discover the Bois de Boulogne: nature and escape in the heart of Paris

In the midst of the Parisian hustle and bustle, the Bois de Boulogne is a green sanctuary that stands in stark contrast to the urban frenzy. Located in the west of Paris, between the 16th and 17th arrondissements, this 846-hectare green space is the perfect escape for guests of the Elsa Hotel looking for nature and tranquility.

Bois de Boulogne: A green lung with a fascinating history

Dating back to the Middle Ages, the Bois de Boulogne stands as a testament to the history of Paris and humanity's efforts to tame nature.

Origins of the woods: From royal forest to imperial park

The Bois de Boulogne was once part of the ancient Rouvray forest, a hunting ground frequented by Capetian kings. In the mid-19th century, under the reign of Napoleon III, the woods were gradually transformed into the modern park we know today. The Emperor drew inspiration from London's Hyde Park to provide Parisians with a place for strolling and relaxation.

Landscape engineer Alphand was tasked with transforming the marshy terrain into a landscaped park between 1852 and 1858. A testament to the modern vision of Paris so dear to Baron Haussmann, the park was one of the first major urban planning projects of the Second Empire.

A natural space shaped by human hands

The layout of the Bois de Boulogne leaves nothing to chance. Alphand considered every detail to provide an aesthetic and functional vision for the green space: artificial lakes (the Upper and Lower lakes), bridle paths, winding rivers, and romantic bridges. Visitors can enjoy a setting perfect for contemplation in one of the most beautiful green spaces in Paris.

Must-see highlights of the Bois de Boulogne

From rowing boat rides to leisure parks and grand themed gardens, every corner of the Bois de Boulogne is an invitation to unwind.

Strolling by the lakes

The Lower Lake is the beating heart of the Bois de Boulogne. You can walk along its banks or rent a rowboat to explore the 11 hectares of water and reach the Île aux Cygnes.

The Upper Lake, which is more intimate, offers a wilder setting for a walk, perfect for a romantic escape or a quiet moment of reflection.

Exploring the iconic gardens

The Bois de Boulogne is home to several gardens worth visiting. Among them, the Jardin d’Acclimatation is a year-round leisure park featuring rides, playgrounds, a petting zoo, and educational activities.

Another must-see site is the Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil, which features large greenhouses housing rare plant species. You should also visit the Pré-Catelan, a more intimate garden famous for its beech tree planted in 1782, and the Parc de Bagatelle, renowned for its rose garden, French-style gardens, and 18th-century château.

Things to do in the Bois de Boulogne

With nearly 850 hectares of landscaped grounds, the Bois de Boulogne offers the perfect setting for a wide range of activities.

Get active or unwind

With its sports facilities, this green space is a true playground for enjoying the outdoors: cycling routes, hiking trails, bridle paths, jogging tracks, outdoor yoga, rowing on the lakes, tennis courts, and a sports complex. To continue the area's equestrian tradition, the Longchamp and Auteuil racecourses are also open for watching races or enjoying a pony or horseback ride.

Picnic or read in the shade

After a lovely walk in the woods, a workout, or a boat trip on the Lac Inférieur, why not relax in the shade? Whether at the Parc de Bagatelle, near the Lac Supérieur, or in the Pré-Catelan, the setting is perfect for a peaceful picnic in Paris.

Visit the Fondation Louis Vuitton

On the northern edge of the woods, the Fondation Louis Vuitton is the premier cultural attraction of this vast green space. Inaugurated in 2014 and designed by Frank Gehry, it hosts modern and contemporary art exhibitions. Its revolutionary architecture also offers a splendid view of Paris, the Eiffel Tower, and iconic monuments.

The Bois de Boulogne, a green oasis near Hotel Elsa

From Hotel Elsa in the 17th arrondissement, it is easy to reach the Bois de Boulogne. Several bus lines provide direct access (buses 244, 43, and 73), as do Metro line 1 (Porte Maillot or Les Sablons stations) and line 9 (Porte de Saint-Cloud station).

This natural site is the ideal place to recharge after a day of visiting major Parisian museums or shopping near the Champs-Élysées. Many Hotel Elsa guests enjoy coming here to reconnect with nature during their city break.

The Bois de Boulogne is much more than just a park: it is a place for relaxation, culture, and rejuvenation. Book your room at Hotel Elsa now and discover this green gem just minutes from our hotel.