park
Buttes-Chaumont
Romantic 19th-century park in the 19th arrondissement, with cliffs, a lake and the Temple of Sibyl.
Visit duration
1 to 2 hours
Best time
Sunny weekend
Metro
Buttes Chaumont (7bis)
Visit duration
1 to 2 hours
Metro
Buttes Chaumont (7bis)
Best time
Sunny weekend
History & context
The site was long a gypsum quarry and then a dump before Napoleon III and engineer Jean-Charles Alphand turned it into a landscaped park, opened in 1867.
Cliffs, an artificial grotto and a suspension bridge by Gustave Eiffel form a romantic setting unique in Paris, crowned by the Temple of Sibyl inspired by Tivoli.
Why visit
- ·Spectacular relief, rare in Paris
- ·An open view toward Montmartre from the temple
- ·A very local crowd, away from tourist circuits
What to see
- ·Temple of Sibyl
- ·Lake and island
- ·Cliffs
- ·Suspension bridge
Practical tips
- ·Perfect for a picnic
- ·Belleville nearby
Best photo spots
- ·The Temple of Sibyl seen from the suspension bridge
- ·The lakeside with the cliffs behind
Good to know
- ·Paths climb steeply: wear decent shoes
- ·Lawns are open here, unlike many Parisian gardens
- ·Two open-air bars serve drinks in good weather
Schedules and tickets may change. Check the official website before booking.
Anu's insider tip
Climb to the temple by the left-hand path: the slope is gentler and the view opens all at once.
With family
Large lawns, playgrounds and an open-air theatre: an easy park with children.
