Overview
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is the most topographically dramatic park in Paris — a place of rocky cliffs, a lake with an island, grottos, and sweeping views over the city. It was created between 1864 and 1867 by Baron Haussmann and landscape architect Jean-Charles Alphand on a wasteland of former gypsum quarries and a rubbish dump. Alphand moved over two million cubic metres of earth to create its hills, excavated the 1.5-hectare lake, and built an artificial 30-metre island crowned with a small Greek temple. The result was considered an engineering marvel of its time. Today the park is the beloved green heart of the 19th arrondissement, buzzing with joggers, picnickers, and regulars at the famous guinguette Rosa Bonheur.
🕐 Opening Hours
Free admission unless noted above
🚇 How to Get There
💡 Use the Botzaris entrance for the lake and Temple; use Laumière entrance for Rosa Bonheur.
Get Directions →What to See
- 1Temple de la Sibylle — a small Greek-inspired rotunda atop the island cliff with panoramic Paris views
- 2Lac des Buttes-Chaumont — a 1.5-hectare artificial lake, perfect for peaceful walks around its shore
- 3Grotto with waterfall — a 20-metre artificial cavern with stalactites and a dramatic cascade
- 4Suspension bridge (Pont des Suicidés) — a 63-metre bridge with views over the lake and cliffs
- 5Rosa Bonheur guinguette — a beloved open-air bar and dance hall with an incredible terrace
- 6Puppet theater (Guignol) — traditional French puppet shows for children
Photos
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont with its lake, rocky island, and the Temple de la Sibylle perched on the cliff
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