The best parks in Paris to walk your dog, from Buttes-Chaumont to Montmartre
Finding a green space to unwind with your dog, without running into locked gates or no-entry signs, is a daily challenge for many Parisians. Fortunately, several parks in Paris welcome owners and their four-legged companions in settings that are genuinely worth the trip. Here are the addresses to know in 2026 for making the most of the capital with your furry friend.
Green spaces in the heart of Paris for dogs and their owners
In the 19th arrondissement, the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont has become the go-to spot for families and residents of eastern Paris. Unlike many of the capital’s green spaces, it opens its gates to pets. Leads and long lines remain compulsory, but the sweeping, hilly pathways offer a generous and stimulating walking ground for dogs.
Further south, in the 14th arrondissement, the Parc Montsouris wins visitors over with its tranquil atmosphere. Its 1,400 trees, most of them centuries old, give it a distinctive character, with an aesthetic clearly inspired by London’s parks. The banks of the lake, animated by swans and ducks, draw students from the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris as much as owners looking to offer their dogs a cool, refreshing outing.
Dog walks in Paris’s most iconic parks
The Jardin du Luxembourg, nestled in the heart of the 6th arrondissement, is one of the most visited spaces in the capital. Tourists, joggers, tennis players and chess enthusiasts all cross paths here on a daily basis. A dedicated area, located between the fountains and the flower-lined paths, is open to dogs. To avoid the crowds at the main entrances, a handy tip is to use the Royer-Collard entrance on the boulevard Saint-Michel.
In the 1st arrondissement, the Jardin du Palais-Royal offers a different kind of experience. Between Buren’s columns and the magnolia-lined paths that put on a remarkable show in spring, it is a royal setting in the most literal sense. Settling onto a bench with a warm drink to watch the capital’s most beautiful dogs go by is a pleasure many Parisians treat themselves to on a regular basis.
- Jardin du Luxembourg (6th): dog-friendly zone between the fountains and flower-lined paths, recommended entrance via Royer-Collard
- Parc des Buttes-Chaumont (19th): leads and long lines compulsory, sweeping hilly pathways
- Parc Montsouris (14th): 1,400 centuries-old trees, lake with swans and ducks
- Jardin du Palais-Royal (1st): magnolia-lined paths, Buren’s columns
- Bois de Vincennes (12th): vast green space, the Ruisseau de Gravelle for hot days
Nature spots for getting off the beaten track
To the east of Paris, the Bois de Vincennes is an excellent option for owners who need room to breathe. This vast green expanse in the 12th arrondissement lets dogs run freely in a spacious environment. On warm days, the Ruisseau de Gravelle even offers animals the chance of a refreshing dip.
More unconventional, the Petite Ceinture also deserves a place on this list. This former railway line, which runs along Paris from the 12th to the 20th arrondissement, makes for an original walking route right in the heart of Parisian nature. Alongside the many community spaces dotted along the way, it is an ideal setting for a park in Paris experience well off the beaten track, far from the usual manicured lawns.
Montmartre and its secret gardens for dog lovers
In the 18th arrondissement, at the foot of the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, the Square Nadar is a well-known haunt for Parisians and their dogs. This small green space in Montmartre enjoys a privileged position, offering what many consider to be the finest view in Paris. It is also the territory of the association Les Poilus de la Butte, which shares the best dog photos from across the capital on Instagram.
This discreet park in Paris perfectly captures what makes Montmartre so special: a village atmosphere, residents deeply attached to their neighbourhood, and a canine community that is both visible and celebrated. For those who love urban walks paired with a stunning view, it is a natural detour to make during any day spent in the capital.
