Paris hides a nature wonderland larger than New York’s Central Park just minutes from its bustling center. At 414 hectares, Parc de la Courneuve (officially Parc Georges-Valbon) is the third largest green space around Paris, yet remains virtually unknown to international travelers. This ecological treasure trove, with 310 hectares protected under Natura 2000, offers an authentic Parisian escape that combines wilderness with French recreational culture.
A natural sanctuary with surprising biodiversity
While tourists flock to Luxembourg Gardens or Bois de Boulogne, locals know that Parc de la Courneuve delivers Paris’s most diverse ecosystem. Seven lakes dot the landscape, surrounded by meadows that burst with wildflowers in spring. The park’s protected status has allowed wildlife to thrive in ways unimaginable so close to a major metropolis.
“We’ve documented over 140 bird species here,” explains Jean Dupont, a local naturalist who leads weekend walking tours. “It’s remarkable to find such biodiversity just 7 kilometers from Notre Dame.”
Waterfalls and panoramas that rival the countryside
Perhaps most surprising for first-time visitors are the park’s dramatic 12-meter waterfalls cascading through forested hillsides. These manufactured but convincing features create microenvironments that support diverse plant communities while offering photographers dream-worthy compositions.
From the park’s highest points, Paris reveals itself through an unexpected lens. The Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Cœur appear as distant silhouettes across a foreground of rolling greenery – a perspective of Paris few travelers ever witness.
Where Parisians actually go on weekends
Unlike the tourist-packed central parks, Parc de la Courneuve pulses with authentic local life. Extended families spread picnics across vast lawns while children splash in summer fountains. Joggers trace the park’s four measured routes ranging from 1km to 12km, and fitness enthusiasts utilize the 16-station exercise circuit.
If you’re seeking authentic French experiences, few places deliver such unfiltered glimpses into Parisian leisure culture.
A rural farm experience within city limits
One of the park’s most charming features is its flock of sheep that graze freely year-round, maintained by the Clinamen association. During summer months, horse-drawn carriage rides transport visitors through meadows in scenes that feel plucked from the French countryside rather than a Parisian suburb.
“We bring our children here to understand nature without leaving the city,” shares Marie Laurent, a La Courneuve resident. “Where else in Paris can they see sheep grazing or learn about ecosystems firsthand?”
Summer transformation: La Courneuve Plage
The nearby Parc de la Liberté undergoes a remarkable transformation each summer (July 5 to August 3, 2025) into “La Courneuve Plage” – a beach-like environment complete with pools and entertainment. This free event attracts thousands of locals seeking relief from summer heat, similar to coastal escapes near Barcelona but without leaving the city.
How to visit like a local
Reaching the park is straightforward via RER B to La Courneuve-Aubervilliers station, followed by a scenic 25-minute walk or quick bus ride. Those seeking cultural contrasts might combine their visit with the nearby historic attractions of Saint-Denis.
For photographers, morning light creates dramatic effects across the lakes, while sunset casts golden hues over the meadows with distant Paris landmarks on the horizon. The park offers visual delights reminiscent of France’s hidden Tuscan-like landscapes.
Like many green urban escapes worldwide, Parc de la Courneuve offers travelers a chance to experience Paris beyond monuments. Here, amid grazing sheep and cascading waterfalls, you’ll discover the Paris that Parisians cherish – vibrant, natural, and refreshingly authentic.