Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a hilly, roughly 25-hectare park in Paris's 19th arrondissement, opened in 1867 for the Universal Exposition and regarded as the steepest and most dramatic of the city's landscaped gardens. Built by Napoleon III's engineers on a former gypsum quarry, it is a masterpiece of Romantic landscaping: an artificial lake, a 50-metre cliff island, and, crowning it, the Temple de la Sibylle, a miniature Roman rotunda modelled on the Temple of Vesta at Tivoli. As of 2026 the park is undergoing the largest restoration in its history because the old quarry subsoil has become fragile, so the central island and temple area are closed while roughly 95% of the park stays open. Come for a relaxed half-day away from the tourist trail, where Parisians picnic and stroll on the grass.
Temple de la Sibylle - a circular Roman-style temple atop the cliff island, with sweeping views over northern Paris and Montmartre (currently closed for restoration; admire it from below)
The lake and rocky island - a roughly 1.5-hectare artificial lake around a 50-metre cliff, the park's signature scene
The suspension bridge and brick bridge - the crossings to the island; the ~63-metre suspension bridge is often attributed to Gustave Eiffel
The grotto with artificial stalactites and waterfall - a ~20-metre-high cave at a former quarry entrance (the waterfall runs depending on the water supply)
Guinguette Rosa Bonheur - a beloved open-air cafe-bar inside the park, a lively local hangout in the evenings
Good to know
RulesThe central island, Temple de la Sibylle, Chemin des Aiguilles path, and small waterfall are fenced off for a multi-year restoration. Do not cross the safety barriers, and check which sections are closed before you go.
SafetyThis is a genuine hill park, with steep staircases, gravel paths, and slopes. Stay behind the cliff railings, wear comfortable shoes, and take care after rain when surfaces get slippery.
SafetyThe park is busy and family-friendly by day, but some corners empty out near closing time and after dark. When it gets dark, keep to the main paths and exits rather than quiet inner trails, and watch your belongings.
SeasonIn peak summer the park may open 24 hours during certain periods, but normally it opens around 7am and closes anywhere from 8pm to 10pm depending on the season. Waterfalls and fountains are sometimes switched off, so check conditions for your visit date.
CautionAround the park and nearby metro stations (Buttes Chaumont, Botzaris), watch for petition-signing, 'found ring', and friendship-bracelet ploys used to distract for pickpocketing. Don't engage with strangers who approach you, and keep valuables in front pockets.
MannersButtes-Chaumont is one of the few Paris parks where you may lie and picnic on the lawns. Relaxing on the grass is fine, but take all your litter with you and do not feed the ducks and waterbirds.
Practical info
Reach the park via metro Line 5 (Buttes Chaumont, Laumière) and Line 7bis (Botzaris, Buttes Chaumont); admission is free. Opening hours generally run from about 7am to between 8pm and 10pm by season, but they shift often due to restoration works, the season, and 24-hour summer openings, so check the City of Paris official website for the latest hours and closed sections before visiting.
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