Paris Opens a Slew of Gardens Overnight This Summer

Paris is capitalizing on visitors’ and locals’ love of its gardens by keeping a collection of them open for 24 hours throughout the summer. The select parks will open constantly, through Sept. 3.

The city has 137 green spaces that do not close at night, but these additional 24-hour parks will include some of the largest in the city.

The aim is to help adapt to Parisians’ schedules, especially for those who do not take holidays in the summer. It also hopes to offer relief in case of a summer heat wave. Last year, nine parks were opened at night over the summer months, and that success led to this year’s expansion.

Among the parks open is Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in the 19th arrondissement, which is one of the city’s largest green spaces and a favorite among locals who enjoy the waterfalls, lakes and an island with the Temple de la Sibylle. Other options include Square Louis-XIII in the fourth arrondissement, which has four fountains and a statue of Louis XIII, and Parc André Citroën, on the left bank of the Seine in the 15th arrondissement and site of the former Citroën factory.

To ensure safety at night, Paris employed safety crews who monitor noise and keep the spaces clean.