Invalides Outdoor Fun: Top 5 Activities You Can’t Miss
When visiting the Invalides in Paris, most folks automatically think about the inside attractions. The gold dome of Napoleon’s tomb and the Army Museum definitely catch your attention, yet there is plenty to explore when it comes to outside activities, too! Whether you have got just a few hours or a whole day, a handful of fun awaits, promising a delightful experience right in the very heart of the city. It’s almost that exploring historical hotspots outdoors can truly allow you to take in Paris’s charisma in a new way!
1. Stroll through the Esplanade des Invalides
The Esplanade des Invalides is that a grand, green space that basically extends from the Invalides to the Seine River. It’s arguably one of the perfect places in Paris for a laid-back stroll! The large lawns tend to be excellent for a picnic or just relaxing and taking in the surrounding architecture. On clear days, the sights of the Invalides dome glittering is like your reward for the walk! Families very often let children play here, and tourists like your own self will certainly stop to grab photos. Just think about bringing along a blanket, a book, maybe some cheese, and also that you are set for an afternoon of true Parisian bliss. Take a break, people-watch, and soak up the pleasant vibe of the city!
2. Picnic by the Seine River
Okay, so the Seine River is obviously close to the Esplanade, making it a prime picnic spot, right? Now, you are able to walk down from the Esplanade and find an ideal place on the quays beside the water. There will almost always be folks who gather with friends, open bottles of wine, and just generally relish life. The ambiance has that unique Parisian charm, especially as the sun starts to drop! Perhaps grab supplies from a neighborhood market like your fresh baguette, some fruit, and a bottle of local wine, then just take a seat and soak up the amazing scene! Seeing the boats cruise by basically adds to the dreamy, timeless atmosphere, which makes it genuinely unforgettable.
3. Visit the Musée Rodin’s Garden
While officially this counts as more of a museum activity, the gardens at the Musée Rodin arguably justify a visit on their very own! A stroll through these landscaped gardens allows you to enjoy a close-up encounter with some of Auguste Rodin’s most significant sculptures. I mean, “The Thinker” just sits in the open air! The gardens is that a tranquil place offering amazing views of the museum and the surrounding region. Tickets are typically available just for the gardens alone, that way you are able to experience it at your own pace! The blend of art and landscape architecture is truly pleasing, and just that it supplies a calmer option compared to a hectic Parisian street! Take a deep breath and delight in that beautiful and creative outdoor location that offers more than just a peek at incredible artistry.
4. Walk or Bike along the Seine
The pathways that line the Seine very often present a perfect spot to do something invigorating like a walk or bike ride, offering yet great viewpoints of the Invalides plus other famous spots in Paris! Plenty of locals, or like your own self, will be enjoying exercising and exploring simultaneously! Consider renting a bike from one of the numerous bike-sharing stations near the Invalides so, too you can zip around and take in lots of sights faster, that is, when biking sounds good! Or maybe simply meander down the paved paths for some closer looks at attractions just such as the Eiffel Tower plus the bridges such as Pont Alexandre III. Either way, the Seine banks have lovely outside activities!
5. Explore the Parc du Champ de Mars
Okay, so located a quick jaunt from the Invalides, the Parc du Champ de Mars is very, very iconic. Stretching right from the Eiffel Tower, it has wide open lawns which makes it perfect if you wanna hang out, maybe have another picnic, or for goodness’ sake let kids roam around, right? I mean, it’s a little longer of a walk but arguably it provides you with an unblocked, beautiful view regarding that well-known Eiffel Tower! On warm days, expect families, travellers, and residents enjoying their precious time together. Bring a Frisbee to maybe toss around, grab sandwiches for any other spontaneous picnic, or honestly sprawl out and enjoy the lively atmosphere. During summer time, the park commonly hosts events that are almost free and also open, just like outdoor shows and concerts that are like your perfect additions regarding those outdoor expeditions throughout Paris!