Parc André Citroën

Parc André Citroën is a large modern park on the left bank of the Seine in the 15th arrondissement, built on the former site of the Citroën car factory. For families, two elements make it stand out from Paris's other parks. First, the open lawn areas are genuine and vast — unlike the gravel and formal parterres of more historic gardens, the central lawn here is soft grass where children can run, kick a ball, or simply sprawl.

Second, the tethered hot air balloon anchored in the park offers one of the best panoramic views in Paris: rising 150 meters above the city on a steel cable, the gondola holds up to 30 passengers and provides a slow, safe ascent with clear sightlines to the Eiffel Tower, the Seine, and the 15th arrondissement roofscape. Children who are nervous about heights tend to find the ascent less threatening than it looks from the ground — the gondola is enclosed, the movement is slow, and being alongside parents eliminates most anxiety. The park also features themed gardens along its eastern edge — a black garden, a white garden, a garden of movement — each with a distinct planting design.

A small greenhouse complex houses tropical plants. The western edge of the park opens directly onto the Seine embankment, which offers a pleasant riverside walk. The park is completely flat, fully accessible for strollers, and free to enter at any time.