Parc de Sceaux



Parc de Sceaux (pronounced Park de So) is about 10km (6 mi) from the center of Paris, almost directly to the south.

The park was designed by Andre Le Notre, who also designed Versailles and the Tuilleriers gardens among others.

The whole park area measures around 2km2/0.77sq mi and is filled with walking/running trails and there is also a fitness trail around the perimeter of the park.

What to see

The park is made up of a number of elements.

The hightlights include the main chateau, which is now the Museum of Ile-de-France (the French administrative district which includes Sceaux and Paris). Hours and prices for the museum are here. They are in French, but it is easy to find the information you need.

Infront of the chateau is the Plane of Four Statues. It is a large open field which stretches out infront of the chateau to the far east side of the park.

To east of the chateau is The Cascades, a waterway that descends in steps with fountains dropping down from the main chateau to the grand canal.

The grand canal is approximately 1.1km/0.68mi around and is in the form of a long canal with a smaller pool called "l'Octogone" joined to the canal on the west side.

The park that surrounds the canal is full of trees and walk ways.

There are a number of cafes around the park, which have great vistas over the park and provide a nice place to stop and pass the time.

There is a plan of the park here, although the park is not difficult to navigate around. 

Things to do
  • Picnic
  • Walking
  • Photography
  • Running/Jogging
  • Fitness trail

How to get there

The easiest way to get to Parc de Sceacx is by RER.

Take the B line from any of the stations inside Paris (Gare du Nord, Chatlet Les Halles, St-Michel Notre-Dame, Luxembourg etc) heading south. You need an RER heading to Robinson, Antony, Massy-Palaiseau, or Saint-Remy Ies-Chevreuse.

You must buy a Zone 3 ticket. The T+ around Paris tickets will not allow you to get exit the station at your destination.

Depending on the desitination of the train get off at "Sceaux" (for RER's heading to Robinson) or "Parc de Sceaux". (for most others). The latter station is closer to the park.

From "Sceaux" station (approximately 1.1km/ xxmi - allow 15 - 20 minutes)
  • Exit the RER station and go straight ahead to Rue du Lycee.
  • Turn left on Rue du Lycee and walk down Rue de Lycee for around 500m/0.31mi.
  • Turn right into Rue Lakanal
  • Follow Rue Lakanal until it intersects with Boulevard Colbert.
  • Walk through the round about to Avenue Claude Perrault.
  • Follow Avenue Claude Perrault until you reach Allee d'Honneur.
  • The entrance to the Chateau is to your right.

From Parc de Sceaux station (500m/0.31mi)
  • Exit the RER station onto Avenue de la Duchesse de Maine. 
  • Turn left and walk straight through the roundabout.
  • Keep walking up Avenue de la Duchesse de Maine until you come to a "T" intersection with Avenue Arouet. Here you can go either left or right. 
  • Left will take you to the the canal (cross Avenue le Notre to enter the park);
  • Right will take you to the chateau if you turn right on Avenue le Notre and walk to Allee d'Honneur (around 800m from the RER station). 
The Details

Approximate Distance from Paris: 10km/ 6mi
Time to get there: about 25 minutes on the RER plus 10 - 20 minutes walk.
Transport Method: RER B to either 'Sceaux' or 'Parc de Sceaux'
Approximate Price: The park is free, RER cost is around  2.5 Euro 
                             per person each way.
Worth: An afternoon with a picnic lunch

Website: http://www.parc-de-sceaux-92.net/ (in French only)