DK Travel : Paris : Outdoor

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Parc Monceau

The most fashionable green space in Paris, full of well-heeled residents of the nearby mansions and apartments. The lush landscaping dates from the 18th century, and some architectural follies, such as the Classical colonnade, survive.
Parc Montsouris

Located south of Montparnasse, this is the second-largest park in central Paris and very popular with city residents. It was laid out in the English style atop an old granite quarry by landscape architect Adolphe Alphand between 1865 and 1878. Hemingway (see Ernest Hemingway) and other writers and artists frequented the park in the mid-20th century. It has a jogging path, lake and a bandstand.
Pétanque

This bowls-like game, where steel balls are tossed through the air, is said to be Paris’s favourite sport.
Pont Alexandre III

The most beautiful bridge in Paris is the Pont Alexandre III, a riot of Art Nouveau decoration including cherubs, wreaths, lamps and other elaborate statuary. Built for the Universal Exhibition of 1900, it leads to the Grand Palais and Petit Palais. There are wonderful views of the Invalides complex and the Champs-Elysées from the bridge.
Pont Alexandre III

The view of the Hôtel des Invalides, seen from the banks of the Seine, is stunning.
Pont de la Concorde

The Egyptian obelisk at the centre of place de la Concorde is at its most impressive from the bridge.
Pont d’Iéna

There is no bad approach to the Eiffel Tower, but the best is from the Trocadéro direction, walking straight to the tower across the Pont d’Iéna.
Posing

A sport indulged in mainly by young men and women, it is best done at outdoor cafés to be sure of the biggest audience.
Roller-blading

A fad which shows no sign of abating, skaters weave their way through traffic and pedestrians alike.
Saxe-Breteuil Market

This old street market in avenue de Saxe is a little off the usual tourist track, but the view of the Eiffel Tower above the fruit and vegetable stalls is totally Parisian and will especially appeal to photographers.