Bois de Boulogne Boat Rental Paris, France!
Last Updated on 23rd April 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
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Is there anything more relaxing than being on the water? Whether it be at sea, on a lake or floating in the swimming pool, there is just something to alluring about spending time on the water. If you’re looking for something to do on the weekend in Paris but don’t fancy straying too far from the city, then you need look no further! Bois de Boulogne boat rental is the perfect activity for a Sunday afternoon…
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If you don’t feel like going for a Sunday Brunch in Paris, or for one of the matcha lattés at Palais Royal, then why not try your hand at paddling your way around the largest lake in Bois de Boulogne for a couple of hours?
While you’re in Bois de Boulogne, be sure to also check out Parc de Bagatelle, which is one of four botanical gardens in Paris and is nestled right in the heart of the forest. Please note that the Park has a paid entrance fee during late spring, summer, and early autumn.
A history of Bois de Boulogne
The park of Bois de Boulogne is one of the most famous (not to mention one of the largest) in the city. With little parks like Parc Monceau being the norm, larger parks like Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes are harder to get to (since they’re on the fringes of the city).
Declared a public park under the reign of Emperor Napoleon in 1852, it’s about 2.5x larger than Central Park in New York. Very much unlike Central Park in New York, Bois de Boulogne is home to a Château (named Bagatelle), and English Landscape Garden, an amusement park and the tennis courts.
I say ‘the’ because it’s where the French Open is held! The wood also happens to be home to the chic art collection and museum, the Louis Vuitton Foundation. Bois de Boulogne is in the district of Paris that’s known as the 16th arrondissement.
Bois de Boulogne Boat Rental
Not only is there a palatial garden and a château, but there’s also the chance to row on the largest lake in the park (obviously the best bit)! What’s more is that you can even spot the Eiffel Tower from the lake where you rent boats!
The rowboats themselves are wooden and can take a little bit of effort to get going. This has been a popular activity in the Parisian park for several decades and is perfect for the summer months when the weather is warm and the sun is shining.
How to rent a boat
Although it’s free to visit Bois de Boulogne (with the exception of the Bagatelle gardens), you have to pay to rent the boats. When you rent a boat, you have to put down a €50 deposit in cash (or a cheque). In order to rent a boat, you should head to Service Des Bateaux Du Bois De Boulogne (which is clearly listed in Google Maps if you type it in).
In order to make the most of your day out, I highly recommend going with a group of friends- you can sit up to 4 people per boat. Don’t panic about getting your cash deposit back as this is returned promptly with the return of the boat!
Boats start from 13€ per hour for one to two people and 14€ for groups of 3 to 4 people. You can typically rent boats from mid-February to late October though the exact timings when the boat rental service opens changes on a yearly basis. The 2023 dates are:nFebruary 15, 2023 to November 15, 2023
Time are as follows: 12 midday – 5pm Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm at weekends. And if you’re wondering what to wear/ pack for renting the boat?
Well, I’d suggest wearing comfortable shoes as you have to climb into the boats! I’d also recommend clothes you don’t mind getting wet as how much you get splashed definitely depends on the rowing ability of your boat crew!
On a side note, when I went with my boyfriend and his family, I noticed that a number of people had definitely come prepared. People had brought Parisian picnics complete with wine and cheese. To be honest, it didn’t look like a bad idea!
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The deposit is quite high for renting a boat, I wonder why is though. I would like to rent one if I visit, I think that rowing on a lake is very relaxing and easy, and a great way to be near the water on a sunny day. It’s amazing that from some angles you can even see the Eiffel tower!
Isn’t it expensive to rent this boat? well i think because it is in Europe then everything is expensive. 🙂 anyway, it looks worth to get a boat and explore the beautiful place
JM | Man Of Wanders
Padding around Bois de Boulogne sounds amazing! I enjoyed reading about the history of the park as well. I have been to Paris a few times but have never visited Bois de Boulogne. I will definitely have to keep it in mind on my next trip.
I agree I am always drawn to the water. I would definitely rent the boat. Have no interest in the tennis though lol. I had no idea this was possible in Paris and I missed it in my last two visits. Next time!
Bigger than Central Park – wow! I love parks that are so close to the city – you feel like you’re in another world and yet there’s the Eiffel Tower! 🙂
Oh dear! What a lovely scenery! I love boat paddling! Like I can’t resist doing one whenever an opportnity presents itself! Agreed, it’s always merrier to do it witha group of friends. Can you bring some drinks with you though? 🙂
It looks like a great place to visit, and so near to the centre of Paris. A place for me to put on my list next time I visit Paris as I have done a lot of the tourist things there 🙂
Cool! Didn’t actually know that you could do that! And surprisingly it’s not that expecting, regarding the fact that we are talking about Paris.
I will definitely reconsider it when I’ll be traveling back to Paris (where I go quite often since I have friends living there 🙂
Bois do Boulogne is such a cool park! No I always see other people with picnics and then think ‘ah that’s what we should have done’, but I never remember. The boats look like fun. And isn’t it amazing how far you can travel in Paris and still see the Eiffel tower?
I would love to spend an afternoon at bois de boulogne =o) Beautiful photos!
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