http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31558 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31558 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30748 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30748 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30098 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30098 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29762
As well as large green spaces, the park boasts attractive shady walkways plus a number of interesting features such as mock Roman ruins that wind tastefully around a small lake, several statues, and an 18th-century rotunda – which is also a handy public toilet.

Once inside the spectacular iron gates, you’ll see locals strolling along, walking their dogs, enjoying an ice-cream (on sale within the park) or draping themselves over the park’s extensive grassy lawns. There’s also a playground for children and plenty of room for a decent jog.

It really is a pleasant place to while away a couple of hours, especially in the summer – and the 17th arrondissement (immediately north of the park) is great for an idle wander too.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29762 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24445
To reach the statue you have to walk down an island walkway called Alles des Cygnes. This is a wonderful walkway with the busy Seine on either side. It is enveloped by hanging trees and is a very tranquil place. There are also many benches to sit on and relax. Its only a 15 minute walk from the madness and bustle of the Eiffel Tower but it could be a million miles away.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24445 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19072 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19072 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16479
Stand with your back to the station and head down the road on the left, to the corner. Look for a green metal gate down the side of the rather imposing stone building. It leads into a small ornamental park with a great kids’ playground, and public toilets and baby change on the far side of the park.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16479 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16415 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16415 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16397 This little heaven away from the roar of the big city is actually a reclaimed elevated railway line, 4.5km long and planted with thousands of gorgeous flowers and shrubs. Instant relaxation guaranteed, instant slowing down of pulse, and another - somewhat secret - addition to this wonderful city's delights.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16397 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16386
Have a good look around the main house museum then head out to the lovely gardens. At the very bottom you will find some shaded sun loungers where you can catch your breath and even be sketched by the life drawing class that goes there most afternoons.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16386 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16268
There were also free activities for the kids, the best bit being that they had period costumes the kids could dress up in and then a large frame you could take photos of them in, all in a French aristocratic style.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16268 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16266
It is a lovely cycle to the Sacre Coeur where you can view the whole of Paris. The more adventurous might want to peddle out to St Germaine En Laye where you have more wonderful views, but this time you can park up in the park by the Chateau and sip chilled rose wine while seated in a hired deckchair. Take your own knotted hanky to feel at home.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16266 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16265
Centre piece is the scenic Lake Enghien, cool and resplendent. Picturesquely dotted around the lake are little shops, hotels, a casino, its theatre - all under a relaxed and charming atmosphere. What better start to the day than to wander leisurely around the glistening lake then select a café for coffee and croissants?]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16265 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16263 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16263 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16238 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16238 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16234 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16234 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16208
There are two new excellent cinemas with bookstores/DVD/cds. Also, you can walk along the Canal and head towards La Vilette science and tech exhibition and the famous Cite de la Musique.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16208 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16203
You can sit outside in the garden and sip mint tea or eat sweet pastries in a calm, unhurried atmosphere. There is even a traditional hamman located there where you can have a very efficient Turkish-style bath for a fraction of the price any of the more indulgent spa hotels would charge to leave you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of Paris. A serene and peaceful environment where everyone is welcome.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16203 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16172 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16172 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15803 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15803