Parc Floral Paris/Vincennes

"Rick has no mention of it in his Paris guidebook so I am a bit concerned that it may not be as advertised." I've never been to this park. But the fact that Rick does not mention it means nothing. Rick's books focus on the most likely places a first time visitor wants to see, and he is particularly likely not to mention places that are far from other attractions, unless they are prominent themselves (like Versailles). So, if this draws you and you have the time, go ahead and see it. Given that you have two weeks, it sounds like a great idea.

Happy Retirement, Frank! I've been to Bois de Vincennes and I recommend it to all who will listen! We completely threw our itinerary to the wind once we got inside...We didn't go to Parc Floral, but it must be fantastic to actually charge admission. Bois de Vincennes is very large with many varied attractions; you could easily spend the day there, especially if visiting the Chateau de Vincennes (also recommended). Visit a boulangerie beforehand and bring your breakfast and/or lunch with you. You will immediately forget you're in a large, noisy city like Paris. Sorry I couldn't help with Parc Floral, specifically. It sounds like a must-do!

Welcome to retirement - it's a wonderful time and you've chosen a particularly wonderful way to celebrate it! Sounds like you have a good plan, especially the length of the trip and the "not over scheduled" part. I've found that interspersing busy days and easy-going days works really well for us retired folks. Pick several museums to visit based on your interests (art, music, history, aircraft, etc.), eat some wonderful meals at neighborhood bistros (less expensive and often better food than the fancy places), walk (A LOT!), take a couple of day trips outside Paris, and spend lots of time in cafes people-watching. Since you'll be there more than just a few days, why not rent an apartment where you can relax on something other than a bed? My favorite agency (used them many times) is Vacation in Paris, based in New Jersey. They manage apts. of all sizes, all price ranges, all over Paris. Bon voyage!

My friend and I spent several hours wandering thru the Parc Floral after visiting the Chateau Vincennes. It was a very relaxing and peaceful stroll with not only beautiful flowers but also a wide variety of other plantings plus a little lake. Lots of benches to sit and take it all in. And an ice cream stand to have a treat. The landscaping is well done and it was a lovely way to enjoy an afternoon away from all of the hustle-bustle of the city. Also, you and your daughter might consider a guided tour thru the Palais Garnier - what a beautiful interior and you hear a lot of interesting stories. Have a wonderful retirement trip - you deserve it!

The Parc Floral is indeed an attractive place, especially during peak growing seasons. It is very large, with many indoor displays too, although some buildings looked vacant in June, 2012. If you do some research, you may find days or seasons when there is no admission charge. We didn't have to pay. The Parc restaurants are modest, like you'd find in a zoo or public garden at home, although with typical French care to serve food freshly cooked whenever possible. But even near the Metro station, there were not a lot of other dining choices. You'll probably have a meal or picnic in the Parc. Don't miss the empty statue circle in the roadway on the way back to Chateau Vincennes. A WW I memorial offended the second German invasion so much they pulled it down. The empty pedestal has been marked as a remembrance. A "Rick Steves moment".

If you go to bois de Vincennes, you can stroll west on Promenade Plantee, an elevated park along the old Vincennes rail line viaduct. Greenery up top; subsidized ateliers under the arches for various crafts. It passes near Gare de Lyon, on to Bastille. Information here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Promenade_Plant%C3%A9e http://www.paris.fr/english/parks-woods-gardens-and-cemeteries/gardens/promenade-plantee/rub_8212_stand_34230_port_18987 Also an interesting route, although not devoted to gardening, is to turn north at the Arsenal boat basin past Place de Bastille, following the St-Martin canal. Much of it is covered with landscaped sidewalks so you can't actually see the water until somewhat further north. The famous Richard-Lenoir farmers market, adjacent to Bastille, is atop this canal. Open Thursday and Sunday mornings. Here is a nice appreciation, although somewhat dated http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2006/02/the-sunday-mark/