If you’re at all familiar with impressionist painting, which so often depicts Parisians at lazy picnics in romantic green settings, you know that Paris’ myriad parks and gardens have long been a source of inspiration. In Paris, a park is almostnevera mere plot of grass reserved for sports, and a garden is rarely a random selection of flowers and plants. Parisians pride themselves in making their city’s parks and gardens places of elegance, artistic detail, and symmetry—even the romantic gardens have been carefully planned to imitate nature. Take a stroll, picnic, and revel in these idyllic green spots.