July Random Walk Parc de Bois-Preau Rueil-Malmaison, France

The random walk for this issue is less of a random walk and more of a destination. In the spirit of our introduction to Rueil-Malmaison, that destination is Parc de Bois-Préau.

Parc de Bois-Préau is a beautiful, sprawling 42-acre English-style garden featuring generous grassy open spaces, ponds, a lush forest of century-old trees, and the former home of Joséphine, Château de Bois-Préau. The park is located less than a five-minute walk from the church square in Rueil. It is a perfect city retreat for walking, jogging, picnics, and family outings, complete with stroller-friendly paths and children's play areas. Benches are scattered throughout the grounds, offering places to relax, read, people-watch, or simply soak up the sun. The park shines in its inviting simplicity and quiet charm.

Map of park showing entrances and outline of loop walking path (blue line)

Of course, taking a wonderful walk here is part of the experience.  The paths are a mix of paved and gravel surfaces in the open areas, with dirt and timber trails winding through the heavenly wooded sections. The outer perimeter, or "big loop," is approximately one mile long and takes about 15 to 20 minutes at a casual pace.

What makes walking in this park so special is not only the peace and tranquility, but also the simple beauty that surrounds you. The towering trees, hidden paths, and secluded corners all seem to invite further exploration. Before long, what began as a short stroll often turns into a second trip around the loop. 

It is this combination of simplicity, serenity, and natural beauty that makes Parc de Bois-Préau one of my favorite parks in the region.