Some cities empty at night. Not so Paris, where many people live in cramped city centre apartments. Parks are therefore well-used and mostly free. What Paris lacks in terms of rolling outdoor space, it makes up for with inventive landscaping, and the multitude of squares du coin (local gardens) that are a feature of virtually every quartier. Larger parks are popular with joggers and even picnic parties – provided they don’t disturb lawns that are en repos.

The two Bois (Boulogne and Vincennes) are the places to head when you need to release some energy. Closer to, the formal garden still thrives, with its clipped trees, statues and symmetry. But there are also jardins anglais for those who prefer their greenery less regimented. Emerging from wasteland, the latest generation of parks strive to cater for leisure pursuits, as well as laying out some sharp, contemporary styling.