Paris - Parc Floral de Paris - 12me

Plate C – Parc Floral de Paris II …

I have already explained how photogenic I found the city, and so now make no apologies for including more images of the magnificent surroundings of the Parc Floral. Aside from the public amenities, including attractions for both children and adults, the main areas include a valley of flowers covering some three hectares. Dahlias, with their last showy summer blooms were the highlight of my visit in late September. The massed plantings are a horticulturist’s delight. I am told there are some three thousand different varieties of flora to identify, along with visiting the sculptural works and play areas.

The Parc’s venue was the historic site of the Pyramide and Cartoucherie military establishments, and with the connection of Vincennes dating back to Louis IX a grove of mature oak trees pays homage to his reputed meting out of justice beneath an oak in the middle thirteenth century.

The mirror like surfaces of the lake area, fed by a monumental granite fountain, with water lilies, lotuses and irises, reflect a tranquil haven and the serenity of the swans on the lake must surely have inspired many a painter to take up their brushes (and a similar view no doubt stirred Tchaikovsky to write that ballet). Contemporary artists hold regular exhibitions here and there is also an open air museum.

Paris - Parc Floral de Paris - 12me

Plate IC – Parc Floral de Paris …

You’ll never miss the entrance to the Parc Floral de Paris on the Esplanade du Châteaux. It is signposted by a large (make that very LARGE) cast concrete lettered sign proclaiming its existence. I used an image of the word Paris in that sign in my very first posting “The Beginning”. You may want to revisit it.

Two flower shows were held in the city - in 1959 and 1964. So successful were these that for a third event, the Paris International Flower Show of 1969 a park was established in the east of the city in the Bois de Vincennes. The director of the Parcs and Jardins de la Ville de Paris, Daniel Colin was appointed chief landscape architect for the venture - and that third exhibition was success enough to ensure that this unique thirty five hectare green city space became a permanent feature of the Vincennes area. Only a fifteen minute metro ride from the city centre, Parc Floral is a perfect destination for young and old to take a relaxing break from the city rumble. The 22,000 square metres of conference and exhibition facilities (four large adjoining venues) ensure its year round usage (over one million visitors annually) and many cultural events (most notably a jazz festival) are staged at the Parc. If you find solace in wandering along extensive and beautifully planted nature paths, a visit here should most definitely be included on your city itinerary.