Visit the Buttes-Chaumont park: a very Parisian experience!

It’s no longer a secret to you, Paris is a city rich in history, culture and beauty. Among the many emblematic places of the French capital, one of them stands out for its charm and uniqueness: the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. The largest intra-muros park in Paris! Located in the 19th arrondissement, this park offers a true haven of peace for lovers of nature and landscape architecture. In this article, we invite you to discover everything you need to know about this enchanting place.

The Buttes-Chaumont park was created in 1867.to mark the Universal Exhibition being held in Paris. It was a continuation of the major Haussmannian works that had transformed the city shortly before. It was designed by Jean-Charles Alphand, a French engineer in charge of the development of Paris under the Second Empire, with the help of numerous architects and landscape gardeners. The park covers an area of 25 hectares, with a characteristic steep slope that gives it a unique charm.

An urban legend says that its name comes from the fact that before being a park, the hill was mainly composed of stones and was nicknamed the “Bald Mountain” because nothing grew there.

The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is made up of numerous green spaces, offering a wide variety of landscapes and ecosystems throughout the year. These include

• Open lawns, ideal for relaxation and picnics
• Groves of trees, offering shade and a peaceful setting for a stroll
• Thematic gardens, such as the medicinal plant garden or the sensory garden
• A wide variety of plants and plant species, some of them rare or exotic

The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, from birds and squirrels to fish and insects. It's an ideal place to observe nature right in the heart of Paris.

A remarkable architectural heritage

The Buttes-Chaumont park is not only attractive for its greenery and biodiversity, it is also renowned for its unique architecture. Among the architectural elements that make the park famous, we can mention:

• The Temple of the Sibyl, a replica of the Roman temple of Tivoli, located on top of a steep island and accessible by a suspended walkway
• The caves and waterfalls, which add a picturesque and romantic touch to the landscape
• Mosaiculture, a planting technique that allows you to create geometric and artistic patterns with plants
• The bridges and footbridges, which give character to this urban park

The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont offers a multitude of activities for visitors of all ages and sensibilities. Whether you're a sports fan, a nature lover or a history buff, you're bound to find something to suit you in this park.

Sports activities

Thanks to its varied terrain and numerous green spaces, the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is an ideal playground for sports enthusiasts. Among the possibilities offered, we can mention:

• Running, with several marked routes and coaching sessions organized regularly
• Cycling, thanks to the cycle paths that crisscross the park
• Pétanque, with grounds designed for the practice of this friendly sport
• Yoga or gentle gymnastics, which can be practised outdoors in soothing surroundings

Cultural events

In addition to its architectural and natural heritage, the Buttes-Chaumont park offers a rich programme of cultural events throughout the year. Notable events include :

• Puppet shows, which have been delighting young and old for decades
• Educational workshops, which allow children to discover the park's flora and fauna in a fun and interactive way
• Temporary exhibitions showcasing local artists or themes linked to the environment and heritage
• The open-air concerts and shows, which help to bring this emblematic place of Parisian life to life

Bars and restaurants surrounded by nature!

The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is also home to bars and restaurants, whose terraces delight city dwellers in need of green spaces and countryside. Located on the edge of the lake or on the heights of the park, these few addresses offer many activities: musical brunches, theme evenings, guinguette balls, dance festivals, fun times for parents and children... in short, they are real places to live for the neighborhood's families.

• Le Rosa Bonheur
• The Puebla Pavilion
• Le Pavillon du lac

The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a must-see for anyone who wants to discover Paris in a different light. Whether you are a nature lover, a history buff or simply looking to relax, don't hesitate to come and visit this gem of the 19th arrondissement.