PARC DES BUTTES-CHAUMONT

Description

Essentials about Parc des Buttes-Chaumont in brief

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, an English-style landscape garden located in the northeast of Paris, is one of the great parks of the French capital, covering an area of 25 hectares. Due to its steep layout with hills, grottoes, waterfalls, a hanging bridge and an observation tower, it is perhaps the most unusual park in Paris.

The history of Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Until the Middle Ages, the hill on which the park is located was little used due to its infertile soils. Subsequently, the area was used very differently until the 18th century: As a gallows hill, a site for windmills, a garbage dump, a sewage pit, a slaughtering place for horses and a venue for animal fights. From the 18th century, a quarry was developed for the primary extraction of gypsum, which was of very high quality.

In 1863, the city of Paris finally acquired the site for further expansion. However, due to the excavated soils, it was considered unsuitable for any industry and for urban development. Therefore, in the three years from 1864 to 1867, the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont was designed at enormous labor and expense. It was opened in 1867 as part of the Paris International Exposition and caused an international sensation because of its extraordinary layout.

The grounds and attractions of Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Today, the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is one of the most popular recreational areas for Parisians. It is planted with exotic and native trees and home to numerous waterfowl and songbirds. There is something new to see and discover at every turn in the park: an artificial lake, the Temple of Sibyls on the rocky tip of an island, four bridges, including a 64-meter suspension bridge, and for children a carousel and several playgrounds. Those who want to take some refreshments in the wonderful ambience of the park can do so in one of the three stylish chalet restaurants.