One of Napoleon III's best decisions at the end of his reign, inspired by Baron Haussmann's plan for the renewal of Paris, was to establish a new park called Butte Chaumont in the 19th arrondissement, in the northeast of Paris, for the recreation, relaxation, and recreation of the public living in the area.
In 1867, the park was inaugurated, which soon became one of the largest green spaces in Paris and undoubtedly one of the most successful, original, impressive and unique in the city. Many even claim that it is the most beautiful and pleasant park in the City of Lights, with a spectacular and captivating picturesque appearance. A kind of spectacular nature reserve in the navel of the city. For painters, photographers, athletes and nature lovers, the place is a paradise for everything. On the other hand, many tourists do not include it in their tour plan and it remains unknown to many.
The bald mountain is transformed into a charming park
The history of this magical place was not always rosy. Before it became a magnificent park, it was called “The Bald Mountain” (Le Mont Chauve). Its purpose in the early nineteenth century, while it served the needs of Baron Haussmann at the time, was a quarry and a dump full of garbage. A definitely unpleasant and repulsive place for the residents who lived nearby in popular neighborhoods. If that were not enough, violent fights took place there in 1814 against the Prussians, whose invasion was effectively stopped here.
The planning of the works was entrusted to the engineer and landscape architect Adolphe Alphand, who decided to establish an English-style park imitating an area with a mountainous landscape. The quarry was covered with fertile soil, rocky cliffs were built, a lake with diverse vegetation was created in the center of the park with a large artificial island – “Île du Belvédère”, tall trees were planted that ensure constant listening to the chirping of birds, among the prominent trees are plane trees, weeping willows, poplars and chestnuts. In the autumn, the park is covered in a spectacular and multi-colored foliage.
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In this amazing place you will also find lawns where Parisians sunbathe on sunny and hot days, streams, an impressive and surprising waterfall in its surroundings, a cave whose ceiling is covered with artificial stalactites, swans and ducks sailing for their pleasure, wonderful viewpoints, and more.
The flourishing, multi-level Bouches-du-Rhône covers 250 acres and has been described as the closest thing in Paris to New York's Central Park. Extensive work was carried out on the site over four years, beginning in 1864, allowing for a grand opening on Labor Day, May 1, 1867.
Residents of the region in particular and residents Paris In general, the new park, with its exotic beauty, was received with great enthusiasm. Couples in love have made the park a chosen place for romantic strolls, runners enjoy a good jog up and down the hill, cyclists come here frequently, and physical education teachers in the district's schools have embraced the place and turned it into the students' main training ground.
The artificial lake that was dug, which draws its water from the Saint-Martin Canal, and the island built on it with a mountain rising to a height of 50 meters, became very attractive and unique in their surroundings. In 1869, two years after the inauguration of the park, a small temple in ancient Roman style was added to the top of the mountain, which is a copy of the Temple of Vesta found in Tivoli Park. The execution was the result of the design of the architect Gabriel Davioud.
From the temple, there is a breathtaking view with a wonderful perspective towards Montmartre, the Sacré-Cœur Church and the Saint-Denis Church. Two bridges connect the island. Both offer wonderful views of the park. One of the bridges has earned the unflattering nickname “Suicide Bridge” when it has justified its name too many times. The other bridge is the “Suspension Bridge”.
One of the most surprising and impressive attractions in Bute Chaumont Park is when you walk along the pedestrian path along the shores of the lake and suddenly you hear the loud sound of rushing water. Hidden inside an artificial cave is a spectacular waterfall that is 32 meters high. Look up at the ceiling of the cave and you will discover a series of beautiful stalactites.
For the benefit of the community and the children of the area, the park occasionally hosts activities for the whole family. Over the years, a puppet theater, pony rides, family sports activities, art classes in nature, concerts, sports classes, play facilities for young children, a restaurant, a café, and more have been operated here. Most of the activities take place only in the summer months and some have even been discontinued over time. If you intend to visit the park to participate in these activities, you should check in advance with the tourist office or the district municipality offices located nearby.
How do you get to But Shomon?
There are six main entrances and nine secondary entrances around the park, all of which are locked at night. The nearest metro stations to the park are Buttes-Chaumont and Botzaris, both on line 7 bis. The park can also be reached by bus on lines 26, 60 and 75.
In conclusion, I can only warmly recommend a visit to this attractive place. No one has yet regretted it. You certainly won't be the first.
Looking for what else to do in Paris?
Here are some options:
- If you've finished touring Bute Shomon and are in the 19th arrondissement, you're welcome to check out the article. Attractions in the 19th arrondissement And find more interesting places to travel to.
- If you are looking for more interesting parks, you are welcome to visit the article. 15 parks, gardens and forests in Paris that you must see.
- If you are looking for more attractions in Paris, you are welcome to visit the article. Attractions in Paris – What should not be missed and where do you buy tickets?
I recommend taking a walk in Bot Park when possible, the views provide peace and tranquility. I have walked there several times in the past…
I lived in Paris for 3 years, during which time I taught history and civics at the Israeli school named after Moshe Sharett (1981-1984) and also visited the city a large number of times. I had heard about this garden, but I had not visited it. I hope that the conditions will be created to come to Paris and also visit this garden.
And thank you for the interesting article, which also makes me miss the most beautiful city in the world (in my opinion).
A lovely and beautiful park that I visited (for a stroll and a brisk morning walk) every time I came to the city, thanks to the fact that my family members live in the 19th arrondissement. It was interesting to learn about its history and realize that it is quite old in the area. Thank you.