Paris is full of parks, some of which are more popular than others. However, this little baby tucked on the southwest side of Paris isn’t as known by tourists, yet has a hell of a lot to offer. Parc André Citroën is located between metros Javel André Citroën (Line 10) and Balard (Line 8). Don’t forget to pop by the Pont Mirabeau if you get off at Javel for a view of the baby Statue of Liberty and the beautiful bridge itself.
The park was created in the 90′s, opening in 1992- thus replacing the Citroën car manufacturing company which had shut down in that location in the 70′s. It is about 35 acres and has lots of hidden parts as well as a main central area with dancing fountains at the top, green houses and gardens on the sides, and a moored hot air balloon in the middle that can give you a view of Paris if you please. There are even little canals running around the park and through the greenhouses which never cease to host children in swimsuits.
I discovered this park at random last summer, and ever since have tried to bring everyone there for an afternoon- it is lovely and is the ultimate mix of private and public depending where you sit and relax (or enjoy a Mexican Fiesta for a friend’s birthday!)
Sous le pont Mirabeau coule la Seine
Et nos amours
Faut-il qu’il m’en souvienne
La joie venait toujours après la peine
Vienne la nuit sonne l’heure
Les jours s’en vont je demeure
Les mains dans les mains restons face à face
Tandis que sous
Le pont de nos bras passe
Des éternels regards l’onde si lasse
Vienne la nuit sonne l’heure
Les jours s’en vont je demeure
L’amour s’en va comme cette eau courante
L’amour s’en va
Comme la vie est lente
Et comme l’Espérance est violente
Vienne la nuit sonne l’heure
Les jours s’en vont je demeure
Passent les jours et passent les semaines
Ni temps passé
Ni les amours reviennent
Sous le pont Mirabeau coule la Seine
Vienne la nuit sonne l’heure
Les jours s’en vont je demeure
-Guillaume Appollinaire (1880-1918)
PARC ANDRÉ CITROËN
. . . . .
Quai André Citroen, 75015 Paris
Open all day
Free entry
. . . . .
For more fun and adventures and randomness, catch me on Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr for hypertextual fun.
