Audio GuideParc Montsouris
Park created under Napoléon III & inspired by parks in London, popular with local students.
Park
Paris, France
Parc Montsouris is a historic public space in Paris that offers a blend of nature and history to its visitors. Originally a busy quarry site with concealed mining tunnels, this area was transformed in the nineteenth century into a verdant haven for Parisians. Under the leadership of Emperor Napoleon III and the forward-thinking prefect Haussmann, the park became part of Paris's grand urban renewal programme.
The park is designed in an English landscape style, featuring meandering paths, expansive lawns, and a sizeable artificial lake with a gentle waterfall. The designers planted trees such as horse chestnuts, cedars, weeping beeches, as well as more unusual species like ginkgo and silk trees, creating beautiful, natural scenes. Waterfowl gracefully glide on the lake, while turtles enjoy the rocky banks.
Throughout its history, Parc Montsouris has witnessed significant events. It was home to one of France's first weather stations, a fact that remains celebrated around the globe today. The park boasts cultural landmarks like a bandstand constructed for an international electricity show, a replica of the Palais du Bardo inspired by Tunisian architecture, and the Column of Armed Peace. Over the years, its beauty has been captured in films, literature, and music, making it a beloved gathering place for both Parisians and tourists alike.
Listen to this and other guides in app
