Audio GuideIle Saint-Germain Park

Parc départemental de l'île Saint-Germain is a vibrant urban park located on an island in the Seine near Paris. In the late seventies, local authorities and mayors united to oppose plans for a port area, choosing instead to create a green retreat that would honor the community’s heritage. This decision led to the demolition of thirty-five buildings—a turning point that transformed a once-industrial landscape into a haven for nature and recreation.

Michel Hincker

The park’s creation brought a fresh breath to the island with the addition of topsoil and a dedicated reforestation effort. About one thousand five hundred trees and three thousand five hundred shrubs were planted, restoring the local ecology and reaffirming a cultural identity closely linked to the earth. The natural fragrances of newly planted shrubs mingle with the soft sounds of rustling leaves and water at the educational pond.

Darine Darino

A key cultural landmark is the Tour aux Figures, a monumental sculpture by Jean Dubuffet, standing proudly since nineteen eighty-eight. This striking work is celebrated not only for its bold design but also as a symbol of artistic renewal on the island.

David P (Vidda75)

Visitors can stroll through themed gardens, each with its own story. The lavender garden exudes Mediterranean aromas, while the wild garden offers an untamed display of nature. A cloister-like garden provides a quiet retreat, and a field flower garden paints vivid natural scenes. Alongside these, a monastic fruit tree garden and a snail-like organic vegetable garden pay homage to ancient horticultural practices, blending art with history. Local legends say that the park’s transformation represents a triumph of community spirit and a celebration of creative, sustainable living.

Monique Tenet