The Bois de Boulogne: Basic Information
The Bois de Boulogne is a large public park located along the western edge of Paris, France. It was created in 1852 by Emperor Napoleon III and designed by architect Jean-Charles Alphand. The park covers an area of 845 hectares (almost 2,100 acres) and is one of the largest parks in Paris. It is home to a number of attractions, lakes and gardens.
The Bois de Boulogne: History
The Bois de Boulogne has a long and varied history. It was once part of the royal hunting grounds, and it was used as a site for jousting tournaments. In the 19th century, it became a popular spot for dueling. The Bois de Boulogne was also the site of the world’s first motor race after the war, in 1945.
The Bois de Boulogne: A Public Park
The Bois de Boulogne park is one of the most popular parks in the city, and for good reason. The park offers plenty of green space for picnics and games, as well as a playground, a pond, and a water park. In addition, the park is home to a variety of events throughout the year, from art fairs to concerts. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or a place to have some fun, the Bois de Boulogne park is sure to have something for everyone.
The Bois de Boulogne: Features
The Bois de Boulogne is home to a number of different lakes and gardens. The three largest lakes are the Lac Inférieur, the Lac Supérieur, and the Grand Cascade. In addition to these, there are also a number of smaller ponds and streams. The park also contains several different gardens.
The Château de Bagatelle
This is a small château located within the park. It was built in the 18th century by the Marquis de Marigny, brother of Madame de Pompadour. The Château de Bagatelle includes an orangery, several small French gardens and a rose garden.
The Jardin d’Acclimatation
The Jardin d’Acclimatation was opened in 1860 and is a zoo and amusement park located within the Bois de Boulogne. The amusement park includes a number of rides, including a carousel, house of mirrors, mini golf course, puppet theater and many more.
The Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil
This is a complex of greenhouses, which were built in the late 19th century. Previously, there was a botanical garden which was founded by King Louis XV.
The Pré-Catelan
The Pre-Catelan is a large garden located in the center of the Bois de Boulogne. The Pré-Catelan includes copper beach from the 18th century, a giant sequoia planted in the 1970s and the Shakespeare Garden, built in the 1950s.
Sports
Sports fans will find plenty to do in the Bois de Boulogne. The Hippodrome de Longchamp, opened in 1857, is a beautiful horse racing track that is still used today for major annual racing events, such as the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. For those interested in tennis, the Stade Roland Garros is a complex housing the French Open tournament. And for a more active experience, the Parkrun 5 km race takes place weekly within the park.
Things to do in Bois de Boulogne
But the Bois de Boulogne is not only for sports fans. The park is also a great place to take a stroll, have a picnic, or simply relax in nature. With over 860 acres of land, there is plenty of space to explore. And with over 50 different species of trees, the Bois de Boulogne is a great place to see some of the diverse plant life found in France.
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