Square des Batignolles

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Azar Samanov

Level 30 Local Expert

Square des Batignolles was created in the style of a landscape park that seeks to imitate natural nature, with the highest harmony of chaotic balance, winding paths, lawns and water features, giving the impression that the territory is almost untouched by man. The park was commissioned by Napoleon III and designed by Baron Haussmann, and implemented by Jean-Charles Adolphe Alphand with the assistance of engineer Jean Darcel, architect Gabriel Daviou and horticulturist Jean-Pierre Barillet-Deschamps. The creation of the park dates back to the time of the Second Empire, it was laid out in 1862 on a site that was previously described as a "vast wasteland." Historically, this area was rural, with scattered farms, and in 1860 the Batignolles area was annexed to Paris. The name "Batignolles" may come from the Latin "batillus" (mill) or from the Provencal "bastidiole" (small farmhouse). The park is preserved in the Osman-Alfan style with characteristic bridges, structures with plant motifs and artificial rocks. There is a large pond in the park, fed by a natural stream that flows through the park. The pond is home to large red Japanese koi carp and more than three hundred ducks of various species. In the center of the pond there is a statue of "Vultures" (Vautours) by Louis de Monard in 1930. Also in the park is a bust of the poet Leon Dierks (1838-1912) by Boni de Lavergne in 1932. The park is known for its diverse vegetation, including four hybrid plane trees (Platanus Hispanica) planted in 1840 and 1880, one of which reaches 5.90 m in girth and is one of the largest in Paris. Purple beech (Fagus sylvatica, Fagus purpurea), Gleditsia triacanthos from North America, Chinese willow 'Spiralis' (Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa'), Turkish hazel (Corylus colurna), ash trees with aucuba leaves (Fraxinus aucubaefolia), Japanese persimmon (Diospyros kaki), lemon also grow here. trifolia (Citrus limon) and young giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum). There is a glazed pavilion that serves as a greenhouse for a tropical palm tree. The park is popular with families with children, as there are several playgrounds, sandboxes, swings, and a carousel with old-fashioned wooden horses. There are playgrounds for playing petanque (boules) for adults. The park is mentioned in Yves Dutay's popular song "Les Batignolles" (1976). The park is open daily, the opening hours depend on the season. The park is considered a quiet and peaceful place, a refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city, with a picturesque stream, waterfall and pond where you can watch ducks. Visitors sometimes have picnics, read, or just relax on the benches. The park is appreciated for its historical atmosphere and botanical diversity. We found that at the entrance to the park there is an interesting exhibition dedicated to French cinema and the Gaumont film studio.

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Square des Batignolles

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