Perhaps you seek the highest park in Paris? Parc de Belleville awaits. Here you will discover not only green space but also a vantage point. It offers stunning panoramic views of the city.
Parc de Belleville is located in the 20th arrondissement. It sits on the Belleville hill. At 108 meters it is the highest park in Paris. Inaugurated in 1988 the park was designed by architect François Debulois and landscaper Paul Brichet.
The park has 1,200 trees and shrubs. There is also a 100-meter-long waterfall fountain. This cascade is the longest in Paris. You can relax on the 1,000 square meters of lawn. Children can enjoy the wooden playground and ping-pong tables. An open-air theatre also provides entertainment. At the top of Parc de Belleville is the Maison de l’Air. This small museum educates visitors about fresh air and pollution.
But there is more to Parc de Belleville than meets the eye. Its history is as rich as its greenery. In the Middle Ages religious communities owned land here. They planted grape vines and tapped numerous springs. Taverns and guinguettes thrived from the 14th to 18th centuries.
In the mid-18th century Ramponneau’s tavern “Au Tambour Royal” was famous. It served Piquette a slightly sparkling wine from Belleville grapes. This wine was not always considered bad. Over time the name “Piquette” came to mean a poor-quality drink.
The 19th century brought changes. A gypsum quarry attracted seasonal workers. These stonemasons worked on Haussmann’s projects in winter. They returned home in summer. The area became known as insalubrious.
The hill once resembled Montmartre. Cottages stood on the steps leading to the park. These belonged to Julien Lacroix a major landowner. A street alongside the park bears his name. A grand Mardi Gras party occurred here each year. Parisians flocked to witness the “descente de la Courtille”. This procession was named after the cheap restaurants lining rue de Belleville. “Le coq Hardi” and “La carotte filandreuse” were known for their patrons’ drinking.
At the end of the 20th century the cottages vanished. Modern buildings and Parc de Belleville replaced them. Today a vineyard grows Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay grapes. It reminds us of the area’s viticultural history.
The gardeners take pride in their floral displays. They collaborate with the Rungis horticultural center. Their flower beds have won prizes. The Concours des Décorations Florales Estivales recognizes their work.
From the Belvédère, a pavilion decorated with street art, you can spot the Eiffel Tower. Also visible are the Tour Montparnasse, Napoleon’s Tomb, and the Ferris wheel on Place de la Concorde.
Parc de Belleville stands as a testament to transformation. It is a blend of history nature and community. As you wander its paths remember its past. Enjoy its present beauty. From its highest point, Parc de Belleville offers a unique perspective. It is not only on Paris but also on its vibrant story.