Perhaps you’ve noticed this expansive green space. This is the Pelouse de Reuilly. It sits at the edge of the Bois de Vincennes. It is next to the Lac Daumesnil. But this wasn’t always a tranquil park. The Pelouse de Reuilly has a surprising past.
The Pelouse de Reuilly’s name comes from the Porte de Reuilly. You might wonder about the word “pelouse”. It means lawn in French. This area was indeed once a large grassy field. Over time, activities wore away the grass. Gravel filled the bare patches and slowly became the dominant surface.
Let’s journey back to 1931. The Pelouse de Reuilly was part of the International Colonial Exposition. This world fair transformed the Bois de Vincennes. After the exposition, most pavilions were removed. But the main alley of the exposition was kept. It was intended to host future events. That alley became the Pelouse de Reuilly.
From 1966 to 1970, the Fête de l’Humanité took place here. Later, from 1993 to 2001, the Pelouse de Reuilly hosted the Fête des Bleu-blanc-rouge. This brought together people from the far right.
Since 1964, the Foire du Trône has been a regular event. It is a large funfair. The Pelouse de Reuilly also hosts circuses. During December and January, circuses like Pinder and Arlette Gruss pitch their tents here. In October, the Village de Cirque showcases contemporary circus acts.
The Pelouse de Reuilly even hosted a free flight event called Paris Plane. It presented kites, boomerangs, and mountain boards. There were also workshops for children. Acrobatic kite flying demonstrations took place.
For the 2024 Summer Olympics, a temporary military camp will be built here. It will accommodate 4,500 security personnel.
Interestingly, some people thought the Pelouse de Reuilly looked like an old airport from satellite images. But it never was an airport. The Pelouse de Reuilly covers about 10 hectares.
The history of the Pelouse de Reuilly is intertwined with the history of Paris. It has been a site for celebrations and gatherings. It is a place for leisure and entertainment. Some local politicians have suggested returning the Pelouse de Reuilly to a green space. This would create a better connection between the city and the Bois de Vincennes. So, as we stand here, remember the stories held within this open space. The Pelouse de Reuilly is more than just a field. It’s a stage for Parisian life.