Chemin de Ceinture du Lac Supérieur

Have you ever stumbled upon a secret oasis in the heart of a bustling city? Chemin de Ceinture du Lac Supérieur is just that. This tranquil pathway meanders along the edge of Lac Supérieur, the smaller of the two artificial lakes in Paris’s Bois de Boulogne. The very name, Chemin de Ceinture du Lac Supérieur, evokes a sense of embracing the lake, doesn’t it? It’s like a gentle hug of nature within this sprawling urban landscape. Lac Supérieur, or “Upper Lake”, sits nestled near the Porte de Passy on the western edge of the Bois de Boulogne. Imagine the engineering marvel it took to create this idyllic scene. Originally, the entire Bois de Boulogne was a remnant of the ancient oak forest of Rouvray. Napoleon III, inspired by London’s Hyde Park, envisioned a similar escape for Parisians. He commissioned the creation of not one, but two expansive parks: Bois de Boulogne to the west and Bois de Vincennes to the east. The Bois de Boulogne, a gift from the Emperor to the city, was transformed from a neglected space into a verdant paradise. The creation of Lac Supérieur, along with its sister lake, Lac Inférieur, was integral to this transformation. The two lakes are connected by the Grand Cascade, a man-made waterfall crafted from rocks brought all the way from Fontainebleau. This cascading water provides a constant, soothing soundtrack to your stroll along Chemin de Ceinture du Lac Supérieur. Now, picture yourself here in the 19th century. The newly created Bois de Boulogne quickly became *the* place to see and be seen. Elegant carriages paraded along the pathways, and fashionable Parisians gathered at the lakeside cafes. The Chemin de Ceinture du Lac Supérieur offered a more secluded escape, a tranquil alternative to the bustling main avenues. While Lac Inférieur boasts boat rentals and a charming island kiosk, Lac Supérieur offers a quieter, more contemplative experience. As you walk along the Chemin de Ceinture du Lac Supérieur, you’re walking through history, through the vision of an Emperor and the skill of engineers and landscapers. It is a testament to the power of human ingenuity to create beauty and tranquility in the most unexpected of places.