Contemplate this scene a father and son shaping landscapes together. This brings us to the Jardin Henri et Achille Duchêne. It is a green space honoring two landscape architects. Henri Duchêne was born in Lyon in 1841. Achille Duchêne his son was born in Paris in 1866.
Henri Duchêne began his career with the city of Paris. He worked on squares parks and gardens until 1877. Later he founded his own agency. He advocated for a return to the 17th-century garden design. Henri believed in organizing gardens around the axes of the house. He sought to bring art back to parks and gardens. He aimed for the French style. His gardens quickly gained popularity. They combined French nobility and elegance.
Clients included industrialists bankers and European nobles. Henri restored historic parks and created new gardens. He worked on estates in France Belgium and England. His notable projects include gardens at Champs-sur-Marne and Albert Kahn’s garden. He also designed parks at Chaumont-sur-Loire and Mennetou-Salon. Henri worked with his son Achille on many projects.
Achille Duchêne joined his father’s agency early. By age twelve he was involved in all aspects of the work. Achille continued and expanded his father’s work. He became known as the “prince of gardens”. Achille was a strong advocate for garden art. He was president of multiple landscaping societies. Achille’s genius lay in his understanding of topography. He combined technical skill with historical knowledge.
Achille created and restored numerous parks. These included private estates and city gardens. His projects spanned the United States England Argentina and more. After World War I garden projects for the elite declined. Achille recognized the need for smaller easier-to-maintain gardens. He envisioned new types of parks like the social garden. He studied thematic and collective gardens.
The Duchêne style blends regular and irregular designs. It reflects a desire to revive historical heritage. Their work features regular motifs near the house. These extend into the broader landscape. They created a mixed garden style. This combines English landscape parks with regular French gardens.
In the Jardin Henri et Achille Duchêne you’ll notice beautiful trees. Sophoras guide visitors towards the Porte de Vanves. Two elegant Paulownias imperialis also stand out. The square is accessible via Rue Vercingétorix and Rue d’Alésia. Line 13 serves the square at Plaisance station.
The Jardin Henri et Achille Duchêne offers various amenities. These include drinking water picnic tables and a playground. You can also find a basketball court and a boules court here. Chess and checkers tables are available too. The park is open 24/7. Dogs are allowed on leashes.
So as you wander remember Henri and Achille Duchêne. They shaped the landscape and left a lasting legacy.