Gazing across Lac Inférieur, can you imagine a time before this tranquil oasis existed? This isn’t a natural lake. It was crafted in 1854, part of Napoleon III’s grand vision to reshape the Bois de Boulogne. He wanted to create a Parisian escape, reminiscent of the English landscape parks he admired during his London exile. Lac Inférieur is the largest of the Bois de Boulogne’s lakes. It’s connected to Lac Supérieur by a small waterfall, a testament to the ingenuity of engineer A. Alphand who oversaw the park’s transformation. He envisioned rivers and lakes mimicking mountain and countryside scenery, offering Parisians an escape at a time when travel was a luxury. The waterways also served a practical purpose, irrigating the vast number of trees Alphand planted. Today, magnificent trees still frame Lac Inférieur. You can admire a towering Ginkgo biloba, reaching 17 meters, and a magnificent magnolia, standing tall at 10 meters. Look closely, and you’ll see two islands gracing the lake, connected by a charming suspended bridge. One island houses a restaurant, accessible only by boat, adding a touch of exclusivity to this picturesque setting. So, next time you’re here, remember that Lac Inférieur isn’t just a beautiful lake. It’s a piece of Parisian history, a testament to a time when the city was reinventing itself.
Église Notre-Dame de l’Air
Beneath what appears to be a simple stone and wood structure lies a history interwoven with faith aviation and community.