Parc de Bécon

From a simple watchtower in the Carolingian era, Parc de Bécon has blossomed into a beloved green space. The very ground we stand on at Parc de Bécon whispers tales of centuries past. Imagine a time when a simple watchtower, possibly a beacon, stood here during the Carolingian era. This humble structure may have given the Bécon district its name. Fast forward to 1818, and Parc de Bécon’s story takes a dramatic turn. The Count du Cayla, a peer of France, purchased the land and a grand château rose on the site. The château passed to his daughter, Philippine, and later changed hands multiple times. The Orsini family acquired it in 1826, followed by Dr. Guillié, an ophthalmologist, in 1837. Prince George Barbu Știrbei bought the château in 1869 and later brought his adopted daughters, Consuelo Fould and Georges Achille-Fould, to live here. Parc de Bécon wasn’t immune to the ravages of war. The Franco-Prussian War of 1870 heavily damaged the château. The renowned sculptor Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux even rented a pavilion on the grounds during this time. The Second World War brought further devastation. The surrounding area suffered extensive damage, and shortly after, the once-magnificent château was demolished. From its ruins emerged the Parc de Bécon we know today. This nearly eight-acre park stretches across two levels, from Boulevard Saint-Denis to Quai du Maréchal-Joffre. Children’s laughter echoes through the playgrounds. Families gather for picnics. The Pavillon des Indes, a remnant of the 1878 Universal Exhibition, stands proudly within the park. The Musée Roybet-Fould, nestled against the Pavillon de Suède-Norvège from the same exhibition, adds a touch of artistic elegance. The park even boasts a charming orangerie and a tranquil open-air theatre. Near the river, the pediment of the former Charras barracks, a classified historical monument, offers a glimpse into another era. Parc de Bécon has truly transformed from a simple beacon to a vibrant community hub. It’s a place where history intertwines with nature. It’s a testament to resilience and renewal.