What if parks could talk? Parc Kellermann might tell tales of transformation. It could describe how it went from a riverbed to a modern green space. This is Parc Kellermann. It is a public park in Paris’s 13th arrondissement. It offers a blend of history, recreation, and natural beauty.
Parc Kellermann’s story begins long before its creation as a park. The Bièvre River once flowed through this area. This river, a tributary of the Seine, was gradually covered during the 20th century. By 1937, the area was ready for a new chapter.
That year, Paris hosted the International Exposition. The main site was at the Place du Trocadéro. However, Parc Kellermann’s future location also played a role. Several pavilions were built here for the exposition. After the event, the city saw an opportunity to create a new public space.
Jacques Gréber, the chief architect of the Exposition, took on the task. Gréber was an internationally known landscape architect. He had also designed the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia. He transformed the former exposition site into a park. Parc Kellermann was born.
The park is named after François Christophe Kellermann. Kellermann was a Marshal of France under Napoleon. He won the Battle of Valmy against the Prussians in 1792. Naming the park after him honored his military achievements.
Parc Kellermann covers 5.5 hectares. It has two distinct sections with different styles. The upper park reflects the Art Moderne style of the 1930s. The lower park has a more picturesque style reminiscent of Napoleon III era designs.
The main entrance on Boulevard Kellermann features an Art Moderne colonnade. Cement and bricks form the colonnade. Bas-reliefs by Élie Ottary decorate it. These reliefs depict dancers and athletes. From there, a wide alley lined with linden trees leads into the park.
The upper level offers a panoramic view of the city. However, the nearby Périphérique highway creates some noise. A stream flows from the upper level to the lower park. It passes through pools and a cascade of artificial rocks. The water then enters a kidney-shaped basin with a fountain.
The eastern side of the lower park feels more like a forest. The western part provides space for playgrounds and sports. This division reflects the park’s dual purpose. It offers both recreation and relaxation.
Parc Kellermann promotes sports and fitness. There are fitness trails of varying lengths. The park also has football fields and tennis courts. Playgrounds and table tennis tables are available too. Expanses of lawn invite visitors to sunbathe or picnic.
Even though the park was renovated in the 1960s, remnants of the 1937 Exposition can still be found. These historical pieces add character. They connect Parc Kellermann to a significant moment in Paris’s past.
Since 1988, Parc Kellermann has been home to an apiary. The park is also a habitat for various fauna. Ducks are among the residents of Parc Kellermann.
Today, Parc Kellermann stands as the largest park in the 13th arrondissement. It offers a green escape from the urban environment. It provides a place for leisure, sports, and connection with nature. The story of Parc Kellermann is one of transformation. It is a testament to the power of vision and adaptation in creating public spaces.