Centuries ago this area was a marsh. Today we stand at Parc Parmentier. It is a beautiful park in Brussels. This park offers a serene escape from the city bustle.
Parc Parmentier is more than just a green space. It is a piece of Brussels’ history. The park’s story begins with Edmond Parmentier. He was an entrepreneur who shaped this area.
In 1895, Parmentier started building the Avenue de Tervueren. He acquired land along the avenue. This land became his property. It included the slope at the corner of the avenue. Today that avenue bears his name.
Parmentier committed to developing his property. He also developed the slope of the neighboring Parc de Woluwe. He wanted urban coherence. Élie Lainé, a landscape architect, designed a plan. It included the layouts of Parc de Woluwe and Étangs Mellaerts.
Originally the area was marshy with ponds. Earth from the Avenue de Tervueren excavation was used to fill parts of the marsh. Two ponds remained. A small stream from the Woluwe River fed these ponds.
Parmentier built a Norwegian-style house high on the property. From there, he overlooked the avenues. Sadly, he died in 1910. This was just as the boulevard construction finished.
During World War I, Countess de Merode used the property. She housed wounded soldiers there. She helped them learn new skills. These skills accommodated their disabilities.
In 1919, the state acquired the land. A military hospital was established. However, a fire destroyed it in 1925.
In 1933, Abbé Édouard Froidure received the park. He created “Stations de plein air”. These were Brussels’ first playgrounds. They are still in the upper part of Parc Parmentier today. The lower part is a public park. The Brussels Region manages it.
Parc Parmentier has two distinct areas. The upper part has a sunny path. It offers views of the Étangs Mellaerts. The lower part is shady and intimate. The ponds stretch through it.
The park features varied landscapes. There are dry lawns and wooded areas. There are also wet meadows. Flowers bloom from May to July. They attract insects and butterflies.
A rustic bridge spans a waterfall. The waterfall connects the two ponds. The bridge has railings that look like intertwined branches.
Parc Parmentier is part of a larger green area. It includes Parc de Woluwe. It also includes Étangs Mellaerts and Domaine du Bovenberg. Leopold II wanted this landscape to be harmonious.
You can access Parc Parmentier from several points. There is an entrance on Avenue Edmond Parmentier. Another entrance is at the corner of Avenue de Tervueren and Avenue Edmond Parmentier. This entrance has stairs. You can also enter from Avenue de Tervueren. A final entrance is at the corner of Avenue des Orangers and Avenue des Fougères. This leads to the ponds.
Parc Parmentier has remarkable trees. Giant sequoias stand tall. American red oaks add color. False acacia trees provide shade. European beeches offer beauty.
The park is open to the public every day. Opening hours vary. They depend on the season. Park keepers patrol regularly.
Parc Parmentier stands as a testament to Brussels’ commitment to green spaces. It offers recreation and tranquility. It is a park with a rich history and diverse landscape.