Parc floral de Paris

What is Parc floral de Paris?

Parc floral de Paris is a large botanical garden and public park covering 31 hectares in the eastern part of Paris. Visitors find a mix of themed flower gardens, including displays of azaleas, rhododendrons, irises, dahlias, cacti, and aquatic plants like lotus and lily pads. The park includes a Valley of Flowers, a central lake with fountains, a sculpture garden, and a pavilion for Japanese bonsai. There are also playgrounds, a miniature railway, and spaces for concerts and exhibitions.

The history of Parc floral de Paris

The park was established in 1969 as a permanent site for international flower shows, following earlier events called the Floralies held in the Bois de Vincennes in 1959 and 1964. The land had a long history as part of a royal hunting ground, later used for military training. After World War II, the area was converted into a public garden under the direction of city architect Daniel Collin and several landscape architects, each designing different sections such as the Valley of Flowers and the water garden.

What there is to see

The park is laid out with themed gardens, each focusing on different plant groups or horticultural traditions. The Valley of Flowers changes its displays each year to match a new theme. There are gardens for Mediterranean plants, medicinal and culinary herbs, ferns, and cacti. Aquatic plants are shown in ponds and around the central lake. Modern sculptures are placed throughout, and facilities include exhibit halls, a concert stage, and family recreation areas.

When to go

Parc floral de Paris is open to the public for leisure, botanical appreciation, and cultural events. It is the site of major annual flower shows and exhibitions, attracting plant enthusiasts and families. The gardens are designed for year-round interest, with at least one area, the Garden of the Seasons, always in bloom. The park also hosts concerts, art exhibitions, and educational activities.

Parts and collections

Within the park, visitors can explore a variety of specialized gardens, such as those dedicated to azaleas, rhododendrons, irises, dahlias, cacti, and bonsai. The Valley of Flowers is redesigned annually, offering new floral themes and plant combinations each year. The Garden of the Seasons ensures that flowers are blooming throughout all months.

Why Parc floral de Paris matters

Parc floral de Paris is one of four major botanical gardens in the city and serves as a legacy of the 1969 international horticultural exposition. It is known for its annual flower shows, which draw visitors from across France and abroad. The park also features modern sculpture and offers a space for both horticultural education and cultural events in Paris.

The flowers of Parc floral de Paris

CactusSucculent plants with spines, native to the AmericasSacred lotusThe pink aquatic flower sacred in Asia and grown for food, worship and beautyDahliaA bushy perennial with tuberous roots and bright, star-shaped bloomsRhododendronA vast group of shrubs and trees with showy blooms in many coloursIrisA large group of perennial flowers with striking, six-lobed bloomsLotusAquatic plants with large, round leaves and striking flowers called lotusCommon rhododendronA dense evergreen shrub with violet-purple flowers from Europe and the CaucasusIris damascenaA rare white and purple iris found only on a Syrian mountain

Questions people ask about Parc floral de Paris

Good reading and sources

• Official websiteOfficial site

• Parc floral de Paris on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data