Parc Andre-Citroen
From Paris Hotels Reviews
Parc Andre-Citroen
The Parc André-Citroën (Mon – Fri 8am to dusk, sat & Sun 9am to dusk; M° Javel-André Citroën/Balard), on the banks of the Seine, between Pont du Garigliano and Pont Mirabeau, is not a park for traditionalists. The central grassy area is straightforward enough, but around it you’ll find futuristic terraces and concrete – walled gardens with abstract themes. It’s as much as sight to visit in its own right as a place to lounge around or throw a Frisbee.
At the top end, away from the river, are two large house hothouses, one housing mimosa, fish – tailed palms and other sweet-smelling shrubbery, the other used for temporary exhibitions. On hot days, however, the most tempting feature is the large platform between them, which sprouts a capricious set of automated fountain jets, luring children and occasionally adults to dodge the sudden spurts of water. On either side of the greenhouses, the White and Black Gardens are for plants that show off the two extreme colours, but the most exciting themed gardens lie along the northern side of the park, where high walls surrounded the Serial Gardens. Here, the Green Garden is dedicated to sound, with bubbling water and Miscanthus Sinensis grasses rustling dryly in the wind; the Blue Garden is for scent, planted with wisteria and strong-smelling herbs; the Orange Garden, for touch, is highly textured; and there are Red, Silver and Gold gardens too. At the foot of this section, towards the river, is the Garden in Movement, whose semi-wild, constantly changing plants are broken up by miniature greenhouses, and a long stone staircase flowing with water. Best of all, perhaps, is the tethered balloon, which rises and sinks regularly on calm days, taking small groups 150m above the ground – higher than the second level of the Eifel Tower – for great views of the city (daily from 9am to 30min before the park closes; call to check weather conditions on the day ⊕ 01.44.26.20, 00; Mon – Fri €10, Sat & Sun €12, children aged 3 – 11 €5/6).
