A Walk in Gardens of the 1930s

Take a promenade with Amy Kupec-Larue, along the avenues of an arrondissement that has succeeded in preserving its charm and authenticity.

Beginning in the 15^th century, leather tanning and dyeing industries flourished here, thanks to the nearby Bièvre river.  Now abandoned, the picturesque streets and housing developments of the Butte aux Cailles retrace parts of this old riverbed.

Following WWI, there was a renaissance in urban design and landscaping, typified by some of the gardens in the 13^th arrondissement.   Our first garden will be the Parc Kellermann, a charming, discreet green space on the spot of the dismantled Thiers fortifications with two levels of plantations.  We will also discover the classical layout and secret spaces of the Parc de Choisy. The lesser known square Rene Le-Gall with its luxurious vegetation is also a wonderfully preserved example, and by far the most ‘Italian’ garden in Paris.

There might even be a surprise at the end of the walk!