Bois de Vincennes
The Vincennes Forest is a gentrified forest area with a total area of 995 hectares. It is located in the 12th arrondissement of Paris. Together with the Bois de Boulogne, it provides oxygen to the entire urban area.
Since the tenth century, the French government has been interested in this forest area, where it has been hunting for local wildlife with pleasure. There is a legend that Louis IX loved the Bois de Vincennes so much that he sat under one magnificent oak tree and judged. During the reign of Philippe II, the entire perimeter of the forest was fenced. Over time, its surroundings were built up with various manors. In the 14th century, when the Valois dynasty ruled, a magnificent castle was erected here, which still serves as the main attraction of the entire Bois de Vincennes. The forest began to take on the appearance of a regular park, during the reign of Louis XV.
The past wars at the beginning of the nineteenth century had a negative impact on the Vincennes Forest. At the time when this land was ruled by Napoleon III, the local territory began to improve and acquire the appearance of the Bois de Boulogne. It was at this time that famous French architects and engineers worked here, thanks to whom the forest turned into a landscape park and was open to the public.
Many different types of trees were planted throughout the park, water channels and lakes were dug, and various fountains were set up. Cozy cafes and restaurants also appeared in this area soon.
In 1929, the entire park area became part of Paris, and was incorporated into the 12th arrondissement. Most of the transport roads here have been blocked for several decades now. But there are many hiking trails in the forest, as well as bike paths.
The Vincennes Forest is also decorated with a Buddhist pagoda, which is located on the shore of one of the lakes. Its landmark is a huge gold leaf Buddha statue, which is the largest in all of Europe.
Animal lovers will definitely enjoy the zoo, which occupies 14.5 hectares of parkland. Here you can see close to 600 species of various mammals, as well as about 700 species of birds. This zoo completely fits into the design of the park, because the enclosures with animals resemble the conditions in which these animals usually live.
The local flower park is also pleasing to the eye, which is a magnificent botanical garden. You just can't walk by without admiring the beauty of the flowers, including the delightful camellias and lilies. There is also a large collection of medicinal herbs among these plants.
