Two different views of Paris from Buttes-Chaumont Park


While there's nothing wrong with the view of Paris from this side of the gazebo in the Buttes-Chaumont Park, I've got to admit that I prefer the vista from the other side. Glistening like a mirage in the distance, I recently learned that Sacré-Coeur Basilica is constructed out of Château-Landon stones that release calcite when it rains. A natural whitener, this mineral has helped the Basilica maintain it's pristine appearance ever since it was consecrated in 1919.


Whether you go for a picnic lunch, a stroll or simply sit and read a book, the Buttes-Chaumont Park  is one of the most beautiful spots in Paris. With rolling hills, a grotto, an artificial lake, a roaring waterfall, a suspension bridge and a gazebo that resembles the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, Italy, I felt as if I was on a mini-vacation from the hustle and bustle of the city on Tuesday afternoon.


In between bites of couscous salad and artisanal potato chips purchased at a nearby shop, Mais Oui Paris and I admired the "People's Tuileries" that Napoleon III created for the underprivileged citizens of Eastern Paris in 1867. Built on the site of disused gypsum quarries, the 1963 Les Guides Bleus: Paris describes Buttes-Chaumont as "certainly one of the most pleasant and unexpected parks of the capital", while the 2011 Paris by Rick Steves doesn't seem to mention it at all. What an oversight.

If you haven't been to Buttes-Chaumont, grab a picnic and go! Please click here to see photos from my April 2011 visit.

Can you believe that this grotto is in Paris?

Comments

  1. Bonjour!
    I am coming to Paris next week...I hope to make a visit to this lovely park!
    Your photos are a great inspiration...:)
    Merci beaucoup!
    Henri

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    Replies
    1. Bonjour, Henri! Buttes-Chaumont should look even better next week because some of the flowers are just starting to bloom. Safe travels and have a wonderful time in Paris!

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  2. I love the photo of the grotto - beautiful!!

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  3. I love Buttes Chamont park, especailly in summer when it is at it's best. The first time I saw it was in january and I still fell in love. Last time I was there though, the graffitti and litter on the Belvedere of Sybil, where you took your picture, I found shocking. This fantastic view point should be treated with respect.

    The other bonus I found in summer is the number of wedding parties being photographed near the Marie de 19th arrondissement......I love weddings!

    Denise
    LovefromBolton

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    Replies
    1. I haven't been to Buttes-Chaumont in the winter but can imagine that it must have a certain kind of quiet beauty. Oddly enough, I didn't even notice the graffiti on the columns until I got home and looked at my photos. I think that I was too absorbed by the view of the city. I wish, however, that people would treat it with the respect that it deserves.

      Hmm, I haven't seen that many brides in Paris. Only one at the Place Vendome during fashion week last year. It was kind of strange because there was also a car show, some kind of gathering of policemen on horses and all of the fashionistas during fashion week. Maybe I need to hang out in front of the Marie. I love weddings, too!

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  4. wish you had waited for me and we BOTH could have gone with a Paris Walker in the 19th.
    you know who

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    Replies
    1. I know! Going to Buttes-Chaumont was a last minute decision after my guided tour of the Marais was cancelled.

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  5. Wow, certainly would not have guessed that grotto was in Paris, quite lovely!

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    1. Hearing the water splashing on the rocks inside the grotto is such a pleasant contrast to the city that it's always a delightful surprise. My mini-break!

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  6. Wow, Buttes Chamont looks beautiful! It's a shame about that graffiti, though.

    Interesting fact about Sacre Coeur. No wonder it looks so pretty!

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    Replies
    1. Interestingly enough, I saw a tweet about the stones used to build Sacre-Coeur while on my way to Buttes-Chaumont. After seeing how white the Basilica looked, I did a bit of fact checking to make sure that the tweet was correct. These little tidbits of info are just one of the many things that I love about Twitter.

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  7. Oh, that's new to me...a cave located direct in Paris in a really beautiful park. Thank you for the wonderful pictures.

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    Replies
    1. You're welcome. And thank you for commenting! Whenever I visit Buttes-Chaumont I can't help but think about how the grotto, waterfall, suspension bridge, etc. must have delighted the people in the nineteenth century.

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  8. I'd never heard of this park before, but it's definitely a must see for the next time we're in Paris!

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    Replies
    1. It's worth a visit, especially if you've already seen the Luxembourg Gardens, the Tuileries, etc.

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