Parc Georges-Brassens

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The park is built on the site of the former Vaugirard abattoirs, which operated from 1897 to 1974.

2. 2

   Two bronze sculptures of bulls by sculptor Isidore Bonheur flank the entrance, commemorating the site's history as a livestock slaughterhouse.

3. 3

   The garden contains a small vineyard that produces around 200 bottles of Pinot Noir wine annually.

4. 4

   The park maintains a teaching apiary where visitors can learn about urban beekeeping practices.

5. 5

   The central pond is a focal point designed with a small waterfall feature.

6. 6

   A dedicated 'Garden of Fragrances' is curated specifically for sensory exploration, particularly for the visually impaired.

7. 7

   The park is named after the French poet and singer-songwriter Georges Brassens, who lived nearby on Impasse Florimont.

Overview

Parc Georges-Brassens is a 7.7-hectare public park built on the former site of the Vaugirard slaughterhouses in the 15th arrondissement of Paris. The park features a central pond fed by a stream and maintains a working beehive apiary that produces urban honey. Visitors find a distinct belvedere area offering elevated views of the surrounding neighborhood. The gardens include a dedicated rose garden, a fragrance garden, and an experimental vineyard producing Pinot Noir. The park's structural remnants, such as the two stone bull sculptures at the entrance, serve as architectural monuments to the site's industrial past. A covered hall located on the premises hosts a regular second-hand book market. The terrain is largely rolling, featuring gravel pathways, wooden bridges, and varied botanical collections. It serves as an active community space with designated areas for children and recreational sports.

Insider tips

• Visit the Marché du Livre Ancien et d'Occasion held under the market hall on weekends for a large selection of antique books.

• Look for the entrance gates featuring stone bull statues to identify the historical significance of the site.

• Use the wooden bridges near the pond for better vantage points of the water features.