~Bois de Boulogne~

We are counting the days now....18 to go.  I only  have to purchase the euros and pack the bags.

The Bois de Boulogne has been on my 'to see' list since our first trip in 2006.  We didn't make it then so it is now on the 'must see' list.

The Bois has a very long history.  In the Middle Ages the forest was hunted for bear, deer and wild boars. In the 7th century the land was sold to the Abbey of St. Denis and monasteries were built.  In 1308  PhilipIV bought the land back, gave it its present name and it became the royal forest for hunting.  It also became notorious as a refuge for bandits.  In the 16th century Henri II enclosed the forest with a wall that included 8 gates. In the 17th century Louis XIV opened the forest to the public.  During the French revolution the forest again became a refuge for the poor, the destitute and those fleeing 'the terror'.  Napoleon III gave the forest to the city and Baron Hausmann** had it landscaped, walls torn down and ornamental lakes and ponds added. This was part of the huge urban planning project that turned the Paris into the city it is today.

The Bois de Boulogne covers of 2000 acres (more than twice the size of Central Park) and has over 20 miles walking paths, horseback riding paths and bicyle lanes as well as a few wide avenues.  There is a children's amusement area known as the Jardin d'Acclimation which includes a zoo.  The Parc de Bagatelle is renowned for it's beautiful rose garden.  The racecourse, Hippodrome de Longchamp was opened by Napoleon III and continues to hold prestigious racing events.

Chateau de Longchamp

There are man-made lakes and boats to rent, cascades, pavilions and restaurants throughout the park.

For me, walking is limited so I will not see all of it I'm sure.  I did find a bus route (244) that travels right through the Bois, stopping at the Parc de Bagatelle.  This is the part that we will explore.

Springtime in the Bois.

Lac Superieur is connected to Lac Inferieur  by a waterfall.
Lac Inferieur is actually the larger of the 2 lakes.

** Baron Hausmann's urban restructuring is described in David McCullough's new book "The Greater Journey". We can thank Napoleon III and Baron Hausmann for the beautiful city that Paris is today.

I should also note that most travel books and websites state that the park is rather unsavory at night.

  I read that the French police are trying to crack down on the prostitution.

~a bientot~