In the 18th century, there was a large vineyard on this site and it employed most of the inhabitants of the area. By the 19th century, the vineyard disappeared and was replaced by market gardens; then in 1894 the slaughterhouses of Vaugirard were constructed. The slaughter houses were busy for many years but were finally destroyed in 1975.
Georges Brassens (1921-1981) was a singer, songwriter and poet. He lived in the neighborhood on rue Santos Dumont. The park was given its name by Mayor Jacque Chirac and was opened to the public in 1984.
At the entrance to the park are two bull statutes on pillars, symbolizing the slaughter houses.
Several original buildings remain; the belfry from the auction houses, the metal roofed horse market and ornamental gates to the auction market.
Pool in front of the belfry.
A vineyard is a reminder of the original vineyards of Perichot which once
covered the area.There are 700 Pinot Noir vines.
A bee hive was created in 1986. On the first Saturday in October,
there is a sale of the honey produced by the hives.
These are the original metal-roofed horsemarket buildings.
There is a weekend bookmarket held on this site now.
Bust of Georges Brassens by Alex Greck.
Like most parks in Paris, there are walkways, play areas for children, a carousel, a climbing area made with the stones of the former buildings, a gazebo for music concerts, a rose garden and a puppet theater.
It sounds like a beautiful place and it's high on our "must see" list.
