André Citroën Park

The André Citroën Park, located in the XV arrondissement of Paris, is one of the most modern and innovative parks in the French capital. Inaugurated in 1992, this 14-hectare green space is located on the banks of the Seine, where the famous Citroën car factory used to be. The park, named after the company’s founder, André Citroën, represents a bold example of contemporary design applied to urban planning, combining nature, technology, and architecture in a harmonious ensemble. The project of the André Citroën Park was entrusted to landscape architects Gilles Clément and Alain Provost, with the collaboration of architects Patrick Berger, Jean-François Jodry, and Jean-Paul Viguier. The goal was to create a green space that was not only a place for relaxation and leisure, but also an area for experimentation and landscape innovation. The result is a park that stands out for its geometric structure, its themed gardens, and the creative use of water and light. One of the most distinctive elements of the André Citroën Park is its vast central area, a huge expanse of lawn that invites visitors to relax and enjoy the sun. This large lawn is surrounded by two monumental greenhouses, symbols of the fusion between nature and technology. The eastern greenhouse houses tropical plants, while the western one is dedicated to Mediterranean vegetation. These glass and steel structures are not only exhibition spaces, but also controlled climatic environments that allow the growth of plants from different parts of the world. The park is divided into several themed gardens, each exploring a specific aspect of landscape and ecology. Among these, the Moving Gardens, designed by Gilles Clément, represent one of the most interesting innovations. This space is conceived as a dynamic ecosystem, where wild plants grow freely and interact with the surrounding environment, creating a landscape in constant evolution. The Moving Gardens challenge the traditional conception of the garden as an orderly and controlled space, promoting instead a more natural and sustainable approach. Another fascinating element of the André Citroën Park is the Cloud Garden, an area characterized by a series of grassy hills and winding paths that create a unique visual effect. This garden is an ideal place for quiet walks and moments of reflection, offering a panoramic view of the Seine and the rest of the park. The André Citroën Park is also known for its fountains and water features, which add a dynamic and playful element to the landscape. At the center of the park is the Fountain of Harmony, a large rectangular basin surrounded by water jets that create changing choreographies. These water features are not only spectacular, but also offer a pleasant refreshment during the hot summer months. A must-see attraction of the André Citroën Park is the Generali Balloon, a tethered hot air balloon that offers visitors the opportunity to admire Paris from a unique perspective. The balloon can rise up to 150 meters high, providing a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and its most iconic monuments, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. From a historical perspective, the André Citroën Park represents an important example of urban redevelopment. The area where the park is located was originally occupied by the Citroën factories, which were closed in the 1970s. The transformation of this industrial space into a public park testifies to Paris’s ability to reinvent itself and enhance its urban heritage, creating new green spaces for its citizens. From an artistic and cultural point of view, the André Citroën Park regularly hosts events and temporary installations that enrich visitors’ experience. Art exhibitions, outdoor concerts, and festivals are just some of the initiatives that take place in the park, turning it into a true open-air cultural center. An interesting anecdote related to the André Citroën Park concerns its inauguration, which took place in 1992 in the presence of President François Mitterrand. During the ceremony, Mitterrand emphasized the importance of urban parks as places of well-being and meeting for citizens, expressing the desire that the André Citroën Park would become a symbol of rebirth and innovation for Paris.