Looking for a stroll to discover secrets places in Paris? This time, we offer you to go to Le Marais, and head to the Musée Carnavalet. Not far from Paris’s oldest museum dedicated to the History of the French capital stands a discreet park, known by local and enthusiasts. Here is the Square Georges Cain.
Named after the museum’s first curator, this little-known garden is special: it is sort of an open-air museum. And for good reason, it is seen as Musée Carnavalet’s stone repository. When coming in the park, you will first discover in the middle, a statue of a naked woman: it is Île-de-France, a piece designed by Aristide Maillol.
Now, please look at the right part of the park. There, you will notice several pieces made of stones of various sizes and shapes, and there is no special indication about them. But it would be wrong not to pay interest to them, because these are historic remnants. In the center of the wall, for instance, you will discover the pediment and columns that used to be the now-gone Tuileries Palace.
You can also find remnants of Paris’s salt store, a rose window from the Renaissance that used to be part of the former City Hall, a window from the Hôtel de Thou, and even remnants of Merovingian sarcophaguses. If you are into botanic, you can come and admire the centenary-old fig tree and an iron tree, but both enjoy informative signs.
Dates and Opening Time
Starts 12 April 2021
Location
Square Georges Cain
8 rue Payenne
75003 Paris 3
Prices
Free