The arrival of the first rays of sunshine is often the perfect opportunity to stroll through a garden in the capital, sunbathe on a bench in a square, read a book on the lawn of a park... in short, to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city in a little setting of nature and greenery.
And in Paris, there are a number of parks and gardens that are not to be missed, such as Parc Monceau to the west, Jardin du Luxembourg in the center of the capital, and Parc des Buttes-Chaumont and Parc de Belleville to the east. Elsewhere in the Paris region, a number of parks are also doing well, such as Parc André Malraux.
Located in Nanterre, just a few metres from the Nanterre-Préfecture station on the RER A, this 25-hectare park is sure to attract those in search of tranquillity and nature, thanks to its Central Park feel.
With its unobstructed view of the La Défense district and the Aillaud Towers, this large green space in the Hauts-de-Seine region is a delight for many Parisians in need of greenery. Featuring a pleasant stretch of water, Parc André Malraux is characterized by its curves. The relief and contours give rhythm to the area, creating a succession of quiet and busy zones. If you like to play ball on the vast lawns, you'll also enjoy getting lost in the wooded areas and undergrowth. And if you like to get up high, that's also possible. Once you're at the top, you'll have a great view of the whole Parc André Malraux.
Another special feature? The park is open to the city, with no fences at all. This means you can walk right through it at any time of day or night!
In terms of vegetation, Parc André Malraux boasts flat maples, sycamores and Austrian black pines, as well as birch trees.
What about on-site activities? The André Malraux landscaped park has plenty to offer, starting with a water playground for children. With a surface area of 1,2000 m², it is only accessible in summer. But toddlers have the chance to exercise all year round, thanks to a beautiful playground and merry-go-round.
Adults, on the other hand, enjoy jogging, admiring an ephemeral exhibition, lounging on the lawn or sunbathing not far from the pond, where numerous birds nest, including swans. There's also a "free dog park".
For the record, it was André Malraux who created this park. In the 60s, when he was Minister of Cultural Affairs, he decided to create a park with a cultural vocation. Landscape architect Jacques Sgard was commissioned to design the park, on which work began in 1971. As for the location, it was decided to build this new green lung for the western Paris region on a site that had previously included wastelands and former gypsum quarries.
Today, the André Malraux park has become one of the Hauts-de-Seine department's most important green spaces, and a favorite spot for Parisians seeking fresh air.
Location
André Malraux Park
39 Avenue Pablo Picasso
92000 Nanterre
