The Villemin garden, a bucolic park on the banks of the Canal Saint-Martin

Renamed Jardin Villemin Mahsa - Jîna Amini in homage to the young Iranian student who died on September 16, 2022 in Iran for defending women's rights, the garden has been laid out on the site of theformer Villemin military hospital. If you look closely, you can see the remains of this hospital, as the entrance to the garden at number 8 rue des Récollets is in fact the former entrance to this hospital. Since the 1870s, it had been strategically built to care for the wounded returning from the front as quickly as possible. In the past, the buildings also housed part of the Récollets convent.

The hospital was originally named Hôpital Saint-Martin, in reference to its location in the capital, before taking the nameof Jean-Antoine Villemin, a military doctor who proved the transmissibility of tuberculosis. In 1968, the military hospital closed its doors for good.

• To be read
• This week's best bets in Paris and Île-de-France, May 25–31, 2026
• Free museums in Paris and free monuments in Île-de-France: the top cultural deals

After several extensions, bringing the garden to 1,870 m2, the site now boasts sports fields (basketball and handball courts, bowling green) andplay areas for children. On sunny days, you can enjoy a book in the sun, have a picnic or relax with friends on the beautiful lawns. On site, you'll be amazed by the sheer number of trees, including several chestnut trees, plane trees and a cherry blossom tree... All of which gracefully decorate the site, giving it the feel of a micro-campaign in the heart of the capital.

The Villemin Mahsa Jîna Amini garden is open every day, all year round, with opening times varying according to the month of the year (opening at 7 or 8 am, closing from 7:30 to 9:30 pm). To get there, take metro lines 4, 5 and 7 (Gare de l'Est stop) or RER E (Gare de l'Est stop). Enjoy your visit to the Jardin Villemin!