Further Distractions
Parc de l’Orangerie
Situated just opposite the Palais de l’Europe, this is the largest and oldest park in the city. The beautifully proportioned pavilion, with its creamy white walls and central fountain, was constructed in honour of Empress Josephine, in 1804. However, the oldest paths were designed by Le Ntre, two centuries earlier. The lake allows for boating in summer. The park has a zoo, ‘mini-farm’ and stork enclosure, although visitors should not be surprised to see free-flying white storks nesting on many of the roofs and in the trees.
Avenue de l’Europe
Transport: Bus 6, 30 or 72 to Orangerie/Palais de l’Europe.
Opening hours: Daily 24 hours.
Admission: Free.
Parc de Pourtals
In the 19th century, Countess Mlanie de Pourtals would receive high society in the beautiful chteau, situated at the heart of this 24-hectare (59-acre) park. Contemporary sculptures are scattered throughout the gardens. Some, such as Claudio Parmiggiani’s La Fort regarde et coute (‘the forest watches and listens’), which consists of bronze ears grafted on to tree trunks, are so well blended in with the landscape that some locals still have not spotted them. Rue Mlanie Transport: Bus 15 to Mlanie. Opening hours: Daily dawn to dusk. Admission: Free.
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Further Distractions