18.6.10

Square René-Le-Gall

The Square René-Le-Gall (see also previous post about “Lézards de la Bièvre) occupies a space which once was a small island, surrounded by two arms of the river La Bièvre, partly used as a kitchen-garden for the close-by “Manufacture des Gobelins” (A post will follow). The island was called “Ile aux Singes” (the Monkey Island). It seems that some monkeys used to be living rather free here.

A comparison between the Google Earth and a 18th century map gives perhaps an idea of what the landscape used to be. Under the street on the photo the old manufacture (still in operation) and the park runs the now covered river La Bièvre.
The park was created just before WWII, slightly enlargened in recent years.
It’s surrounded by grotto-work walls and stairs with some remarkable masks, birds… made by pebbles and fossils, which remind us of the famous Arcimboldo paintings.
I was impressed by some modern equipment on the children’s playground.
I wish you a nice weekend!

25 comments:

Anne in Oxfordshire said...

Have a wonderful weekend Peter.. another place for me to tell my friends to put on their list and mine :-)

Simony said...

Dear Peter, thank you for your visit on my blog during the time I was gone.
We had a great time in Italy during those 3 weeks. I will be posting some insights of my trip, hope you will have a chance to stop by soon.
I missed coming here. I am glad to be back. Your posts are always entertaining! Have a great weekend!

Shammickite said...

The children's playground looks fascinating, a new slant of fun for children. I think my little grandson would love it.

Cheryl said...

Have a great weekend, Peter! That playground looks like it was designed by the Apple people. Love the wall too!

Rakesh Vanamali said...

What a wonderful place it must be to simply go chill out! Thanks for these fabulous pictures and do have a wonderful weekend!

hpy said...

C'est l'époque des visites dans les parcs et jardins quand il fait beau. Belles roses.

claude said...

Quel magnifique square !
A jeudi !

Ruth said...

Another park I never heard of. Exuberant roses!

Happy weekend. Here in the U.S., Sunday is Father's Day. So Happy Father's Day, Peter. :)

Anonymous said...

Nice post, as usual.

Have a good weekend, Peter.

richard said...

I like the way you've done the map comparison - must have taken some trouble I think. Like the comparisons of old and new photos that you sometimes do, it's fascinating to see how cities change. It's also fascinating to see the different ways that different cities change, under different pressures and priorities.

I like the playground photo - quite an eye-catcher!

richard said...

I like the way you've done the map comparison - must have taken some trouble I think. Like the comparisons of old and new photos that you sometimes do, it's fascinating to see how cities change. It's also fascinating to see the different ways that different cities change, under different pressures and priorities.

I like the playground photo - quite an eye-catcher!

Cezar and Léia said...

So beautiful park and indeed modern, I'm also impressed by the kids playground!
Futuristic! :)
Happy weekend
hugs
Léia

SusuPetal said...

Interesting masks!

Have a sunny weekend, Peter!

Owen said...

Can practically smell the roses there !

Enjoyed these strange creations in the walls there, someone evidently had quite a bit of fun there. Are they signed, or is there some info on a plaque or something which says who created them ?

Happy walking !

Olivier said...

j'aime beaucoup le playground moderne pour les enfants, c'est genial comme idee

Starman said...

Love the children's playground shot. What are those things? They look more like art pieces than play things. BTW, how do you write on the Google maps?

Dianne said...

Bonjour Peter Love the -oh so pretty roses- I was very impressed with the many beautiful little playgrounds in Paris, and usually fenced to protect children running off into the street. here in Australia this is very rare, Grandma's have to spend much time running after toddlers hell bent on running off. ugh !!
Have a great week-end
Dianne xx

Kate said...

The flowers appear to be quite abundant. The stone work is fantastic.

krystyna said...

Hi Peter!

You know that blogging is very close to my heart and also it made me few wonderful friends. You are the one of my best friend. I'm glad that I met you in the Blogosphere.

Always is nice to visit you and see your great photos and read interesting posts.!

My best greetings, Peter!
Take care!

Shionge said...

You have a nice weekend too Peter :)

Boutique Hotels Paris said...

The stone work is really fantastic.

Jill Riter said...

the playground equipment is wonderful!... what is it?

Marie-Noyale said...

Meme si le soleil n'est pas la les fleurs elles sont au rendez vous!!

Trotter said...

Wow! Those children must be quite happy!!

Nathalie H.D. said...

J'adore ta première et ta dernière photos - roses en fin de vie déjà un peu piquées et élégance des lignes des jeux d'enfants qu'on prendrait volontiers pour des sculptures modernes.

Et puis une tendresse particulière pour les motifs en galets, personnages étonnants ou grotestques mais attachants.