Parc de Bécon, located in Courbevoie 's Bécon-les-Bruyères district, is a haven of peace and greenery. It is particularly famous for its beautiful view over the Seine and its Palais des Indes, testimony to its rich and original history. The park belonged to the Countess du Cayla in 1818, then was acquired by Prince Georges Bibesco Stirbey in 1828, who imbued it with his unusual spirit.
The prince and his adopted daughters, the artists Consuelo Fould and Georges Achille-Fould, contributed to the park's development by purchasing and developing the surrounding plots. Today, the park boasts two fine examples of this period, the India Pavilion (open by appointment) and the Sweden and Norway Pavilion, both of which were built for the 1878 Universal Exhibition and are listed as Monuments Historiques.
Classified as a "classified site" on May 13, 1941, the Parc de Bécon offers a breathtaking view of the Seine and bears witness to a rich history. Since 2020, it has been undergoing restoration to restore coherence to the site, reconnect it with the Seine and the city, and restore an essential place to water. Since the beginning of 2021, work has been underway to create a restaurant area, public toilets, a fountain, multi-sports fields, ping-pong tables, sports equipment and games for teenagers.
The Théâtre de Verdure in the Parc de Bécon was restored to its original glory in 2021. Exploring its history reveals the work of the Vera brothers and a little-known aspect of garden history, as well as the relationship between art and landscape gardeners. Inspired by the amphitheatres of antiquity, the green theaters are integrated into a green setting, giving them a unique character that is conducive to the staging of live performances (dance, theater, concerts, etc.). Under Louis XIV, French-style gardens saw a boom in the number of theaters de verdure (or water theaters). This trend also spread during the interwar period, when the Vera brothers influenced garden design with their numerous works and creations.
In terms of plant life, the park is home to a number of remarkable trees, including Byzantine hazelnut trees in rows, a silkworm mulberry, purple beech trees, a lemon tree and many others, which can be identified by enameled lava identification plaques. In the central axis overlooking Boulevard Saint-Denis, several Japanese cherry trees can be admired.
For children, there's a merry-go-round, swings, a bike path, ping-pong tables and several play areas. The central perspective leads up to the terrace of the former château, offering an exceptional panorama of the Seine, Levallois-Perret, Paris and, in particular, the Eiffel Tower.
To learn more about the park's history, you can visit the Roybet Fould Museum located in the northeastern part of the park. The Pavillon des Indes, designed by English architect Caspar Purdon Clarke for the Prince of Wales, was acquired by Prince Georges Stirbey as a studio for his daughter-in-law, painter Georges Achille-Fould. Relocated to Courbevoie in 1881, it now boasts a curious architectural combination of stone, wood and a large glass roof. Owned by the City of Courbevoie since 1951, the Pavillon des Indes has been refurbished to revive its artistic past.
Each year, for a period of 9 months, the Pavillon des Ind es studio welcomes a sculptor in residence. The aim of this residency is to support young emerging artists and encourage their professional integration into the artistic world. Housed in the brick-built part of the Pavillon, the artist can continue to create in his studio and welcome visitors curious to admire his work and contemplate the works he has created. Visits must be booked in advance by calling the Musée Roybet Fould on 01 71 05 77 92.
In short, the Parc de Bécon offers Courbevoie residents and visitors a verdant setting, rich in history and varied activities. With its gardens and cherry blossom trees, its monuments and its many sports and leisure facilities, it's the ideal place to enjoy a moment of relaxation and discovery with family or friends. Don't hesitate and let yourself be charmed by this real hidden treasure of Courbevoie.
Dates and Opening Time
Starts April 1, 2024
Location
Parc de Bécon
156 Boulevard Saint-Denis
92400 Courbevoie
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all
