Where History and Greenery Embrace on the Belleville Heights
Parc de Belleville, inaugurated in 1988, is a lush, 45,000 m² urban oasis in the 20th arrondissement that has transformed a once-overlooked hillside into a celebrated green space.
This impressive creation by architect François Debulois and landscaper Paul Brichet revitalized a part of Paris once known for its working-class roots. With a height of 108 meters, the park is one of the highest points in Paris and presents an incredible panoramic view across the city, especially breathtaking from the Willy Ronis belvedere, named in 2015 after the famed photographer known for capturing the spirit of everyday Paris.
A Botanical Delight: From Towering Trees to Flourishing Flowerbeds
The park is a true botanical retreat, home to an impressive array of 1,200 trees and shrubs that include sophoras, tilleuls, catalpas, and seasonal floral displays. Every year, the gardeners meticulously plan and orchestrate colorful arrangements, ensuring a constantly refreshed spectacle.
In spring, the park bursts into bloom, with annuals and perennials adding vibrant shades to every corner, making it a haven for nature lovers.
Cooling Cascades and a Hint of Parisian Wine Culture
Nestled within the greenery is the 100-meter-long cascading fountain, the longest of its kind in Paris, that flows down the hillside, offering visitors a refreshing escape on warm summer days.
The park also pays homage to Belleville’s former viticulture with a small vineyard, replanted in 1992 as a nod to the area’s winemaking legacy that once flourished here, particularly with the production of the “Piquette” and “Guinguet” wines. Each year, the modest vineyard yields a small harvest, reconnecting the park with its agricultural past.
The Artful Essence: Street Art and Playground Charm
Parc de Belleville is as much a celebration of art as it is of nature. The belvedere features murals and street art that colorfully capture Belleville’s vibrant character, making it a contemporary cultural stop.
A wooden playground village entertains younger visitors with towers, slides, and ping-pong tables, and an open-air theater holds performances that draw local families and tourists alike. The diverse attractions here create a lively, multi-generational space that truly reflects Paris’s urban vitality.
A Storied Past: From Vineyards to Vibrant Celebrations
Once a rural area with vineyards, windmills, and guinguettes, Belleville was celebrated for its rustic charm and taverns until Haussmann’s urban renovations. Belleville hill’s reputation for revelry was most vibrant on Mardi Gras, when locals gathered for festive “descente de la Courtille” celebrations.