An Enchanting Haven Designed by Jean-Camille Formigé
Square des Épinettes is an evocative blend of botanical beauty and historic art, first created in 1893 by the renowned landscape architect Jean-Camille Formigé.
Notable as the designer behind other famed Parisian green spaces, such as the Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil, Formigé created this square to reflect the essence of the surrounding neighborhood.
Named after the “épinette blanche,” a local variety of vine that historically grew here, Square des Épinettes captures both local heritage and natural beauty.
Botanical Gems: Ginkgos, Marronniers, and Rare Specimens
This park boasts a unique collection of mature trees and rare species that lend it an atmosphere of serene grandeur. Two majestic rows of horse-chestnut trees (marronniers) frame the pathways, along with vibrant silver lindens and Chinese soapberry trees.
A crowning jewel is the century-old purple beech (Fagus sylvatica purpurea), planted in 1879, which towers at 21 meters with a circumference of 3.52 meters, making it a living piece of history.
Other highlights include a towering tulip tree from Virginia, reaching 20 meters, and an eye-catching yellow buckeye tree.
Art and Memory: Statues Lost and Regained
Square des Épinettes is also a place of memory, preserving the stories of notable historical figures through its two statues, both cast in bronze and steeped in history.
These statues were removed during the German occupation of World War II for metal, only to be restored in the 1970s and 1980s. The statue of Jean Leclaire, crafted by Jules Dalou in 1898, honors the philanthropist and advocate for workers’ rights.
Nearby stands the statue of Maria Deraisme, a pioneering feminist and founder of the Droit Humain Masonic Order, sculpted by Louis-Ernest Barrias in 1889.
Both statues have unique features missing from the originals: Leclaire’s statue lacks a worker’s bucket, while Deraisme’s is missing a supporting chair.
A Family-Friendly Park for Play and Relaxation
Beyond its historical charm, Square des Épinettes is a family-friendly escape with an array of amenities.
For children, there are playgrounds, sandboxes, and ping-pong tables, as well as a basketball court for all ages. The park also offers drinking fountains and a book exchange box, making it a welcoming spot for families and individuals alike.
The park is open daily, with seasonal hours that change from 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. on weekends during the winter months.