Parc Richelieu, City park in the center of Calais, France
Parc Richelieu is a city park in the center of Calais, France, with old trees, shaded paths, and a small waterfall feeding a pond where fish swim. A fenced playground for children and benches along the shaded walkways complete the layout of the park.
The park was created in 1862 on land that had belonged to the old Vauban fortifications, which once protected the city of Calais. In 1956, it was redesigned and given the layout that visitors can still see today.
At the main entrance of the park stands a double statue of Charles de Gaulle and Winston Churchill, side by side. Sculptor Patrick Berthaud created the work, which was installed in 2017 and represents the friendship between France and Britain.
The park is close to the center of Calais and easy to reach on foot from the fine arts museum and other nearby sites. It is open year-round and works well as a short stop or a longer break during a visit to the city.
Many of the old trees in the park carry small signs explaining their history, turning a simple walk into a small botanical experience. The contrast between these ancient trees and the modern statue at the entrance creates an unusual mix within a small space.
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