Departmental Park of Sceaux, French formal garden in Sceaux, France
The Departmental Park of Sceaux is a large green space south of Paris with symmetrically arranged gardens, long water canals, and tree-lined paths across different levels. A château sits within the grounds and now serves as a museum open to visitors.
The gardens were designed in 1670 by André Le Nôtre for Jean-Baptiste Colbert, Finance Minister under Louis XIV, using grand perspectives and geometric patterns. This design became influential for French garden style and shaped how many estates were laid out afterward.
The château contains a museum displaying artworks and furnishings that reflect the tastes of the families who lived there over centuries. These collections show how people of wealth arranged their homes and valued art during different periods.
The park is open daily from early morning until evening with several entrances providing easy access from nearby areas. Visitors can explore the paths on foot, and benches and shaded spots are scattered throughout for resting.
Each spring, more than 150 cherry trees burst into bloom across the park during Hanami celebrations, creating a sea of pink flowers. Thousands of visitors come specifically to witness this temporary natural display.
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