Jardin de l'Arsenal, Urban park near Port de l'Arsenal, Paris, France.
Jardin de l'Arsenal is an urban park stretching along the east bank of Canal Saint-Martin in the 12th arrondissement, covering about 1.4 hectares. The grounds feature maple and willow trees, rose-covered pergolas, and form a green corridor linking the Seine River to Place de la Bastille.
This park was created in 1983 after a proposed four-lane highway project was abandoned following public opposition in the 1970s. The transformation marked a shift in Paris's urban planning toward preserving green spaces.
The garden's name comes from the former weapons arsenal that once stood here, and its design bridges industrial memory with modern green space. Visitors can experience how a former factory site transformed into a place for relaxation and gathering.
The park is most easily reached from Bastille metro station and features wide, flat paths for walking plus multiple seating areas along the canal. During wet weather, some areas can become slippery, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
The park's restaurant features architectural elements that echo traditional greenhouse structures, creating a subtle connection to the site's gardening heritage. This detail shows how modern design can weave memories of the past into the everyday experience of the space.
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