Rating: 8,3/10 (7653 votes) Once a wilderness, a favorite hunting ground for French kings, today it is the largest woodland in Paris. Ennoble forests began only in the 18th century. Then the forest was surrounded by a fence, and aristocratic estates and other buildings began to be built around it. Louis XV ordered to equip the forest with walking sidewalks. After the Great Revolution, the original functions of the Bois de Vincennes were forgotten, and the forest became the main site of military training for the French army. In the 60s of the XIX century, by order of Napoleon III, the Vincennes forest began to be turned into a park, and made of it the best place to relax in the capital. More than a dozen artificial lakes have been developed, connected by a system of canals. Even more pedestrian paths were made, many benches and lanterns were installed for evening illumination. At the beginning of the 20th century, almost all canals and lakes were drained and asphalted. There are only 4 lakes left and only a few bridges over dried canals. In place of several canals, highways were laid, which by the end of the 20th century began to be actively closed. Now you can only cycle through the Bois de Vincennes. The forest is home to one of the best hippodromes in France, as well as botanical and tropical gardens. The Bois de Vincennes has recently been considered the center of physical culture in Paris. We also recommend reading Republic Square in France, Paris resort Topic: Bois de Vincennes in France, Paris resort. |