The Bois de Vincennes is a park in the English landscape manner to the east of Paris. The park is named after the town of Vincennes, and is located south of the town.
The Bois de Vincennes, as the Bois de Boulogne, is generally not counted as part of Paris proper, since it consists only of public land without population except for a few custodians. However, for administrative purposes, it is part of the 12ème arrondissement of Paris.
It has an area of 9.947 km² (3.841 sq. miles, or 2,458 acres), which is almost three times larger than Central Park in New York, and four times larger than Hyde Park in London.
History
Originally a hunting preserve for the kings of France, it became a military exercise area after the French revolution. It was made into a public park by Napoleon III in 1860.
The Bois de Boulogne was officially annexed by the city of Paris in 1929, and was incorporated into the 12ème arrondissement.
Features
In the Bois de Vincennes stands the Château de Vincennes which used to be a favorite second home for many 14th-century kings. Now it is in renovation but it is still open to the public.
External link
Last updated: 10-24-2005 12:25:17