Belleville Park at a glance
Perched between the Père Lachaise cemetery and the parc des Buttes Chaumont, Belleville Park takes its name from the eponymous hill it sits on, offering a sweeping view of Paris from its panoramic terrace. Also called the jardin Belleville Julien-Lacroix after one of its prominent former owners, this 4.5-hectare green space served as a royal winegrowing estate during the Middle Ages. Workers once produced piquette here, a lightly sparkling local wine. Its purpose shifted over the decades. In 1814, it became the site of a grim battle against the Russian army before being converted into a gypsum quarry years later, which left the neighborhood run-down until urban renewal projects arrived in the early 20th century.
The park as it stands today opened in 1988. Designed by architect François Debulois and landscape architect Paul Brichet, 1,200 trees and shrubs across roughly fifteen different species were planted to carve out a genuine green lung on the hillside. Keep an eye out for the hundred or so Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapevines, a direct nod to the hilltop's winemaking roots. Depending on the season, the flower beds shift in color and shape. Birdwatchers can spot protected species here, including tits, warblers, and thrushes.
More than 1,000 square meters of lawn are open to the public, making it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors out for a stroll. On hot summer days, you can cool off by one of the largest cascading fountains in the city. Kids are well taken care of too, thanks to a contemporary playground featuring a wooden village structure, ping-pong tables, and an open-air theater.
It is one of the few parks in Paris where you can easily enjoy the sunset.