Parc André-Citroën
France > Paris > Southern > 15e > Parc André-CitroënThe Parc André-Citroën (mid-May to Aug Mon–Fri 7.30am–10pm, Sat & Sun 9am–10pm; Sept to mid-May Mon–Fri 7.30am–7pm, Sat & Sun 9am–7pm; M° Javel & M° Balard), on the banks of the Seine, between Pont du Garigliano and Pont Mirabeau, is not a park for traditionalists. The central grassy area is a straightforward enough place to lounge or kick a football, but around it you'll find concrete terraces and walled gardens with abstract themes: the sound garden has bubbling water on one side and a gushing cascade on the other, while the blue, pink and black gardens each present a colourful display with every season. You can visit the hothouses with mimosa, fish-tailed palms and other sweet-smelling shrubbery, but on warm days the most tempting feature is the large platform sprouting a capricious set of automated fountain jets, luring children and occasionally adults to dodge the sudden spurts of water. Best of all, perhaps, is the tethered balloon, which rises and sinks regularly on calm days, taking small groups up for great views of the city (daily 9am–5pm; call to check weather conditions on the day tel 01.44.26.20.00; €10, under-12s €5).Across rue Balard, which runs down the eastern side of the park, is the totally new quartier du Citroën-Cévennes, with pedestrianized streets, sports centres, youth clubs and the Bibliothèque St-Charles, a children's library on rue de la Montagne-d'Aulas. The peculiar black building, with slanting metallic bands, was built in 1990 and designed by Franck Hammoutene.
| 
