Paris - Albert Kahn Japanese Gardens, Museum and Conservatory.

Photo by Salix

One of the most beautiful parks in Paris is this little-known gem waiting for the discerning traveller at the end of the Boulogne-Billancourt métro. Known and loved by keen gardeners and of those seeking a spiritual oasis, these delightful gardens and photography museum provide a gentle respite from the chaos of central Paris. The gardens and museum were created by Albert Kahn, a banker, philanthropist and inveterate world traveller. He believed that having an understanding and respect for other cultures could lead to peaceful co-existence throughout the world. He established his unique gardens in 1898 and continued to develop them until he fell victim to the Wall Street crash during the Depression of 1929 and lost everything. The gardens were then taken over by the Prefecture of the Seine but Albert Kahn continued to live in the house and enjoy his gardens until 1940, when he died during the German occupation of France.  

Photo Arno Drucker

During the blistering heat of the Parisian summer, the gardens make a wonderful respite from the sizzling streets and glare of buildings. They are the perfect symbol of peace and harmony and even on the hottest days the sun filters through the fan-shaped leaves of the ginkgo-biloba trees that form a canopy over the sun-dappled paths and offer much-needed shade to people wandering through the park. Tourists sit under the giant Linden trees chatting and snacking or merely people-watching.  Locals enjoy the different ambience for a while during their busy day.

Photo Atsirou

It’s a wonderful place for reflection and meditation. Gold, orange and black-speckled koi carp entertain passers-by with synchronised swimming through the waters of the ornamental lake. They flash under the brightly painted red bridges (echoes of Monet’s gardens in Giverny) and rush to the edge of the lake, eyes rolling and mouths opening and closing hopefully.  
The scent of roses perfume the air and waft up from the English and French gardens where the gardeners busily tend the plants. 
Not to be forgotten is  the little museum. There are interesting collections of photographs with the theme of life in Brittany at the end of the 19th century arranged on the walls. Antique cameras and filming equipment are displayed in backlit showcases and huge wall-mounted screens show archive film of life in Morocco, Algiers and rural France. There are interactive booths where one can sit and be taken on a digital journey through the life and achievements of Albert Kahn. There is also a BBC Documentary called The Wonderful World of Albert Kahn for those interested in a sneak preview.

If you are in Paris in April or May, the blossoms and azaleas are in bloom. A little taste of Cherry Blossom time in Paris!  What an amazing experience! 



Photo steff 123 

Albert Kahn, museum and gardens (le Musée départemental Albert-Kahn)
Tél: 01 55 19 28 00, 10-14, rue du Port, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt  
Métro: 10, Boulogne – Pont de Saint-Cloud.