The Bois de Vincennes is a realm of parkland and urban recreation just outside the périphérique (outer ring road) of Paris. Although it is crisscrossed by roads, there is a lot of nature to observe (and not just well-fed Canada geese). I biked from my apartment in the 14th arrondissement to this large green patch on the map.
I enjoyed the sights of boaters, picnickers, and children hitting piñatas. Going further into the trails of this regional park, I discovered the Jardin Botanique, a sanctuary of botanical science. Here, there were exhibitions of centuries-old bonsai trees, each branch, leaf, and needle telling a story of resilience and harmony in response to deliberate deprivation of soil, nutrients, and space. Amid these small forms, peacocks strutted around, and although they squawked loudly, I did not see the full display of their tail feathers.
Walking in the Jardin Botanique is a journey of ecological exploration. Each area of the garden carries a theme, such as an area of plant evolution (for example, cycads that dominated the Earth for many millions of years) or a regional type of plant flora (such as northern conifers). The interplay of the Paris region’s climate with these carefully cultivated spaces held my attention for a few hours of wandering. A light rain threatened to get more intense but held off for the evening. Although it was very humid, I appreciated finally getting some rain after many days of hot, dry, dusty sunshine.
Amid my enjoyment of nature, a familiar event happened. As I looked for the ornithological center (closed off and inaccessible), a man approached me and asked if I knew the woods well. I hate to stereotype, but I was near the nudist area, and I think he was a gay cruiser looking for some kind of sexual encounter. This has happened to me before as a clueless birder in an urban but secluded natural area. I like vaginas only, but I might return to improve the consistency of my tan. When I said I was looking for the ornithological center, he said, "Alors, bonne chance," and moved on.
I think the Bois de Boulogne on the other side of town may be a more primeval natural area with fewer roads, and I plan to visit it soon, even though it is farther from me. Although I liked the Bois de Vincennes, it is very much an urban oasis. I will revisit this extraordinary sanctuary and also find other tranquil and accessible patches of green near me.
About the photo
Temple Romantique de l’Île de Reuilly au Bois de Vincennes, juin 2023
pseudoisaac 