Anyone who lives in or around the 14th arrondissement is bound to know Montsouris Park. But did you know that just a few steps away lies a huge park: the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris. And no, it’s not just for the thousands of students who live there , it’s open to everyone, and you can access it for free.
A huge eco-friendly park in the heart of Paris
At first glance, you might think that this huge university campus is reserved exclusively for students. However, for over 100 years, this unusual place has been open to all Parisians. Created in 1925 and covering 35 hectares, it is the second largest park in Paris. It is also one of the most important green spaces in the south of Paris! It is home to no fewer than 170 species of wild flowers, 235 species of trees, and 52 species of birds. A rich and varied flora and fauna thrive here, enjoyed every day of the year by some 12,000 resident students and researchers.
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This unusual park, which is completely free to visit, consists of around forty houses built between 1925 and 1969. Each one represents a different country: from Japan to Brazil and England, you’ll feel like you’re traveling without leaving Paris. The architectural styles are sometimes very bold and were designed by great artists, such as the Brazilian and Swiss pavilions, both imagined and designed by Le Corbusier himself. And it is no coincidence that a large part of the globe is represented on these grounds. The Cité Universitaire was created in the aftermath of the First World War, with the ambitious project of creating a place of peace, open to students from all over the world. It is a symbol of international cooperation, focused on humanist values, where living together is more than just a philosophy.
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More than a century later, the founding spirit of this university campus remains. Strolling through the Cité Universitaire is like taking a trip back in time, where you’ll feel like you’re wandering through a movie set. Between its impressive preserved park and colorful buildings, some with very unusual shapes, you’re sure to be amazed. Guided tours are regularly offered to discover these exceptional houses and the bucolic park. It’s a getaway worth taking the time for on a weekend.