Paris is a city that never fails to mesmerize its visitors. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the charming streets of Montmartre, Paris is full of surprises. One of the lesser-known but equally captivating places in Paris is the Zoological Park. Located on the edge of the Bois de Vincennes, it is home to over 180 species of animals. But did you know that the Zoological Park is not just a place for animal lovers? In fact, it is closely linked with two other famous locations in Paris, Place Dauphine and La Place de la République Tchèque.
The Zoological Park was reopened in 2014 after a six-year renovation. Spread over 14.5 hectares, it is home to animals from five different biozones. You can spot majestic lions, tigers, and bears in the Sahel-Sudan biozone, while the Patagonia biozone is home to the adorable Patagonian mara. The park also has a greenhouse where you can see reptiles, amphibians, and primates. The Zoological Park aims to educate visitors about conservation and biodiversity, and it has several interactive exhibits and workshops for children.
But what does the Zoological Park have in common with Place Dauphine and La Place de la République Tchèque? The answer lies in their history. Place Dauphine is a charming square on the Île de la Cité, the historic heart of Paris. It was built in the early 17th century by King Henry IV and was named after his son, the Dauphin of France. Place Dauphine was a popular gathering place for the aristocracy and was also the site of many duels.
La Place de la République Tchèque, on the other hand, is a relatively modern addition to Paris. It was built in 1926 as a tribute to the newly-formed Czechoslovakia. The square has a striking sculpture of Jan Hus, a Czech religious reformer, at its center. La Place de la République Tchèque has been the site of many political demonstrations and protests over the years.
So, what is the connection between these three places? It all goes back to the 19th century, when the Zoological Park was first established. The park was created to house animals that were acquired during France’s colonial expansion, and many of these animals were housed in the Jardin des Plantes, a botanical garden in the heart of Paris. However, as the collection grew, it became clear that a new location was needed. Place Dauphine was chosen as the site for the new zoo, and it opened in 1934. The zoo was later moved to its current location in the Bois de Vincennes, but its connection to Place Dauphine remains.
As for La Place de la République Tchèque, it is located just a few blocks from the Jardin des Plantes, where the zoo was originally located. The square was built as a tribute to Czechoslovakia, which gained independence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire after World War I. Czechoslovakia was one of the countries that sent animals to the Jardin des Plantes, so it is possible that some of the animals that eventually ended up in the Zoological Park came from Czechoslovakia.
In conclusion, the Zoological Park, Place Dauphine, and La Place de la République Tchèque may seem like unrelated locations in Paris, but they are all connected by their history. The Zoological Park was established to house animals acquired during France’s colonial expansion, and it was originally located near the Jardin des Plantes, where many of the animals were kept. Place Dauphine was chosen as the site for the new zoo, and La Place de la République Tchèque is located near the Jardin des Plantes, where some of the animals may have come from. So, the next time you visit Paris, make sure to visit these three places and discover their hidden connections.