8 PARC MONTSOURIS Constructed under the reign of Napoleon III and inaugurated in 1869, the Parc Mont- souris has a lake, majestic trees and a res- taurant. Located close to the Cité Universi- taire, the park is a favourite walking spot for students. In summer, free concerts are held in the bandstand. 2 rue Gazan (14th). RER B Cité Universitaire. www.paris.fr 9PARC GEORGES BRASSENS This park is an ideal spot for a pleasant and MOBILIER NATIONAL relaxing stroll with its gentle slopes, its river, little bridge, belvedere, vineyard and bee- lesgobelins hives. Parents bring their children to have fun on the swings, or to enjoy the pony rides and puppet theatre. The Mobilier National, a former furniture 2 place Jacques Marette (15th). storage unit for the monarchy created M Convention.o www.paris.fr in 1663 by Louis XIV and Colbert, is now in 10PARC ANDRÉ CITROËN charge of furnishing the official palaces A huge green space in Paris that opens of the French Republic: the Élysée Palace, directly onto the Seine, this park offers fine ministries … The Manufacture Nationale des views of the river. It is divided into three Gobelins, whose history dates back to the themed sections. Visitors can admire dozens 15th century, has occupied the current site of exotic trees and rare plants, two enormous since the 17th century. It is open for guided glasshouses, and enjoy lots of other surprises, tours. Production in these workshops has such as the Ballon de Paris Generali (tethered never stopped, and in 1937, the two enti- hot-air balloon) which rises up to 150 metres. ties were grouped together on the historic 2 rue Cauchy (15th). M Javel – Andréo Gobelins site. Other factories and prestig- Citroën. www.paris.fr ious workshops were put under the man- agement of the Mobilier National: the Man- ufacture de Beauvais, the Manufacture de la Savonnerie de Lodève as well as the lace workshops of Alençon and the Puy-en-Velay. Some 130,000 pieces make up this incredibly rich collection. They can be admired in the Galerie des Gobelins (1914) during tempo- rary exhibitions that showcase works from the past and contemporary creations. plus 42 av. des Gobelins (13th). … M Les Gobelins.o 01 44 08 53 49. INSTITUT GIACOMETTI www.mobiliernational.culture.gouv.fr Alberto Giacometti’s workshop has been • GALERIE DES GOBELINS: reconstructed in a charming art deco hôtel During temporary exhibitions: daily, 11am- particulier. Furniture, personal objects, walls 6pm, except Mon, 1 Jan, 1 May and 25 Dec. painted by the artist and works (some of Individual visit/full rate: €8. which have never before been exhibited) • MANUFACTURE DES GOBELINS: guided tours bear witness to the artist’s activity. The of the workshops by appointment only. place also shows temporary exhibitions. 5 rue Victor Schœlcher (14th). M Raspail.o 01 44 54 52 44. Visits by appointment online only. www.fondation-giacometti.fr IN AND AROUND MONTPARNASSE | 75