Like every year, International Castle Day will be celebrated on July 19, 2024. For the occasion, many royal residences and political and cultural institutions in France and around the world are opening their doors to the general public. Near Paris, a vast list of Île-de-France castles allows you to discover these places steeped in history. Discover our favorite selection.What is Palace Day?International castle day, called Palade Day , was created in 2015, at the initiative of the Association of European Royal Residences (ARRE). The objective is then to raise awareness among the general public of the importance of preserving historical heritage, but also to introduce people to the artistic and architectural riches of the palaces and castles of the world .Exceptional events are organized during this day (conferences, guided tours, workshops, etc.), in order to attract visitors and increase the visibility of the monuments.Our selection of 6 Île-de-France castlesIf you live near Paris, or are passing through for the holidays, here is a selection of 6 castles to visit in Île-de-France during the day of July 19.The Palace of VersaillesListed as a world heritage site, the Palace of Versailles is a must on this castle day. Official residence of the kings of France, it is both the most visited castle in the world, but also the largest castle in the world.Located in Yvelines, it represents all the beauty and richness of 17th century art. You can then discover the residence of kings Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI , with the famous hall of mirrors. But you will also have plenty of time to stroll through the vast French gardens , passing through the Domaine du Trianon and the Hameau de la Reine.The castle of Brie-Comte-RobertEstablished since the 12th century in Seine-et-Marne, the Château de Brie-Comte-Robert is located just thirty kilometers from the center of Paris. Initially, the building was built on a square plan, defended by 8 towers and surrounded by a moat. Over the course of historical events, the castle was pillaged and partially destroyed, before being classified as a historic monument and taken care of by the association “Les Amis du Vieux Château de Brie-Comte-Robert”. Archaeological excavations and renovation work were undertaken in 1982.Today, the visit to Brie-Comte-Robert allows you to understand the functioning of a medieval castle and immerses yourself in more than 8 centuries of history.The castle of Blandy-les-ToursLocated in Seine-et-Marne, the Blandy-les-Tours castle is a medieval castle marked by wars and time. This true medieval fortress has, however, managed to retain all its presence, and each furnished room reveals the historical richness of the place. A former place of defense, the historic monument then served as a residence before being completely abandoned and falling into ruin in the 19th century. In 1992, major renovation work was undertaken, allowing this ancient fortress with its 4 imposing towers to regain its glory.Bourron CastleFor this new day in honor of European heritage, let’s stay in Seine-et-Marne, discovering the Bourron Castle . This 17th century family residence , located near Fontainebleau, was built on ancient medieval fortresses, but was never again a place of defense. On the contrary, the estate is a haven of peace full of charm.The 2019 renovation allows you to admire the presence of this historic monument with 16 elegant rooms and suites, while observing the mix between modernity and tradition. Let yourself be captivated by the beauty of the decoration and period furniture, before going for a walk in the magnificent 40 hectare garden .Monte Cristo CastleOur next destination takes you to Yvelines, not far from Saint-Germain-en-Laye, to discover the Monte Cristo Castle . It was in the middle of the 19th century that this exuberant castle saw the light of day, while Alexandre Dumas was trying to find a haven of peace in which to work. Building on his success with The Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers, the writer gives free rein to his imagination, without taking into account the budget.He will not benefit from it for long, since his bankruptcy will push him to resell his castle with its pretty English gardens . Today, after coming close to destruction, the castle is renovated and open to the public, allowing you to discover the architectural follies of Alexandre Dumas.Malmaison CastleFor this last visit, let’s go to Hauts-de-Seine, to Rueil-Malmaison. This is where the Château de Malmaison , whose origins of the name are still a mystery, but whose history is remarkable. Built in the Middle Ages, the castle experienced a peaceful period until the French Revolution. There, purchased by Joséphine Bonaparte, the monument became the seat of government of France , before becoming the main residence of its owner.Today, the Château de Malmaison has become a museum housing numerous works and furniture dating from the beginning of the reign of Napoleon I.International Castle Day is an opportunity to discover or rediscover our cultural heritage. Between a former royal residence and an old medieval fortress, take advantage of Palace Day to visit the castles of Île-de-France.

Paris is the ideal destination for a family vacation. Between historical monuments and cultural places, there is no shortage of ideas for outings. But you still have to have the means, because as a family, the budget can quickly explode. Fortunately, the Cadet residence has listed 8 inexpensive family activities in Paris for you .The Great Gallery of EvolutionLocated in the heart of the Jardin des Plantes, in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution knows how to put stars in the eyes of young and old. As soon as you arrive under the 1,000 m² glass roof of the National Museum of Natural History , the display of marine and land animals intrigues and arouses curiosity.You will then learn, in a fun and dynamic way, all the secrets of the evolution of man and animals , through an educational scenography composed of more than 7,000 stuffed specimens (450 birds, 350 mammals, 360 fish, around a hundred of reptiles…).Price: €7 to €13, possibility of a family rateThe Porte Dorée tropical aquariumIn the 12th arrondissement of Paris, the Porte Dorée tropical aquarium immerses you in the heart of aquatic biodiversity. Since its inauguration in 1931, this Paris aquarium has been a family activity not to be missed. Parents and children learn about salt and fresh waters around the world, discovering more than 5,000 animals from 300 different species. From vibrant coral reefs to dark abysses, exploration is as educational as it is entertaining.Not to be missed are the Nile crocodile pool, African dwarf crocodiles and albino alligators!Price: 7 to 10 €The archaeological crypt of the Île de la CitéOn the square in front of Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral, in the 4th arrondissement of Paris, you can take your whole family to discover the archaeological crypt of the Île de la Cité . A real journey through time then begins, through more than 2,000 years of history. From ancient Gallo-Roman Lutetia to medieval Paris, the exposed remains relate the architectural and urban evolution of the capital .To offer children a fun and educational visit, models, slideshows and guided tours are offered to enhance the experience.Price: €7 to €9, free for under 18sThe gallery of ManThe Galerie de l’Homme is part of the Musée de l’Homme , in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. On the Place du Trocadéro, the permanent collections invite you to explore the origins, diversity and destiny of the human species, through artifacts, interactive exhibitions and multimedia installations.The numerous treasures are divided into 3 main themes: “Who are we?”, “Where do we come from?” and “Where are we going?”. The discovery of the human being involves the mobilization of the 5 senses, which makes the visit very fun. We observe, we touch, we listen, we play, we feel…Price: €10 to €13, free for under 25sStroll through the Tuileries gardensWalks in Parisian parks are one of the free activities that appeal to young and old alike. Between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, the Tuileries garden is the ideal place to stroll with the family and get a breath of fresh air. It’s an opportunity to discover the French gardens, to relax and have fun.For children, play areas are accessible free of charge, and many activities are offered, such as floating a small boat on the waters of the Grand Bassin, participating in a treasure hunt, or riding a trampoline.Price: free visit and activities at low prices (3 to 5 €)A gourmet visit to the Chocolate MuseumFoodies young and old will love discovering the origins of chocolate at the Chocolate Museum , in the 10th arrondissement of Paris. On the menu: scent bars, chocolate tastings, utensil collections and fun activities.For younger children, a fun trail makes the experience more fun, and they can even take part in children’s workshops to make their own chocolate.Price: €6 to €8, free for children under 6 years oldThe Arab World InstituteIn the 5th arrondissement of Paris, the Institut du Monde Arabe is one of the free museums for those under 26. Behind this immense glass building hides an incredible collection of objects and works of art relating the history of Arab culture . The link that unites France with the Arab world is highlighted here through temporary and permanent exhibitions and contributes to better understanding and better Franco-Arab dialogue.Price: €4 to €8, free for under 26sThe Acclimatization GardenInitially, the Jardin d’Acclimatation aimed to familiarize Parisians with the fauna and flora. We then find a huge green space with many species of flowers and trees. For the youngest, it is above all a large open-air amusement park . Located in the 16th arrondissement, this 18-hectare Paris garden offers 42 rides, attractions and play areas for young and old, as well as the discovery of 450 animals.Price: €27 to €46, free for children under 80 cm, and possibility of a family rateFree family outings: good deals in ParisTo visit Paris with your family inexpensively, you need to know some good tips. First of all, you should know that many Parisian museums offer free entry every 1st Sunday of the month . This is the case, in particular, of the Center Pompidou (national museum of modern art), the Musée d’Orsay, the Musée des Arts et Métiers, the musée du quai Branly, and the Musée Guimet.Other museums and permanent exhibitions are also free all year round , for everyone. This is the case, for example, of the Bourdelle museum, the Petit Palais, or even the museum of romantic life.Finally, certain museums and historical sites are also free for all young people under 26 , such as the Louvre Museum, the Rodin Museum, the Army Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Victor Hugo House or the Pantheon .Are you planning to stay in Paris? After booking your family apartment hotel At the Cadet residence, you can discover the capital through inexpensive activities that will please everyone.

When you stay in Paris, the days come one after another in a frenzy, between visits to historical monuments and discovery of gourmet addresses. Why not take a break for a few hours to take care of yourself and recharge your batteries? For this, we have selected for you the best spa addresses in the 9th arrondissement of Paris .The Vendôme by Carita spa, at Maison Albar HotelsA stone’s throw from the Grands Boulevards, the Vendôme by Carita spa is one of the Cadet Résidence hotel’s favorites. This Parisian spa, in partnership with Carita Paris, welcomes you into a bubble of serenity, with sumptuous decor and a warm atmosphere.A zen atmosphere for a unique moment of relaxationThe Vendôme spa’s relaxation area is elegantly decorated with chic materials, such as warm wood and refined marble. Everything is enhanced by very designer furniture and little golden touches.Installed on 350 m², the spa provides you with 4 treatment cabins , for massages or body and facial treatments. But the experience doesn’t stop there, and the Vendôme spa also offers:●     A shower experience , with a jet at different intensities, and a variable temperature;●     hammam session ;●     A Vichy shower , for a protective, massaging and comforting scrub;●     An indoor swimming pool with a soothing atmosphere.The Vendôme spa treatment menuOpen every day, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., the Vendôme spa, at Maison Albar Hôtels, is the fruit of the work and expertise of two sisters: Rosy and Maria Carita. Combining concentrated formulas and technical gestures, Carita innovates traditional cosmetics by offering a break of gentleness and proven results.From duo treatments to classic body treatments, the spa in the 9th arrondissement of Paris guarantees a moment of intense relaxation, but our favorite is the signature treatment , Le Vendôme. For 1 hour 30 minutes, your 5 senses are brought to life during a unique break of well-being. The oil massage provides deep soothing, while the facial massage gives an absolute glow.The Hysope Paris Opera spaOur second spa & well-being address in Paris 9 takes you to number 4 rue de l’Isly, near the Opéra Garnier. Accessible in less than 12 minutes from the Cadet Résidence (metro line 12 or 9, metro station), the Hysope Paris Opéra spa guarantees you exceptional treatments in a friendly atmosphere.Let go in this cozy place, and enjoy the intimacy of the spa to completely break away from everyday life and find yourself for a moment of sweetness. In a Haussmann building of more than 200 m², the entire team welcomes you for a unique experience of sensoriality and well-being .Much more than a simple spa, Hysope Paris has 2 treatment cabins (including one for a duo treatment), a hammam , an indoor and outdoor relaxation area , with a green terrace, but also a center fitness center that can be privatized .In the gym, you will have at your disposal 2 bicycles, 2 treadmills, 2 elliptical bikes and a weight machine. When it comes to well-being, let yourself be guided by the expert hands of professionals, for a real break in an oasis of tranquility.The Secret of Elena wellness areaFrom the Cadet Résidence, head towards the Sacré-Coeur basilica, and stop at 95, rue de Dunkerque, Paris 9. Here, the Elena massage parlor awaits you in its wellness area with soft scents and the cocooning atmosphere.As soon as you arrive, you will immerse yourself in a Zen atmosphere, thanks to the soft lights and light shades of this institute, but also thanks to the warm welcome from the two qualified and passionate beauticians.Once installed in the treatment room, several options are available to you:●     LPG treatments to fight cellulite;●     Californian massage with hot oils for absolute relaxation;●     Reiki massage to soothe the body and mind;●     Energy treatment to rebalance your energies and relieve stress…Singjan sabaikaya: the Cadet residence’s favorite spaLet’s finish our overview of the spas in the 9th arrondissement by presenting the Cadet Résidence’s favorite: the Traditional Thai massage parlor Singjan Sabaikaya . Located near the Pigalle metro station, less than 15 minutes from our aparthotel, this wellness center offers you an exquisite relaxation experience through multiple traditional expertise directly derived from Thai know-how.●     Thai massage : this traditional Buddhist massage provides immediate well-being and acts as prevention or therapy against fatigue, back pain, or even anxiety;●     Massage with warm essential oils : this relaxing massage uses the virtues of essential oils to soothe and offer a feeling of well-being;●     Plantar reflexology massage : this foot massage stimulates both the muscles and the circulation of lymph and energy. It is ideal for relieving digestive problems or blood circulation disorders.Are you dreaming of a moment of sweetness? Our selection of spas in Paris 19th arrondissement ensures you quality treatments in an intimate atmosphere, a stone’s throw from the Cadet Résidence.If you are looking for a hotel with a Spa , or a hotel with a swimming pool, go to the Hôtel du Cadran or the B55!

The most difficult thing when you want to go shopping in Paris is to choose a specific neighborhood or district for your shopping, as there are so many beautiful boutiques everywhere in the capital. So, to help you not get lost, the Cadet Résidence has listed for you the shopping places in the 9th arrondissement , a stone’s throw from the hotel.Le Passage du Havre shopping centerLocated opposite the Saint Lazare station, in the 9th arrondissement, Passage du Havre is a shopping center which was opened in 1990, before being renovated in 2012. This shopping gallery now has 40 stores , open 7 days a week from Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. (until 8:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday), and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.At Passage du Havre, we find all the stores necessary to satisfy the slightest desire: clothing store, shoe boutique, fashion brand… Among the biggest references, we note the FNAC, spread over 3 floors, but also Nature & Découvertes, Sephora, Fossil…And if window shopping leaves you feeling a bit peckish, the shopping arcade also has food outlets. You can then enjoy a treat on the terrace or in the wooded garden.Good to know: Passage du Havre refers to rue du Havre, a small lane a stone’s throw from the shopping center.Shopping at Galeries LafayetteIn the Grands Boulevards district , Boulevard Haussmann is a must for shopping lovers. There are prestigious brands there, including department stores, such as Galeries Lafayette .Spread over 3 buildings, the main one of which is inspired by Art Nouveau decor, this immense Parisian shopping center catches the eye with its large dome and stained glass windows. But it is above all the interior that fascinates visitors, since there is a monumental triple staircase and hundreds of shops.Over 7 floors and 45,000 m² , more than 3,500 brands are accessible 7 days a week, and for all budgets. From ready-to-wear for men, women and children to jewelry, jewelry to leather goods, toys to luxury fashion, this shopping center in the 9th arrondissement is a bargain paradise. Gourmets will also find what they are looking for here, thanks to the numerous delicatessen stores and restaurants.Shopping at Printemps HaussmannWe cannot talk about Galeries Lafayette without mentioning Printemps Haussmann . Another hot spot for Parisian shopping, this shopping center in the 9th arrondissement is an invitation to glamor and chic.In the Opéra district and the Grands Boulevards district, Printemps is a reference for beauty, fashion and luxury. Hundreds of brands, from the most popular to the most luxurious, are spread across the 3 9-story buildings : perfumery, jewelry, leather goods, lingerie, shoes, beauty…Open 7 days a week, Printemps Haussmann is also an architectural gem, particularly renowned for its 4 corner rotundas, where we find the name of the prestigious store. There are also statues of the four seasons. Inside, the immense dome offers breathtaking light during each shopping session and highlights the monumental central staircase.Anecdote: Printemps Haussmann was the first department store entirely lit by electricity.The stores in the 9th arrondissement of Paris are both a Mecca for Parisian shopping and rich historical sites. To get good deals or to admire the place, go to the Grands Boulevards district, in the immediate vicinity of the Cadet Résidence.

Every year in September, the Garden Festival is an opportunity to discover or rediscover the most beautiful gardens in France during sumptuous walks. La Cadet Résidence takes this opportunity to address a more unusual aspect of Parisian green spaces, by revealing 7 anecdotes about Paris gardens .A work by Picasso stolen from Square Laurent-PracheIn 1941, the famous Spanish painter Pablo Picasso created a bronze statue, in homage to Dora Maar, his companion and muse of the moment. This work, dedicated to Guillaume Apollinaire, was then offered to the city of Paris in 1959. The Head of Dora Maar was then exhibited in the Laurent-Prache square , in the 6th arrondissement of Paris. It remained there for 40 years without problem, until March 31, 1999. That day, we discovered that the bronze statue weighing almost 80 kilos had disappeared .Despite numerous searches, it remained untraceable until 2000, when the statue mysteriously reappeared…in the town hall of Osny , in Val d’Oise! The mayor admitted to having recovered this statue without knowing its origin, even though municipal police officers had found it in a ditch.Back in Paris in 2001, the bust of Dora Maar returned to its square, without us ever knowing what had happened to it.The back door to Balzac’s gardenMany literature lovers like to go to Balzac’s house , in the 16th arrondissement, to discover the writer’s real home, and the perfect reconstruction of his place of life and work. Arriving on site, you can also admire the author’s pretty little garden , offering a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower.The unusual anecdote then concerns the little hidden door that can be seen at the bottom of the garden. This is how Balzac managed to escape his creditors, when he was really broke.The garden of the Palais Royal: the origin of the expression “at midday sharp”Everyone has used the expression “at midday” at least once in their life. But do you know what it means, and what is its origin?It dates back to the year 1786, near the garden of the Palais Royal. A watchmaker neighbor invented a device allowing a small cannonball to be launched at noon sharp ! To do this, he used a magnifying glass and a cannon loaded with black powder. At noon, when the sun was at its zenith, the concentration of hot rays through the magnifying glass made it possible to light the fuse and trigger the mechanism.Nearby, in the garden of the Palais Royal , visitors could only notice that each time the sundial indicated noon, a small cannon shot “fart”. So people met at “hot noon”!The watchmaker’s device was stolen in 1998, then reinstalled in 2004, but without the magnifying glass. The cannon now thunders mechanically, at high noon, a few Wednesdays a month.Alpine gardens in the heart of ParisWe all know that each plant requires specific conditions to grow. But several Parisian gardeners have challenged themselves to defy the laws of nature, by growing alpine plants on the Parisian plains . The gardeners of the Floral Park went to look for seeds in the French Alps and rocks in the Pyrenees, to reproduce the growing conditions of vegetation on high summits.In the Bagatelle garden , trees and plants from the south were transported and replanted in the heart of Paris. In this atypical green space, we find Mediterranean vegetation , with holm oaks, Balearic boxwood, and even shrubby heather.Sparkling water in Parisian parksWater fountains are present everywhere in Paris: in parks, in the streets and in gardens. They allow passers-by to quench their thirst while enjoying free, fresh drinking water. To make these water points elegant, numerous fountains are erected, such as the Mât Source and its mister, the Albien fountain , which draws its water from the water table more than 600 meters deep, or the sublime Wallace Fountain .But did you know that some Parisian fountains also dispense sparkling water ? The first was installed in 2010, in the Reuilly garden , making Paris the first city to offer free sparkling water from public fountains. Since then, 17 new sparkling water fountains have been installed in the capital.Seeds from the Plant garden under close surveillancePerhaps you have already visited the Jardin des Plantes . Maybe you even feel like you’ve come full circle. However, did you know that part of this park in the 5th arrondissement was under close surveillance? And the objects of all attention are more than surprising, since they are thousands of seeds from France and Europe .The seed bank of the National Museum of Natural History has no less than 25,000 seeds, collected since 1840. They are all placed under high vigilance, with the help of the customs service, the police, and even the poison control center .The Bercy Park grain library open to the general publicIf the grain library in the Jardin des Plantes is closed to the public, that of the Parc de Bercy , in the 12th arrondissement, is intended for visitors and gardening enthusiasts. Few people know it, but on the door of the gardening house there is a rack shelf in which amateur gardeners place bags of various seeds . Individuals can then help themselves, in exchange for other packets of seeds. Depending on the seasons, you can then find something to flower your balconies or feed your vegetable garden: lettuce seeds, hollyhock seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc.Do you like unusual visits to Paris? You can then set off to discover these Paris gardens with their well-hidden little secrets , and pass on these curiosities to those around you.

Le plus difficile, quand on veut faire du shopping à Paris, c’est de choisir un quartier ou un arrondissement précis pour ses emplettes, tant les belles boutiques sont partout dans la capitale. Alors, pour vous aider à ne pas vous disperser, la Cadet Résidence a référencé pour vous les lieux de shopping dans le 9ème arrondissement, à deux pas de l’hôtel.Le centre commercial Le Passage du HavreInstallé en face de la gare Saint Lazare, dans le 9ème arrondissement, le Passage du Havre est un centre commercial qui a vu le jour en 1990, avant d’être rénové en 2012. Cette galerie commerciale compte aujourd’hui 40 boutiques, ouvertes 7 jours sur 7 du lundi au samedi de 9 h 30 à 20 h (jusqu’à 20 h 30 le jeudi et le vendredi), et le dimanche de 11 h à 19 h.Au Passage du Havre, on retrouve tous les magasins nécessaires pour satisfaire la moindre envie : magasin de vêtements, boutique de chaussures, enseigne de mode… Parmi les plus grandes références, on note la FNAC, étendue sur 3 étages, mais aussi Nature & Découvertes, Sephora, Fossil…Et si faire du lèche-vitrines vous donne un petit creux, la galerie marchande abrite également des points de restauration. Vous pourrez alors déguster une gourmandise sur la terrasse ou dans le jardin arboré.Bon à savoir : le Passage du Havre fait référence à la rue du Havre, une petite voie à deux pas du centre commercial.Faire du shopping aux Galeries LafayetteDans le quartier des Grands Boulevards, le boulevard Haussmann est un incontournable des amoureux de shopping. On y trouve de prestigieuses enseignes, et notamment les grands magasins, comme les Galeries Lafayette.Déployé sur 3 bâtiments, dont le principal est inspiré de la déco Art Nouveau, cet immense centre commercial parisien attire l’œil avec sa grande coupole et ses vitraux. Mais c’est surtout l’intérieur qui fascine les visiteurs, puisqu’on y retrouve un escalier monumental à triple envolée et des centaines de boutiques.Sur 7 étages et 45 000 m², plus de 3 500 marques sont accessibles 7 jours sur 7, et pour tous les budgets. Du prêt-à-porter pour homme, femme et enfant à la bijouterie, de la joaillerie à la maroquinerie, du jouet à la mode de luxe, ce centre commercial du 9ème arrondissement est le paradis des bonnes affaires. Les gourmands y trouveront aussi leur bonheur, grâce aux nombreux magasins d’épicerie fine et aux restaurants.Faire les boutiques au Printemps HaussmannOn ne peut parler des Galeries Lafayette sans évoquer le Printemps Haussmann. Autre haut lieu du shopping parisien, ce centre commercial du 9ème arrondissement est une invitation au glamour et au chic.Dans le quartier Opéra et le quartier des Grands Boulevards, le Printemps est une référence pour la beauté, la mode et le luxe. Des centaines de marques, des plus populaires aux plus luxueuses s’étalent donc dans les 3 bâtiments de 9 étages : parfumerie, bijouterie, maroquinerie, lingerie, chaussures, beauté…Ouvert 7 jours sur 7, le Printemps Haussmann est aussi un bijou d’architecture, notamment réputé pour ses 4 rotondes d’angle, où l’on retrouve le nom du magasin prestigieux. On y retrouve aussi les statues des quatre saisons. À l’intérieur, l’immense coupole offre une lumière époustouflante durant chaque session shopping et met en valeur le monumental escalier central.Anecdote : le Printemps Haussmann fut le premier grand magasin entièrement éclairé à l’électricité.Les magasins du 9ème arrondissement de Paris sont à la fois de haut lieu du shopping parisien et des sites historiques riches. Pour faire de bonnes affaires ou pour admirer les lieux, rendez-vous dans le quartier des Grands Boulevards, à proximité immédiate de la Cadet Résidence.Notre petit tips : Faites-vous plaisir avec les boîtes de chocolats de la superbe boutique Mon jardin chocolaté ! 

Tous les ans au mois de septembre, la Fête des Jardins est l’occasion de découvrir ou redécouvrir les plus beaux jardins de France lors de somptueuses promenades. La Cadet Résidence profite de cette occasion pour aborder un aspect plus insolite des espaces verts parisiens, en révélant 7 anecdotes sur les jardins de Paris.Une œuvre de Picasso volée dans le square Laurent-PracheEn 1941, le célèbre peintre espagnol Pablo Picasso crée une statue en bronze, en hommage à Dora Maar, sa compagne et égérie du moment. Cette œuvre, dédiée à Guillaume Apollinaire, est ensuite offerte à la ville de Paris en 1959. La Tête de Dora Maar est alors exposée dans le square Laurent-Prache, dans le 6ème arrondissement de Paris. Elle y restera pendant 40 ans sans problème, jusqu’à la date du 31 mars 1999. Ce jour-là, on découvre que la statue en bronze de près de 80 kilos a disparu.Malgré de nombreuses recherches, elle reste introuvable jusqu’en 2000, où la statue réapparaît mystérieusement…dans la mairie d’Osny, dans le Val d’Oise ! Le maire avouera avoir récupéré cette statue sans en connaître l’origine, alors que des policiers municipaux l’avaient retrouvé dans un fossé.De retour à Paris en 2001, le buste de Dora Maar a retrouvé son square, sans qu’on ne sache jamais ce qui lui était arrivé.La porte dérobée du jardin de BalzacDe nombreux amoureux de littérature aiment se rendre à la maison de Balzac, dans le 16ème arrondissement, pour découvrir la véritable demeure de l’écrivain, et la reconstitution parfaite de son lieu de vie et de travail. Arrivé sur les lieux, on peut aussi admirer le joli petit jardin de l’auteur, offrant une vue imprenable sur la tour Eiffel.L’anecdote insolite concerne alors la petite porte dérobée que l’on peut apercevoir au fond du jardin. C’est par là que Balzac arrivait à échapper à ses créanciers, lorsqu’il était vraiment fauché.Le jardin du Palais Royal : à l’origine de l’expression “à midi pétante”Tout le monde a déjà utilisé l’expression “à midi pétante” au moins une fois dans sa vie. Mais savez-vous ce qu’elle signifie, et quelle est son origine ?Cela remonte à l’année 1786, près du jardin du Palais Royal. Un voisin horloger inventa un dispositif permettant de lancer un petit boulet de canon à midi pile ! Pour cela, il se servit d’une loupe et d’un canon chargé de poudre noire. À midi, au moment où le soleil était à son zénith, la concentration des rayons chauds au travers de la loupe permettait d’allumer la mèche, et de déclencher le mécanisme.À proximité, dans le jardin du Palais Royal, les visiteurs ne pouvaient que constater qu’à chaque fois que le cadran solaire indiquait midi, un petit coup de canon “pétait”. Les gens se donnaient donc rendez-vous à “midi pétante” !Le dispositif de l’horloger a été dérobé en 1998, puis réinstallé en 2004, mais sans la loupe. Le canon tonne désormais de manière mécanique, à midi pétante, quelques mercredis par mois.Des jardins alpins en plein cœur de ParisNous savons tous que pour pousser, chaque plante exige des conditions particulières. Mais plusieurs jardiniers parisiens se sont mis au défi de défier les lois de la nature, en faisant pousser des plantes alpines sur les plaines parisiennes. Les jardiniers du parc Floralsont ainsi allés chercher des graines dans les Alpes françaises et des roches dans les Pyrénées, pour reproduire les conditions de croissance des végétations des hauts sommets.Au jardin de Bagatelle, ce sont des arbres et plantes du sud qui ont été transportés et replantés en plein cœur de Paris. Dans cet espace vert atypique, on y retrouve alors une végétation méditerranéenne, avec des chênes verts, du buis des Baléares, ou encore des bruyères arbustives.De l’eau gazeuse dans les parcs parisiensLes fontaines à eau sont présentes partout à Paris : dans les parcs, dans les rues et dans les jardins. Elles permettent aux passants de se désaltérer en profitant d’une eau fraîche et potable gratuitement. Pour rendre ces points d’eau élégants, de nombreuses fontaines sont ainsi érigées, comme la Mât Source et son brumisateur, la fontaine d’Albien, qui puise son eau dans la nappe phréatique à plus de 600 mètres de profondeur, ou encore la sublime fontaine Wallace.Mais saviez-vous que certaines fontaines parisiennes distribuaient également de l’eau pétillante ? La première a été installée en 2010, dans le jardin de Reuilly, faisant de Paris la première ville à proposer de l’eau pétillante gratuitement depuis les fontaines publiques. Depuis, 17 nouvelles fontaines à eau gazeuse ont été mises en place dans la capitale.Les graines du jardin des Plantes sous haute surveillancePeut-être avez-vous déjà visité le jardin des Plantes. Peut-être avez-vous même l’impression d’en avoir fait le tour complet. Pourtant, saviez-vous qu’une partie de ce parc du 5ème arrondissement était sous haute surveillance ? Et les objets de toutes les attentions sont plus que surprenants, puisque ce sont des milliers de graines de France et d’Europe.La banque de graines du Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle ne compte pas moins de 25 000 graines, récoltées depuis 1840. Elles sont toutes placées sous haute vigilance, à l’aide du service des douanes, de la police, et même du centre antipoison.La grainothèque du parc de Bercy ouvert au grand publicSi la grainothèque du jardin des Plantes est interdite au public, celle du parc de Bercy, dans le 12ème arrondissement, est justement destinée aux visiteurs et amateurs de jardinage. Peu de gens le savent, mais sur la porte de la maison du jardinage se trouve une étagère à casiers dans laquelle les jardiniers amateurs placent des sachets de graines variées. Les particuliers peuvent alors se servir, en échange d’autres sachets de graines. En fonction des saisons, vous pouvez alors trouver de quoi fleurir vos balcons ou alimenter votre potager : graines de laitue, de rose trémière, de potimarron…Vous aimez les visites insolites dans Paris ? Vous pourrez alors partir à la découverte de ces jardins de Paris aux petits secrets bien cachés, et transmettre ces curiosités à votre entourage.