Jardin Vauban (Vauban Garden), Lille

The Vauban Garden (Jardin Vauban) in Lille, designed by Barillet-Descamps, a landscape architect and chief gardener for the City of Paris, in 1863, is an example of a romantic Second Empire garden. This idyllic park spans over 35,000 square meters, offering a serene and charming retreat in the heart of the city. Known for its beautifully winding paths and meticulously curated flower beds, the park showcases the exceptional skill of Lille's gardeners.

One of the garden's notable features is an artificial cave that supports a water system for the ponds, which are home to various waterfowl like ducks and moorhens. Additionally, the Vauban Garden houses the "Chalet aux Chèvres" or the goats' shelter. Built to fulfill the last wishes of agronomist Charles Rameau, this chalet has hosted a puppet theatre since 1989, adding a cultural dimension to the garden.

The park is not only a place for relaxation and enjoyment but also an educational space. The western section of the garden extends into an area dedicated to the cultivation of fruit trees, where old regional varieties of pear and apple trees are grown. These trees are pruned in traditional styles such as palmette, espalier, and simple/double cordon. Established in 1868, educational workshops here continue to teach the art of fruit tree cultivation, with the gardener still offering classes today.

Vauban Garden remains one of the last vestiges of a significant gardening project from the late 19th century, developed as the city expanded. The park also features several historical monuments, including one dedicated to homing pigeons, enhancing its cultural and historical significance. With its basins, ancient trees, a waterfall cave, and a specialized garden for fruit tree cultivation, Jardin Vauban continues to be a beloved landmark in Lille, blending natural beauty with educational and cultural enrichment.