Located in the northern French town of Arras, the Jardin du Gouverneur is a verdant park offering a peaceful setting to relax and enjoy nature right in the heart of the city. Covering 6 hectares, this historic park is one of the largest in Arras, with a multitude of spaces for relaxation and leisure. The garden is located on the grounds of the former bishop’s palace, as is the neighboring Victor Hugo’s square.
A garden of mysterious origins
The Jardin du Gouverneur has little-known origins, giving it a certain aura of mystery. However, it is known that the park stands proudly opposite the Arras Citadel, providing a contrast between the imposing military architecture and the soothing greenery of the garden. Intriguing architectural features include the bandstand, whose date of construction remains uncertain, although it would appear to date from the 19th century.
The remarkable flora of the Jardin du Gouverneur
The Jardin du Gouverneur is distinguished by the presence of three types of tree typical of the 19th century: the Sequoia, the Judas Tree and the Purple Beech. These rare and majestic species give the park a unique cachet and testify to the botanical richness of the site. The diversity of tree species allows visitors to stroll through a varied and colorful environment, and admire these remarkable trees that have stood the test of time.
An enchanting setting for summer concerts
The Jardin du Gouverneur bandstand is a key feature of the park, regularly hosting concerts by orchestras and brass bands in May and June. These musical events attract large numbers of visitors and provide an idyllic setting for enjoying outdoor music.
Focus on the origins of bandstands
Bandstands are open-air architectural structures, usually built to house public concerts and musical performances. Their origins date back to the 19th century, although the idea of bringing people together to listen to music outdoors is much older. The rise of bandstands can be attributed to a number of factors, including industrialization, urbanization and the emergence of military music and brass bands (the Arras brass band is known to play there from time to time, perhaps because the barracks are so close by). The precise origin of bandstands is difficult to establish, as they were developed in parallel in different European countries, such as France, Germany, Belgium and the UK. One of the earliest examples is the bandstand at the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris, built in 1841, although the first bandstands in England were erected in Hyde Park and Regent’s Park in London during the 1860s.
The semi-natural setting, organized by landscape architects, makes this type of place quite charming.
The bandstand (with the Lycée Robespierre in the background)
Bandstands were often built of cast-iron, with columns supporting a domed roof, providing good acoustics. They were frequently adorned with decorative motifs and located in parks, public gardens or market squares. Over time, bandstands became an important part of popular culture, particularly during the Victorian era, and helped democratize music, making it accessible to a wider audience. Today, bandstands are still used for open-air concerts and cultural events, although their popularity has declined since their heyday in the 19th century.
An ideal place for students to relax
The Jardin du Gouverneur is located close to the Lycée Robespierre, making it a particularly popular place for students to relax. The park is a haven of peace where you can stroll, relax, study or picnic with friends. The garden is also a meeting place for the people of Arras, who come to enjoy a variety of activities, such as walking, jogging or reading. The RCA (Racing Club d’Athlétisme) often takes young and old out for races and other obstacle courses. Near Salle Tételin, there’s also a boulodrome for Lyonnaise enthusiasts and a small outdoor basketball court.
A view of the boulodrome
A park to discover in the heart of Arras
The Jardin du Gouverneur is a veritable jewel of greenery in the heart of the city of Arras. Its privileged location, peaceful setting and numerous activities make it a must-see for locals and visitors alike. Don’t hesitate to come and discover this park during your next stay in Arras, and take advantage of its green spaces to recharge your batteries.
Location of Parc du Gouverneur
The park runs along the Avenue des Fusillés, Boulevard Crespel and Boulevard du Général De Gaulle, and is best reached on foot, as there is little distance to the city center and train station, or even to the city’s western districts :
R.C.
