Bringa picnic and enjoy the gardens, activities and a historic chateau in some ofthe city’s favourite urban parkland.
Gather your thoughts with a strollthrough Parc Borély (Borély Park). This 17-hectare (42-acre) French-stylegarden is a charming place to enjoy a picnic, see exotic plants at the E.MHeckel Botanic Garden or admire the intricate façade of the Chateau Borély.
Take a walk on the western side of thepark, past the meticulously designed lawns, which stretches on towards thechateau. This stunning building dates back to the 18th century, when it wasbuilt as a picturesque country mansion for the wealthy merchant, Louis Borély.In its modern form, having been restored in June 2013, the chateau serves as amuseum for fine arts. Delight in a captivating collection of textiles, ceramicsand fashion pieces in rooms with an authentic 18th-century décor. Finish yourtour in the east wing, where you’ll find a bookshop and the Borély Café.
Head east from the chateau and explore moreliberally designed English-style parkland. Hire a bike and ride around theperimeter of the central lake, or bring the kids here to play by the water andfeed the ducks. The nearby rose garden provides pleasant sights and smells foran afternoon stroll. Take a break with a picnic on one of the park’s calmlawns.
Borély Park provides plenty ofentertainment options for active visitors. Have a family race on hiredgo-carts, feel the magic of a merry-go-round or control model boats along thelake surface.
At the eastern-most point of the park,walk amongst exotic species at the E.M Heckel Botanic Garden. The garden hasover 3,500 species of colourful and intriguing plants from as far abroad asChina and South Africa. On hot summer days, walk to the nearby Borély Beach andcool off in the calm Mediterranean waters.
Get to Borély Park using the frequentbus services from near Vieux Port. Though the park itself charges no admission,the Chateau Borély and E.M Heckel Botanic Garden charge separate entry fees.
