The City of Chartres has about 12.36 acres of open green space. The stroller will certainly find happiness as he or she moves along the promenades next to the shores of the Eure, going all the way to the Japanese Garden.
The Saint André Fountain, whose foundation wall shows remains of Gallo-Roman instruments, bears witness to its use during ancient times. The wealthiest inhabitants had servants who carried basins (often women); they had to climb over hills with their heavy loads to bring water for the wealthy people’s homes. In 1944, when the water treatment plant had to be shut down because it was bombed, the people of Chartres took advantage of a new source over a period of more than three months; it was the providential fountain. The Saint Nicholas Church, which is dedicated to the patron saint of watermen, rose above it.
During the middle of the 19th century, City Council wanted to develop the city and improve its living space, most notably by implementing public gardens projects in the Grands Prés and Clos Pichot areas.
The town purchased the field from Mademoiselle Pichot on February 20, 1866, The property, which was also known by the name “clos Saint-Jean,” in commemoration of the abbey that was there from the 11th to 16th century, then consisted of arable land, gardens, a vegetable garden, some fruit trees, and two groups of buildings. The entire property was enclosed inside of walls. Starting in 1866, regional contests and horticultural exhibitions were held there. Every winter, from 1885 to 1893, the Cercle des Patineurs (Ice Skating Circle) leases part of the field so they can set up an area (50 m x 30 m) where its members can ice-skate.
During November of 1866, the option to turn it into a real public garden is kept open, but its development will, in effect, only be started after the Second World War, in 1946.
It is in October of 1986 that City Council gives the name “Parc André-Gagnon” to the Pichot field, in memory of that Mayor of Chartres (1945-1947), who was also a hero of the Resistance.
Mairie de Chartres
Place des Halles
28000 Chartres
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Tel. :+33 (0)2 37 23 40 00
Fax : +33 (0)2 37 23 41 99
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