Parc Claudius Montessuit

Located in the heart of the city center, the 2-hectare park is a pleasant place to relax, with remarkable trees, children's play areas and an orienteering course. It is also home to the Villa du Parc, a contemporary art center of national interest, where frequent exhibitions are held. The villa was originally built in 1865 for Claude-Philippe Dusonchet, syndic and then mayor of Annemasse between 1854 and 1871. The property also included an outbuilding, and was bought by the City of Annemasse in 1930 to create a public garden. This makes it the city's oldest park! It took the name Montessuit in 1963, in tribute to the former mayor of Annemasse Claudius Montessuit (1929-1963). The park was completely refurbished and enlarged in 2008 by landscape architects "Atelier Fontaine", and was awarded the "refuge LPO" label in 2010. The site also features a stele in tribute to the Righteous, inaugurated on April 28, 2013. Voici la traduction de votre document en quatre langues. J'ai veillé à conserver le ton pédagogique et les termes spécifiques (comme "LPO" ou "arbres remarquables") en les adaptant au contexte de chaque langue. Fauna and Flora at Montessuit Park Montessuit Park is a true haven of biodiversity nestled in the heart of Annemasse. This protected green lung offers a precious natural break in the city center. Fauna The park was an LPO Refuge (League for the Protection of Birds) from 2011 to 2020. As such, no pesticides were used, promoting a healthy ecosystem for local species. Birds: Keep an eye out for tits, robins, or great spotted woodpeckers. Insects: The park preserves essential pollinators such as bees and bumblebees. The rustic pond: It is home to goldfish, koi carp, and gambusias. Small mammals: With a little patience, you might cross paths with a red squirrel. Did you know? To identify birds, visit lpo.fr or download the Merlin app. Flora The park changes its face with the seasons: Spring: Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, pansies, and forget-me-nots wake the park up in color. Summer: Gauras, verbena, sage, and cannas scent the pathways. You will also find magnolias and hydrangeas. Autumn: Chrysanthemums bloom under the carpets of golden leaves. Winter: The park reveals its architectural structure, highlighting the rose gardens and the silhouettes of trees under the frost. Did you know? Download the Plantnet app to identify different types of plants by photo! The Giants of the Park The park is home to 155 remarkable trees! Among these century-old specimens, you can admire large cedars, copper beeches, oaks, maples, and hackberries. Fun Fact: The park's soil tells a millennial story: it is composed of glacial deposits (moraines). This mixture of sand, gravel, and silt is the direct legacy of the ancient glaciers that once covered the region! ⚠️ Warning: The park is a space for cohabitation. It is closed at night. Dogs are strictly prohibited, except for guide dogs. Bicycles and scooters must be pushed (dismount).