City Park, the green lung of New Orleans

Surrounded by the city and its many thoroughfares, the park nonetheless offers a true digest of subtropical nature. Founded in 1853, it has been developed several times, but nature remains king.

Despite the impact of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 (which caused extensive flooding throughout the park), nature has reclaimed its rights and all the attractions are still open.

The profusion of plants, trees, waterways and bayous takes visitors by surprise. A few minutes after leaving the city, its streets and its tramway, you find yourself in a completely different environment.

The park provides a cool spot for everyone in summer. The centuries-old oaks provide welcome shade on hot summer days.

Notice the Spanish moss hanging from the branches. It sways in the wind and gives the place a ghostly atmosphere!

Note that the waters of City Parc are also home to alligators, so you're in for a real change of scenery.

What is a bayou?

It's a stretch of water, a marshy area made up of fresh water. Unlike the mangrove, which is made up of salt water.

This ecosystem is found in the south of Louisiana, around New Orleans. City Park is home to this fragile and threatened environment.

This area is a breeding ground for many animal species. Birds and fish are particularly fond of this environment.

Among the species likely to be observed are pelicans, hummingbirds, vultures, etc.

This immense natural area is home to many points of interest. Among them we particularly like :

• The New Orleans Museum of Art: an eclectic collection, ranging from African art to works by great French painters. However, the variety of American works is the most remarkable. Admission charge, closed on Mondays.

• The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden: numerous sculptures presented in nature. There are over 60 sculptures by various artists, all from the Besthoff family collection. Free admission.
• The Botanical Gardens: here you'll find an incredible number of plants, proof of the region's immense wealth of vegetation. The gardens cover an area of 12 hectares and boast more than 2,000 species of plant. It's the perfect place for photographers! Admission charge.

As well as these must-sees, you can take part in a whole host of activities.

You can hike along specially prepared paths, play golf, hire a bike or even a kayak!

For children, there are also several small amusement parks, mini-golf courses and play areas.

City Park is definitely an ideal destination for families.

The NOMA café is located in the heart of the Musée d'Art, and is a recommended stop-off point.

Ideal for a lunch break with light dishes and a choice of drinks à la carte. To make matters worse, the restaurant has a pleasant view over the park.

When should you visit City Park?

City Park can be visited all year round. The best time to visit is during the spring flowering period from April to May. For a completely different atmosphere, the grey, colder days of winter have a magical quality, with the moss of the trees floating in the air.

1896 O'Malley House: an exceptional bed and breakfast!

This bed and breakfast is known above all for the attention it gives to its guests. The welcome is truly remarkable. The focus on guests is reflected at breakfast, with fresh produce on the menu. O'Malley House is a listed building, and children under 6 are not allowed in.

The hotel is located in Mid City, not far from City Park. The Canal Streetcar tram line passes close by (a two-minute walk).