Description of the attraction
Surprisingly, there is no monument to Princess Diana in Paris. Diana, whose death shocked millions of people around the world, died in Paris on August 31, 1997, when a black Mercedes, taking her and Dodi al-Fayed away from the paparazzi, crashed into the support of the tunnel under the Alma Bridge.
People, who brought flowers in armfuls to the site of the disaster, discovered that it was impossible to put them in the tunnel, and put them at the foot of the Flame of Freedom. A sculptural image of the torch of the Statue of Liberty, symbolizing Franco-American friendship, stands directly above the tunnel, at the entrance to the bridge. However, until now, most tourists who come here think that this is a monument to Princess Diana. It is clear why - there is no other monument in Paris. And no one simply knows about a modest garden in memory of the princess.
This specific garden (a children's center for the study of nature) was opened in the Marais area, at 21 rue Blanc-Manteau, a few years after the death of Diana. The opening, which was by no means magnificent, was not attended by any of the members of the royal family, there was only the British ambassador, who read a letter of thanks from Buckingham Palace.
Many criticized the choice of the memorial site, called the future garden "1000 square meters of leeks", said that Diana deserves more than a garden in her honor. But the mayor of Paris explained: this is a tribute to a woman whose kind heart was full of love for nature and children. In addition, the concept was approved by both the royal family and the Spencers - Diana's family.
The kindergarten is located behind the primary school and is closed to visitors on weekdays - children study the environment there. But on weekends during the day it is open. It is a quiet, calm, green place, and there really is a vegetable garden with 250 species of herbs, spices and medicinal plants. About Diana is reminiscent of a sign above a rose bush at the entrance, which reads: "Rose" Princess of Wales. " This is the name of this rose variety, bred in the UK in 1997.
