Discovering the Anne Frank garden in Paris
As I leisurely strolled through the Marais in the Sainte-Avoye district of the 3rd arrondissement of Paris, my attention was caught by a modest sign reading ‘Jardin Anne Frank’, the Anne Frank Garden in Paris. What is the story behind this serene place? Why was this garden dedicated to Anne Frank?
Le Marais and Paris during the German occupation
The Anne Frank Garden is part of this larger story. In the 13th century, the neighborhood was already a thriving trade center, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that it gained its Jewish character, as many families from Eastern Europe sought refuge here.
During the German occupation, the Marais became a silent witness to the raids. In the summer of 1942, the infamous Vel d’Hiv roundup took place. The largest deportation of Jews from France.
During this roundup, 13,152 Jews were arrested, one-third of whom were children. They were first detained at the Vélodrome d’Hiver and later transported by death trains to the Auschwitz extermination camp.
January 27, 1945: this is the day when the various Auschwitz concentration camps were liberated by Soviet forces. In 2005, the United Nations designated this date as International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Tribute to Anne Frank
Located behind the 17th-century Hôtel Saint-Aignan, now home to the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire du Judaïsme, the garden pays tribute to Annelies Marie Frank, better known as Anne Frank, who famously documented her experiences during World War II while hiding with her family and four friends in Amsterdam.
Exploring the Anne Frank Garden: the chestnut tree
The garden surprised me with its shady, almost dark atmosphere, created by the large trees that surrounded it. I immediately felt immersed in an oasis of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.
My attention was drawn to a chestnut tree, a descendant planted from the tree Anne Frank described in her diary from her hiding place in Amsterdam. This new tree was planted in Paris in 2007 as a tribute to her and her legacy. It was poignant to think that I was standing in the same spot where this symbolic tree grew, even though Anne Frank herself had never been here.
I was somewhat startled by the confronting sculpture group installed in honor of Paul Celan, the work of Alexander Polzin.
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Versailles in Le Marais
Passing through a rather narrow opening, I entered a second garden, surprisingly spacious and bright, with an ambiance reminiscent of the magnificent gardens of Versailles, with its arches and abundance of roses.
Resilience amidst history: The children’s play area
Moving on to the third part of the garden, I found a play area for children. It was remarkable to see how this garden, with its heavy historical significance, also served as a place of joy and relaxation.
Museum of Jewish Art and History
The Anne Frank Garden is now part of the Museum of Jewish Art and History (MAHJ), showcasing an extensive collection on the history and culture of Jews in Europe and North Africa. With its 4,000 m², it is the only municipal public garden in the Sainte-Avoye district.
For me, this garden is more than just a place to escape the hustle and bustle. It is a place where I reflect on the resilience of people, especially in times when global tensions run high.
Practical Information Anne Frank Garden Paris
The garden, inaugurated in 2007, is freely accessible to the public.
Address: 14, impasse Berthaud, 75003 Paris
Accessible to people with reduced mobility
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 20:00/21:00
Public Transport:
– M11 Rambuteau
– M4 Etienne Marcel
– Bus Rambuteau
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