History of the park A river island and a community entity, Ile-Saint-Denis has a rich heritage. The 23-hectare park created by the local authorities has been an ideal place for relaxation, leisure and discovery since the mid 1980s, just as the island and its surrounding areas were during the Impressionist era. Ile-Saint-Denis in the 19th century Ile-Saint-Denis headland Once upon a time, there were four islands on the Seine, so close together that during the 19th century the gaps between them were filled to form a single island called Ile-Saint-Denis. Read more Ile-Saint-Denis and the Impressionists The island's banks Part of the "Bassin d'Argenteuil", a major place on the Impressionist scene, Ile-Saint-Denis and area were frequented by some illustrious figures such as Edouard Manet, Alfred Sisley, and Berthe Morisot. Read more The creation of the park A place for relaxation In 1971, the Seine-Saint-Denis local authorities decided to purchase former market gardens that had become uncontrolled dumps, to create an open space to the north of the town of Ile-Saint-Denis. Read more The devlopment of the park A place for leisure and discoveries © Passeurs d'idées In order to provide new services, a Reception was opened in 1999. Since then, outings in the park, activities and exhibitions are regularly organised for the enjoyment of visitors. Read more