Photo : Frédéric Combeau
"Bark" Exhibition at the Paris Arboretum
Forget sweeping landscapes and focus on the intricate patterns hidden right under your nose with this nature-focused photography exhibit. You will see tree bark as fine art, turning a leisurely stroll through the botanical grounds into an eye-opening study of textures and organic history.
Arboretum de Paris (Paris 12th)
About
The Arboretum de Paris presents the exhibition Ecorces from June 11 to October 31, 2026. Through the lens of photographer Frédéric Combeau, this display focuses on the intricate textures and unique patterns found on tree trunks, revealing the history hidden within their bark. Visitors are encouraged to explore the diverse collection of trees at the Jardin Botanique de Paris while enjoying this open-air photographic journey. The event is free of charge and fully accessible to wheelchair users, offering an educational and meditative experience for all nature enthusiasts looking to discover the hidden beauty within the 12th arrondissement.
Frédéric Combeau is a photographer for the City of Paris Department of Green Spaces and Environment. He produces numerous reports on nature in the city and specializes in wildlife photography.
Here, he reveals a new facet of his talent with tree bark. He has focused on the diversity of textures. All the photographs reveal interesting details: crevices, shreds, knots, or burls that cover an old branch and recall its memory.
Each bark is fascinating and testifies to the history of its tree.
The Arboretum, one of the four sites of the Paris Botanical Garden, is a space dedicated to trees from around the world, for their conservation and recognition. It houses more than 650 species of deciduous and coniferous trees.
Contemplate the photographs, approach the trees. You can respectfully touch the bark, consider it, compare it, and admire it from near and far.
Our take on this event
Photographer Frédéric Combeau, known for his work with the City of Paris, shifts his focus to the fascinating world of bark. By capturing details like knots, crevices, and natural scars, he highlights the individual story told by every tree. These photographs are displayed within the Arboretum de Paris, a site dedicated to the conservation of over 650 species of deciduous and coniferous trees from across the globe.
The exhibition invites you to observe both the photographs and the living trees themselves. You are encouraged to walk among the specimens, admire them from different perspectives, and even gently touch the bark to fully appreciate the varied textures. This free event provides a quiet opportunity to connect with nature in an accessible setting, as the site is fully wheelchair friendly. Join us between June 11 and October 31, 2026, to experience this unique tribute to forest life.