Close to the Parisian bustle on the other side of the exasperating ring road: the Bois de Vincennes. Over 900 hectares of greenery, trees and roads frequented by a large population: young and old, French and foreign, rich and poor, gay and straight. Over four seasons, Claire Simon films the lung of Paris and its secrets.

Picture gallery

"It's a real illusion." With these beautiful words, director Claire Simon (God's Offices) opens the adventure of her documentary, which explores the paths and soul of the Bois de Vincennes. She flits from person to person without judgment or ridicule, but with a healthy dose of curiosity and a good ear for listening, giving voice to fans of nature, artists, prostitutes, municipal employees, mothers, people looking for outdoor hook-ups, the homeless, and joggers. Simon mixes cultures, languages, sexualities, ages, colors, laughter and tears. Her film is exciting, puzzling and unexpected; wonderfully sincerity and delicate. There is almost no narration, and yet her artistic voice resonates for nearly 2:30. Not to be missed.