The hamlet of Javel was where bleach was invented which explains the French name of eau de Javel. In 1915, André Citroën started building automobiles in a factory in the town. In the 1970's, the manufacturing was moved outside of Paris and the 50 acre site became the Parc André Citroen.

Part of the park runs perpendicular to the Seine River in a similar fashion to the Champs de Mars and the Trocadéro gardens. Included in the park is a stone square with glasshouses and an orangery. There is a white garden (Jardin Blanc), dark garden (Jardin Noir) with a labyrinth, a Mediterranean garden and several others.