Sunset over the HEC lake. Photo by Amanda Shih, MBA '21

Spring’s Magnificent Beauty at HEC Paris

One of the biggest draws for studying at HEC Paris is its vast and verdant campus. Although our classrooms are quiet at the moment, our green spaces are louder than ever, with bluebells and vibrant orange, yellow and red poppies “springing” up in abundance. As the season takes hold at HEC Paris, we wanted to share its beauty with you. Here’s what Mother Nature currently has on display across our 272-acre grounds, stunningly captured by MBA student photographers Amanda Shih, MBA ’21, (who also acted as our photo editor for this project) and other MBAs from our September 2019 intake, including Nadav Bieber, Tinh Hoang and Sara Lucia Eraso.

 

A picture looking up at the enormous Giant Sequoia on campus

This Giant Sequoia is the most breathtaking tree on campus. Giant Sequoias are known to live for over 3000 years, so this majestic beast is here to stay. (Photo courtesy of Nadav Bieber)

 

Close-up of a pastel pink cherry blossom tree with the blue sky in the background

One of the varieties of Cherry Blossom found on campus. Cherry Blossoms typically bloom between March and May, dropping their delicate petals after just a few weeks. (Photo courtesy of Tinh Hoang)

 

A leafy elm tree in the centre, with two similar trees either side - probably elm or beech

Elm trees are known for creating amazing filtered sunlight. In Japan, this effect is called Komorebi – 木漏れ日 (Photo courtesy of Sara Lucia Eraso)

 

A small magnolia tree with white and pink flowers, most of which are only just starting to bloom, others in full bloom.

Magnolias are thought to be the earliest flowering plants, with fossils dating back over 100 million years. They even pre-date bees, relying on beetles for pollination.

 

Close-up of a single-flowered pastel pink cherry blossom, with almost all flowers in bloom, and a couple of green buds

Because this variety of cherry blossom features single, rather than double flowers, its appearance is markedly different from its pompom-like relative.

 

A narrow winding path surrounded by verdant tall trees, grass and bluebells.

This bluebell-lined path is one of many jogging routes that weave their way through the HEC forest.

 

A meadow of bluebells, partly shaded by a forrest of small trees behind

Despite their charming appearance, Bluebells are actually poisonous, containing around 15 biologically active compounds to defend themselves from animals and insects. But scientists are hopeful; they are researching how these toxic chemicals could potentially treat cancer. (Photo courtesy of Amanda Shih)

 

A variety of vibrant flowers, mostly daisies, which are pink, orange, yellow and white, with some other green plants next to them

These vibrant wildflowers can be found across the campus in Spring, especially near the lake and HEC Chateau (Photo courtesy of Amanda Shih)

 

Bright orange daisies in the grass, with the HEC MBA building and trees in the background

Along with tulips, these orange beauties line the walkways near the S building (Photo courtesy of Amanda Shih)

 

A lego man and woman sat together on stone in the grass in front of the HEC Chateau, which features in the background along trees of varying colours

One of Amanda Shih’s photos in her light-hearted series, with the Chateau looking stunning on a warm Spring day.

 

The same lego couple sat on a wooden pedestal, looking onto the background of the woods during sunset. The dulled sun filters through the trees.

Another of Amanda Shih’s photographs, capturing sunset in the HEC forest.

 

A pink cherry blossom tree in a field, by the lake-side sport playing fields

Pink Cherry Blossoms by the playing fields. Picnicking beneath a cherry tree is a centuries-old tradition in Japan, where the Cherry Blossom is the national tree. (Photo courtesy of Amanda Shih)

 

The same cherry blossom as above, but a close-up of the vibrant, slightly less pastel pink flowers.

Cherry Blossoms up close. (Photo courtesy of Amanda Shih)

 

Daisies on a field by the lake-side playing pitch at HEC Paris

Daisies scattered across the HEC grounds. One of the most common plants in the world, they are found everywhere on Earth except Antarctica. (Photo courtesy of Tinh Hoang)