Park Monceau
In 1769, the Duke of Chartres, the future Duke of Orleans, bought a hectare of land in the heart of the Monceau plain. This was to be the modest beginning of the Duke's folly. A pavilion was built in the center of a garden which the duke, who later became Philippe Egalité, was to expand by 12 hectares between 1773 and 1778.
History
The
Duke's folly
In 1860 the park covered a much greater area than at present. The
painter Carmontelle was commissioned to design "an outstanding
garden bringing all times and places together." A picturesque
and relaxing setting thus appeared with false ruins and reproduction
temples.
The involvement of the landscape architect, Thomas Blaikie at the end of the XVIIIth century contributed to the changing appearance of the park. Toning down the phantasmagorical landscapes, he transformed it into a sumptuous formal garden.
During the Revolution, the park having been declared national property, became a location for balls and popular celebrations.
It was returned to the Orléans family during the Restoration. Then in 1852 it was split, half being given to the state and half to the Orléans family.
The City of Paris bought the park in 1860. Part of it was made into a public garden by Baron Haussmann and was opened in 1861 by Napoléon III.
Surprise
effects
Under the Second Empire, mansions and elegant avenues grew up around
the park. The former royal park was transformed to suit the tastes
of the era. After being restored, it was surrounded by railings and
took on its final appearance. Visitors enter through four monumental
gates made of gilded iron by Davioud.
Many decorative elements perpetuate the memory of the gardens designed
by Carmontelle, Blaikie, and during the Second Empire, by Alphand
and Davioud.
The naumachia and the pyramid, the remains of the gardens of the poet Prince, the Duke of Orléans, are examples of this.
Or more romantic features such as the bridge, the grotto and the waterfall added under Napoléon III.
Apart from these innumerable works, white statues of writers and musicians,
erected at the beginning of the century, spring up at the bend of
a path and contribute to the harmonious feeling.
Far from just being a museum of sculpture, Monceau also has one of the richest displays of flowers in Paris.
Clumps of rose bushes, soft beds decorated with seasonal flowers and lawns bring out the ancient trees and rare specimens.
With its many playgrounds, the former folly is a favourite haunt
of local residents.
Address :
58, boulevard de Courcelles
75008 - PARIS
How to get there :
Metro : Monceau
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