Parc Monceau — Attraction in Paris

The park was established by Phillippe d'Orléans, Duke of Chartres, a cousin of King Louis XVI, fabulously wealthy, and active in court politics and society. In 1769 he had begun purchasing the land where the park is located. In 1778, he decided to create a public park, and employed the writer and painter Louis Carrogis Carmontelle to design the gardens.

The Duke was a close friend of the Prince of Wales, later George IV, and a lover of all things English. His intention was to create what was then called an Anglo-Chinese or English garden, on the earlier model of Stowe House in England (1730–1738), with its examples of the architectural folly, or fantastic reconstructions of buildings of different ages and continents. It was similar in style to several other examples of the French landscape garden built at about the same time, including the Desert de Retz, the gardens of the Château de Bagatelle and the Folie Saint James.

Carmontelle employed a German landscape architect named Etickhausen and the architect of the Duke, Bernard Poyet, to build the follies. The intention of the garden was to surprise and amaze visitors. This goal was clearly stated by Carmontelle: "It is not necessary for gardens or nature to be presented in the most agreeable forms. It's necessary instead to preserve the charm that one encounters entering the garden, and to renew it with each step, so that the visitor in his soul will have the desire to revisit the garden every day and to possess it for himself. The true art is to know how to keep the visitors there, through a variety of objects, otherwise they will go to the real countryside to find what should be found in this garden; the image of liberty.

The garden designed by Carmontelle was finished in 1779. It contained a miniature ancient Egyptian pyramid, a Roman colonnade, antique statues, a pond of water lilies, a tatar tent, a farmhouse, a Dutch windmill, a temple of Mars, a minaret, an Italian vineyard, an enchanted grotto, and "a gothic building serving as a chemistry laboratory," as described by Carmontelle. In addition to the follies, the garden featured servants dressed in oriental and other exotic costumes, and unusual animals, such as camels.

Though the Folly was (and is) frequently described as an Anglo-Chinese or English garden, its architect, Carmontelle, had a very different view. In his work, Jardin de Monceau, près de Paris, (1779), he wrote: "It was not at all an English garden that was intended at Monceau, but precisely what the critics said; to put together into one garden all times and all places. It is simply a fantasy, to have an extraordinary garden, a pure amusement, and not at all the desire to mimic a nation which, when it makes a "natural" garden, uses a roller on all the greens and spoils nature. The park is unusual in France due to its "English" style: its informal layout, curved walkways and randomly placed statues distinguish it from the more traditional, French-style garden. It includes a collection of scaled-down architectural features, or follies — including an Egyptian pyramid, a Chinese fort, a Dutch windmill, and Corinthian pillars. A number of these are masonic references, reflecting the fact that Philippe d'Orléans was a leading freemason. Parc Monceau includes statues of famous French figures including Guy de Maupassant, Frédéric Chopin, Charles Gounod, Ambroise Thomas, Alfred de Musset, and Edouard Pailleron.

Today, the park has play areas for children and remains very popular with local residents and their families. The site is an active free Wi-Fi area, for computer users looking for Internet access.

Parc Monceau is open daily from sunrise to sunset, with extended hours in the summer months. There are nine gated entries that are monitored by a fifth-generation park watchman who lives above the royal rotunda at the north entrance.[citation needed] The park is listed as grade II semi-private and the six private residences located directly on the park have twenty-four-hour access to...

The Parc Monseau in Paris is located in the 8th arrondissement, but on the very border of the 17th arrondissement. It is a unique example of the Anglo-Chinese landscape style. Its history began in 1769, when the Duke of Chartres, the future Philippe Égalité, purchased the land. He entrusted the creation of the park to the writer and gardener Louis Carmontel, who departed from strict French traditions and filled it with romantic and exotic structures, many of which have been preserved: the Egyptian pyramid, the Dutch bridge, ancient ruins, Corinthian columns and a rotunda. The name of Monceau Park really comes from the distorted name of the village of Mousseaux, which previously existed on this territory. This is confirmed by authoritative sources, including historical references. It is also possible that it means "a beautiful place" in the old local dialect. The park became public after the French Revolution. Geologically, like the rest of Paris, it is built on the sedimentary rocks of the Paris basin, mainly limestone, which was mined in the ancient quarries under the city. The uniqueness of the park is in its atmosphere, which has given rise to many legends. It is especially interesting to visit in the evening, at sunset and after it. But at 21.00 the park is closed. It is said that a ghost of a former gardener lives here. Some visitors have seen shadows moving among the trees, especially near the Egyptian pyramid, which was built in 1778 when the park was created, filled with exotic and antique architectural "caprices." Thus, it is about 245 years old. The uniqueness of this Parisian pyramid is that it is one of the earliest decorative structures in Europe that were stylized in the Egyptian style, created before Napoleon's Egyptian campaign, which sparked widespread interest in Egyptian culture. This pyramid is not a tomb, but rather an entrance to an abandoned tunnel, which adds to its mystique. The tunnel likely leads to ancient limestone quarries, some of which are now collapsed. Park Monseau is not just a green oasis, but a place where history, art, and mysticism intertwine in a...

Parc Monceau - A Serene Oasis in the Heart of Paris! 🌳🌸🏛️

Parc Monceau is a hidden gem nestled in the bustling city of Paris. From the moment you step inside, you are transported to a tranquil haven of natural beauty. It's the perfect place to relax, unwind, and escape the city's fast pace. 🌳🌸✨

The park's well-maintained pathways make it pleasant to stroll around and explore. Lush green lawns, colorful flower beds, and picturesque bridges create a charming atmosphere that is simply enchanting. It's like stepping into a painting! 🖼️🌺💕

Parc Monceau offers a delightful mix of landscapes, including magnificent statues, an elegant rotunda, and a peaceful pond. These architectural elements add a touch of sophistication and allow visitors to immerse themselves in history and culture. 🏛️🌿🌈

I particularly enjoyed the variety of recreational activities available in the park. From picnicking with friends and family to jogging or simply sitting on a bench, there is something for everyone. The ample seating areas provide a chance to pause, take in the surroundings, and soak up the peacefulness. 🧺🏃‍♀️🌞

Visiting Parc Monceau during spring is an absolute delight. The blossoming flowers, vibrant colors, and sweet scents create a dreamy ambiance that is impossible to resist. It's a photographer's paradise, guaranteeing countless Instagram-worthy moments. 📷🌸🌼

The park is well-maintained and clean, thanks to the dedicated staff who take pride in their work. The presence of security personnel ensures a safe and pleasant experience for all visitors. 👷‍♂️🧹🔒

In conclusion, Parc Monceau is a must-visit destination if you are looking for a peaceful retreat in the heart of Paris. The park's natural beauty, historical architecture, and serene atmosphere make it an absolute gem. I highly recommend spending a few hours here to enjoy its...