Parc Monceau is an exotic escape in central Paris. Located in the 8th arrondissement the park is the remnants of a much larger property once owned by the Duc de Chartres.
Parc Monceau - An exotic park in Paris
It was converted into a "Chinese" garden with winding pathways and "follies" including a pagoda, grottos, a labyrinth and mills - all of which transported the visitor to an exotic land.
If you visit this lesser known Parisian park today, you'll only find the modest sized pyramid and the Naumachie, an oval pool surrounded by a colonnade. Still standing is the rotunda at the entrance on Boulevard de Courcelles, which is one of four pavilions that still remain from the forty-seven that once graced this majestic park.
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The forty-seven pavilions were built as barriers against the Farmers General at the end of the Ancien Régime. Unfortunately these pavilions, designed by architect Nicolas Ledoux, and their connecting fiscal wall were unceremoniously pulled down on the orders of Prefect Haussmann during his re-design of Paris. The good to come from this re-design of the park however, was its conversion to a public garden and its periphery areas subdivided into townhouses.
Don't miss these wonderful features of Parc Monceau
If you get a chance to spend a little time in the park, then make sure you don't miss these wonderful features.
1. The Naumachie and its colonnade
With benches and seats to sit, read or reflect on life, this area of the park is worth seeing. The pond is relaxing and it's interesting to watch out for birdlife and insects when the weather is warmer.
2. Museum Nissim de Camondo
One of the most spectacular townhouses from the time of re-design under Prefect Haussmann, was on Avenue Van-Dyck for the gentleman wealthy chocolatier, Émile-Justin Menier.
However the most remarkable townhouse that's still standing today, and one that shouldn't be missed when visiting Parc Monceau, is at 63 rue de Monceau. Count Moïse de Camondo built this townhouse in 1912 in imitation of the Petit Trianon in Versailles. Built especially to house his exceptional collection of seventeenth-century art, it was given to France after his death. The condition upon its bequeath to the national was that the museum carry on the name of his son, Nissim de Camondo. Nissim de Camondo was a pilot during the First World War who's plane was shot down over Alsace.
The museum, named Hôtel de Camondo, showcases the wonderful art collection and visitors can also discover the organisation and scale of a rich Parisian home of the early twentieth century. Make sure you don't miss the kitchen with all its copper pots and massive oven, salon, bathroom and library.
3. The brightly coloured carousel
Riding carousels is easy in Paris with carousels dotted across the city. The carousel in Parc Monceau is colourful and surrounded by plenty of benches, in the classic green colour of all Parisian park benches. If you need food, drinks or kid's snacks, the café nearby is sure to have what you want. Whimsical helium balloons and small gifts will keep tired little children happy too!
Read Carousels in Paris - A Complete Guide to Finding Merry-Go-Rounds in Paris
Parc Monceau - Grotto with flowers
4. The changing seasonal gardens
The gardens change with the seasons with flowers blooming throughout the year in their bright colours. Even the trees are spectacular when their foliage changes with the seasons.
5. The Boulevard de Courcelles Rotunda
Don't miss the rotunda at the entrance on Boulevarde de Courcelles. Framed by majestic and intricate fences and gates, the rotunda has stood the test of time.
Stone arch in Parc Monceau
Pyramid in Parc Monceau
6. Hidden Egypt at Parc Monceau
You can find numerous traces of the deep interest Parisians had with Egypt on the streets of the capital if you know where to look. Parisian society was obsessed with Egyptology in the 19th century. Deepened by accounts of travellers returning from this foreign land, and their love of the exotic, wealthy landowners built modest replicas of Egyptian structures.
The Duc de Chartres had a pyramid and sarcophagus incorporated into his garden. There was even an obelisk in the pond of the park. Go find Egypt in Parc Monceau!
Doesn't this park sound appealing? I hope you enjoy your time in Paris and at Parc Monceau.
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