Parc Monceau is an attractive park in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. The nearest metro is Monceau on line 2 or Malesherbes on line 3.
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France This Way review: Parc Monceau is a pleasant park perfect for a walk or to sit in the sun. The park has attractive flower beds to admire and activities for families.
The Parc Monceau was created in 1769 by the Duke of Chartres. An 'anglo-chinese' garden complete with an Egyptian pyramid, a Chinese pagoda and a Roman colonnade amongst other constructions. This was surrounded by 'French formal-style' gardens making it an unusual mix of styles.
The colonnade which is the best known part of the garden was originally part of a funerary monument, called the Valois rotunda, created by Catherine of Medici for her husband and adjoined the Basilica of Saint Denis.
When the rotunda was destroyed the columns were saved and moved to the Parc Monceau to decorate the pond. This area is a highlight of the park and probably the most photographed area.
In 1787 a columned rotunda called the Pavillon de Chartres was built. This now stands at the main entrance to the park. Soon after the park was transformed by Thomas Blaikie into an English-style garden.
The park was generally abandoned during the French Revolution but in 1860 the park became part of Napoleon IIIs huge plan to transform Paris. Adolphe Alphand was put in charge of the regeneration of this park along with several others.
Monumental entrances were built with large golden gates and a river, bridge, waterfall and cave are added to the other elements that survived from its early days.
Flower beds were created around the lawns and Parc Monceau became a big hit with Parisians.
In the 19th century statues of musicians and writers were added to the park, the area around which was very popular with writers and musicians at this time.
Parc Monceau features in paintings by Monet and Brispot amongst others and also features in various films and books.
The park is very popular attraction and as well as walking or sitting and enjoying the sunshine there are activities for the family.
The park is home to two children's play areas, a skate park, a carousel and dogs can be walked in the park on two of the avenues as long as they are kept on a lead.
There are also toilets, water points and a small snack bar.
Parc Monceau is open every day from 07.00 to 20.00.
Attractions nearby
Other parks to enjoy in Paris include the Bois de Boulogne, the Bois de Vincennes and the Park Floral de Paris.
Parc Monceau is not far from that most famous of all Parisian streets, the Champs Elysée.
See more gardens in France. You can find more travel ideas in the Paris region guide.
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