Parc Monceau is a cherished oasis of greenery and tranquillity in the 8th arrondissement and close to the Champs-Élysées , offering residents and visitors alike a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its timeless beauty, rich history, and cultural significance make it a beloved landmark and in our opinion is well worth a visit.
Best metro station for Parc Monceau is
Monceau
2 mins walk
Monceau
2 mins walk
Buses: Nos.34.84 & 94
If you enter the park via Rue de Phalsbourg through the main gates on Boulevard de Courcelles you pass the 'Rotunda' which was actually a toll-house back in medieval times being part of the wall of the 'Farmers-General' a wall around the city erected by these powerful landlords to allow them to control and collect taxes for goods coming into the city.
Parc Monceau has a rich history dating back to the 18th century when it was created as a private garden for the Duke of Chartres, who later became known as the Duke of Orléans. The garden was designed in the style of an English landscape garden, with winding pathways, picturesque bridges, and a variety of plantings. In the 19th century, the garden was transformed into a public park and opened to the residents of Paris.
Parc Monceau is renowned for its romantic and picturesque design, featuring a mix of architectural styles, landscaped gardens, and decorative elements. The park's layout includes meandering paths, tranquil ponds, graceful bridges, and elegant statues, creating a serene and idyllic atmosphere. The park is also home to a diverse collection of trees and plants, including exotic species such as palm trees and bamboo.
The park has long been a favourite destination for artists, writers, and intellectuals, who have been inspired by its beauty and tranquillity. The park has been depicted in numerous works of art, literature, and film, capturing its timeless charm and romantic allure. It continues to attract visitors from around the world who come to admire its natural beauty and cultural significance.
The park has long been a favourite destination for artists, writers, and intellectuals, who have been inspired by its beauty and tranquillity. The park has been depicted in numerous works of art, literature, and film, capturing its timeless charm and romantic allure. It continues to attract visitors from around the world who come to admire its natural beauty and cultural significance.
Parc Monceau offers a range of amenities and attractions for visitors to enjoy, including playgrounds, fitness areas, and sports facilities. The park's central lawn is a popular spot for picnics, sunbathing, and relaxation, while its shaded pathways provide pleasant walks and jogging routes or opportunities for taking advantage of its shady benches where you can rest you perhaps weary legs.
Our favourite view in the park is over the lake to the colonnade which was originally from the Rotunda des Valois a monument built by Catherine de Medici in the 16th century next to the Saint Denis Basilica. It was never completed and was destroyed in the 18th century but the Duke of Chartres recovered the colonnade to create his small 'naumachia'.
Currently part of the gardens are taking on an Olympic theme in honour of the city's hosting of the games in July.
As we have said if you are looking for a tranquil place to spend some time being away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a few hours, then stop off at this delightful park which also has a play area for children as well as free wi-fi access.
Throughout the year, Parc Monceau hosts a variety of events, activities, and cultural programs, including concerts, art exhibitions, and outdoor performances. The park's open-air amphitheater provides a venue for music concerts and theatrical productions, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the arts in a unique and scenic setting.
If you leave via the ornate gates onto Avenue Van Dyck you have a great view of the Arc de Triomphe