Paris and northern France :: :: University of Virginia Library

The *Parc de Monceaux, which by the Boulevard de Monceaux
is about ½ M. distant from the Arc de l'Etoile, and by
the Boulevard Malesherbes about 1 M. distant from the Madeleine,
is one of the most delightful promenades of Paris, and affords a
pleasant retreat to those who desire to escape from the heat
and bustle of the town.

The park, which formerly appertained to the domain of Monceaux
or Mousseaux, once a portion of the lordship of Cluny,
was purchased by Philip of Orleans (Egalité), father of Louis
Philippe, in 1778, and under the directions of Carmontel newly
laid out. The style in which this was effected was intended to
be something perfectly novel, differing from both French and
English etablished notions so as to inspire the visitor at each
step with mingled feelings of surprise and delight. This intention
was carried out with considerable success, and the park became
one of the most fashionable resorts of the "haute volée"; balls,
plays and festivities of the most brilliant description were here
celebrated, on which occasions the utmost magnificence was displayed.
In gorgeous attire and personal charms few could vie
with the Duchess of Chartres, Louise Marie de Bourbon-Penthièvre
mother of Louis Philippe.

During the revolution the park became national property.
Napoleon I. presented it to his chancellor Cambacérès, who however
soon restored it to his imperial master, on account of the
great expense in which it involved him. At the Restoration it
again became the property of the house of Orleans. After having
1848 been employed for the "national ateliers", it eventually
fell into the possession of the town, and has under the direction
of Alphand been converted into a charming public promenade,
accessible to carriages, riders and foot-passengers.

The park is connected with the town by the broad boulevards
above mentioned and has four entrances which at night are closed
by gates. The grounds themselves combine the beauty and taste
of the modern flower-gardens of Paris with the striking and
peculiar effects produced by the former arrangement of the park,
the principal features of which have been carefully preserved:
such as the rock-work and grotto, the grove with the tombstone,
the piece of ornamental water partially surrounded by columns
of the Corinthian order etc.