Escapes of yesteryear: three centuries of country retreats at the Atelier Grognard

Before weekend getaways, there were pleasure houses, stays in the country and walks along the Seine. With Escapes of Yesteryear, the Atelier Grognard looks back at three centuries of country retreats in Île-de-France.

The exhibition brings together nearly 80 works and objects: paintings, drawings, prints, architectural plans, photographs, posters, and antique books. The collection traces the evolution of leisure on the outskirts of Paris, from an aristocratic privilege to activities enjoyed by a wider public.

The first section focuses on country retreats of the 17th and 18th centuries. Old plans and views of Saint-Cloud, Choisy and Bellevue evoke these residences, designed for stays during the fine-weather months, where architecture and gardens went hand in hand.

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The exhibition also offers a glimpse into the private lives of some historical figures. The watercolors by Auguste Garneray show the gardens of Malmaison for Empress Joséphine. Photographs taken by Émile Zola offer a glimpse of his amateur’s view of the countryside around Paris.

With the arrival of the railway, the banks of the Seine became more accessible, attracting villas, leisure resorts and country outings. Paintings, regatta posters, a rowing boat and accessories tell the story of how the river was used for sport, strolls and entertainment.

From aristocratic estates to popular festivals, this exhibition juxtaposes changes in the landscape with changes in the ways we enjoy the areas around the capital.

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