Fancy a romantic stroll this Valentine's Day? The Parc Monceau is undeniably THE perfect garden for lovers in Paris, with its ancient columns and mysterious decorations hidden among the vegetation. Originally created for Louis-Philippe d'Orléans by the painter Carmontelle in the 18th century, Parc Monceau is an ode to excess. A veritable ode to excess, it was to contain grottoes, a mill, a pagoda, a temple...
Eventually abandoned, a second park was created on the same site in 1860. Less incredible, it remains one of Parisians' favorite parks, for its beauty and calm. On the border between the 8th and 17th arrondissements, Parc Monceau is an"English-style" park, with a pastoral and romantic feel, especially when venturing near its colonnades.
At the northern entrance to the park, on rue de Courcelles, you'll find a neo-classical rotunda, surrounded by a beautiful 16-column peristyle. This Greek inspiration is echoed in the park's centerpiece, the Naumachia. This is one of the elements of the original park, consisting of a pool surrounded by a colonnade. At first glance, it may look like an ancient ruin, but it's nothing of the sort. The 16th-century colonnade is a remnant of the Valois rotunda.
To continue this timeless stroll, we discover hidden Egyptian treasures such as a pyramid, an obelisk and a sarcophagus, preserved from the first park. As we walk, many marble statues are unveiled, in honor of writers and musicians, or mythical allegories from ancient times. There are also a few real ruins, such as an arcade and two pairs of 19th-century columns.
If you fancy a moment of intimacy, a small grotto with a waterfall is the perfect place for romantic memories. All around, a river, its bridge and elegant vegetation in fine weather complete the romantic landscape.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Dates and Opening Time
On February 14, 2025
Location
Parc Monceau
35 boulevard Courcelles
75008 Paris 8
Prices
Free
