Parc Monceau, English garden in 8th arrondissement, France
Parc Monceau is an English garden in Paris's 8th arrondissement featuring winding paths that surround a central oval pond, with a colonnade of Corinthian columns called the Naumachie beside it. The layout encourages leisurely exploration, as visitors continually encounter fresh views and tucked-away corners throughout their walk.
The Duke of Orleans commissioned landscape architect Louis Carrogis Carmontelle in 1769 to design this garden, which drew inspiration from the English estate Stowe House. This creation reflected a broader European shift away from formal French garden styles toward designs that mimicked natural landscapes.
Statues of notable French artists like Guy de Maupassant and Frédéric Chopin stand throughout the grounds as reminders of the country's creative heritage. Visitors often find themselves stopping to read the plaques and learning about figures who shaped French culture.
The grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset with nine gated entrances positioned throughout the neighborhood, including one near Monceau metro station on Boulevard de Courcelles. The paths are flat and easy to walk, making it accessible for visitors of all abilities looking for a relaxing stroll.
In 1797, inventor André-Jacques Garnerin made the first successful silk parachute descent from a hot air balloon directly over these grounds. This daring aerial feat took place here and marked an early moment in the history of aviation experimentation in the city.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
