Exploring Paris: The Hidden Gardens of Bagatelle

by - September 13, 2017


The one park in Paris nobody knows about.

Paris is a small city. It means that you can find little gems at every corner, which makes every wander a discovery, every walk a chance to spot new shops, restaurants, landmarks. And even though I've been around there for quite a bit now, this summer I got to discover somewhere I'd never been before: the Parc de Bagatelle. 

Hidden at the heart of the Bois de Boulogne, an area of woods at the west of Paris, Bagatelle is a little world of wonder, where you'll find a castle, a rose garden, waterfalls and peacocks. Doesn't it sound like a Disney film already?


My favourite area of the park was the Orangerie - without the oranges unfortunately - with its little house attached to it, which you can see on the first photo of this post. My other favourite was the rose garden. Hundreds of varieties scattered around, the wind spreading a soft flower scent as you walk between the bushes and topiaries.


To explore the Parc de Bagatelle, I'd advise you to take a photo of the map at the entrance, so that you're sure not to miss any of the little curiosities hidden here and there. Like this beautiful, pastel-coloured pagoda, complete with majestic peacock pausing right in front.


However, there's nothing wrong about getting lost in the little pathways, as you'll always find pretty flowers and plants to look at. We made our way to the Château de Bagatelle, curious to see what that castle was all about. Of course, we almost got lost on the way. And I got distracted every time we saw a peacock, because how can you not want to stop and stare at them?  


As we followed this path surrounded by strange statues and lush vegetation, we found ourselves in front of the castle. It is small, but still a pleasant sight to see - and it's pastel pink. Somehow I feel like it was made just for me. (Bold statement, I know.)


Yes, I unintentionally dressed just like the castle that day.
The Château de Bagatelle, which is in fact more like a country house, was built in 1777 on request of the comte d'Artois, who then became King Charles X of France in the mid-eighteenth century. Its style is Neo-palladian, inspired from the Renaissance architect Palladio who built wonderful houses and palaces in Italy. You can also see buildings of this style in England - Chiswick House right outside London, for example.
I wish we could have seen the interiors, but I think - don't quote me on this - it is only possible to get in with a guided tour. Which must make the experience even more special!

After observing the castle from all its angles, we went back on our walk, looking for the waterfalls.


Of course it is only an artificial waterfall, but it translates so well the eccentricity of the people who commissioned these extravagant gardens. I don't know about you, but if I had a garden, I would absolutely love for it to have a waterfall and little ducks swimming around. 
After a last stroll between the peacocks and after admiring the gigantic sequoia tree of the park, we left Bagatelle. We spent almost a whole day there, and I'd highly recommend the restaurant - there's only one and it's a bit more on the expensive side, but the food is really good.

Now that I am back in England, I'm hoping to discover plenty of beautiful gardens and places to make you discover - this is my favourite type of posts to make!

Where do you like to go for a little outdoors adventure?

Lots of love,
Julia x

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12 commentaires

  1. I do have a garden, but if I would put in a waterfall, it would be full.

    Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking

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    1. Haha it is true that to have a waterfall, we'd need more a park than a garden! xx

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  2. This is sooooo gorgeous! I wanna go here one day.
    xx, Eda
    http://luxeandlinen.com

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    1. Note it down if you ever go to Paris! xx

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  3. This entire travel post is absolutely dreamy! You look so lovely walking through these gardens, the peacock is adorable and all of those pink roses - wow!!

    aglassofice.com
    x

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    1. Thank you for the lovely comment Gabrielle! I know how you love exploring too, you'd love these gardens! xx

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  4. Beautiful pictures !

    http://www.fruityandpassion.com/2017/09/cuba-feelin-in-london.html#more

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  5. Oh thank you for the heads up on this!! I am coming to Paris next week! My family lives in Boulogne and my step brother speaks of this park.

    If you are not too busy maybe we could meet up for coffee, lunch or dinner...

    Allie of
    www.allienyc.com

    M

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    1. I really hope you'll enjoy Paris! If you're in Boulogne definitely head to the park, you'll love it :D However I'm living in England at the moment, sorry I won't be around otherwise I would have been up for a coffee :) xx

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  6. Wow! Such a beautiful garden is! This weekend I will go Paris and I will definitely visit this garden also. Thanks, dear. Kisses
    Cass Art Voucher Code

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    1. Don't miss the Parc de Bagatelle, it is truly an underrated place! xx

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