Exploring Paris: The Hidden Gardens of Bagatelle
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
Lots of love,
Julia x
12 commentaires
I do have a garden, but if I would put in a waterfall, it would be full.
ReplyDeleteLinda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking
Haha it is true that to have a waterfall, we'd need more a park than a garden! xx
DeleteThis is sooooo gorgeous! I wanna go here one day.
ReplyDeletexx, Eda
http://luxeandlinen.com
Note it down if you ever go to Paris! xx
DeleteThis 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!!
ReplyDeleteaglassofice.com
x
Thank you for the lovely comment Gabrielle! I know how you love exploring too, you'd love these gardens! xx
DeleteBeautiful pictures !
ReplyDeletehttp://www.fruityandpassion.com/2017/09/cuba-feelin-in-london.html#more
Thanks Diane! xx
DeleteOh 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.
ReplyDeleteIf you are not too busy maybe we could meet up for coffee, lunch or dinner...
Allie of
www.allienyc.com
M
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
DeleteWow! Such a beautiful garden is! This weekend I will go Paris and I will definitely visit this garden also. Thanks, dear. Kisses
ReplyDeleteCass Art Voucher Code
Don't miss the Parc de Bagatelle, it is truly an underrated place! xx
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