Parc Monceau 

‘Loudon: Did Monsieur Belanger also design the garden at Monceau?
Blaikie: No. The Duc d'Orléans employed the painter Carmontelle for that design. He proved that being able to paint is not the same as being able to design. The duke was an ambitious man and a liberal. He loved England. In fact he was on very good terms with the Prince of Wales who is now King George the Fourth. The design aim was what the French call a Jardin Anglo-Chinois. Silly idea.’ This is a quote from The Claudians: gardens, landscapes, reason and faith: John Claudius Loudon and Claudius Buchanan, Tom Turner (Kindle, 2024). 

A Unique Anglo-Chinese Design: Parc Monceau

In 1778, Philippe d'Orléans, Duke of Chartres (cousin of King Louis XVI), embarked on creating a haven of tranquility. Inspired by English landscape gardens, he envisioned a space contrasting the formal French style prevalent at the time. He entrusted renowned painter-writer Louis Carmontelle with designing the park, resulting in a picturesque terrain of winding paths, manicured lawns, and a shimmering lake. This private retreat, known as the "Folie de Chartres," featured several whimsical "folies" - small, decorative structures that added a touch of fantasy to the landscape. Thomas Blaikie recorded the changes he made to the design in his diary.

Carmontelle and Blaikie’s Vision: Blending Art and Landscape

The private retreat, initially known as the "Folie de Chartres," featured eccentric "folies" - small, decorative structures scattered throughout the grounds. These follies added a fantastical element, reflecting the growing artistic trend of the Anglo-Chinese garden style. This style combined elements from English gardens with Chinese influences, emphasizing natural beauty and hidden surprises. While Thomas Blaikie, a prominent landscape gardener, documented alterations he made to the design, the core principles of the picturesque landscape remained. Following the French Revolution, the park became public property, transforming from a private retreat to a beloved public green space for Parisians to enjoy. Parc Monceau's enduring popularity is a testament to its successful blend of English informality, French elegance, and charm.