Azar
Google
The Parc Monseau in Paris is located in the 8th arrondissement, but on the very border of the 17th arrondissement. It is a unique example of the Anglo-Chinese landscape style. Its history began in 1769, when the Duke of Chartres, the future Philippe Égalité, purchased the land. He entrusted the creation of the park to the writer and gardener Louis Carmontel, who departed from strict French traditions and filled it with romantic and exotic structures, many of which have been preserved: the Egyptian pyramid, the Dutch bridge, ancient ruins, Corinthian columns and a rotunda.
The name of Monceau Park really comes from the distorted name of the village of Mousseaux, which previously existed on this territory. This is confirmed by authoritative sources, including historical references.
It is also possible that it means "a beautiful place" in the old local dialect.
The park became public after the French Revolution. Geologically, like the rest of Paris, it is built on the sedimentary rocks of the Paris basin, mainly limestone, which was mined in the ancient quarries under the city. The uniqueness of the park is in its atmosphere, which has given rise to many legends.
It is especially interesting to visit in the evening, at sunset and after it. But at 21.00 the park is closed.
It is said that a ghost of a former gardener lives here. Some visitors have seen shadows moving among the trees, especially near the Egyptian pyramid, which was built in 1778 when the park was created, filled with exotic and antique architectural "caprices." Thus, it is about 245 years old. The uniqueness of this Parisian pyramid is that it is one of the earliest decorative structures in Europe that were stylized in the Egyptian style, created before Napoleon's Egyptian campaign, which sparked widespread interest in Egyptian culture.
This pyramid is not a tomb, but rather an entrance to an abandoned tunnel, which adds to its mystique. The tunnel likely leads to ancient limestone quarries, some of which are now collapsed.
Park Monseau is not just a green oasis, but a place where history, art, and mysticism intertwine in a whimsical pattern.