Marvelous Monceau

Parc Monceau is a beautiful park in the 8th arrondissement. Designed in the informal 'English-style', the park was established in 1769 by the Duke of Chartre. The Duke bought parcels of land and employed Louis Carrogis Carmontelle, an architect, painter, dramatist, author (Jack of all trades!) to design the gardens. At that time the gardens were called la folie de Chartres. In 1793 the Duke was executed and the park came into public ownership. In 1860 it became the property of the 'Ville de Paris'. 

On a sunny day the park is always heaving with people, young and old. It is a popular place to hold birthday parties for young children. Our son went to a party there the other day. After dropping him off I took a stroll round the park and took some photos. The party was held by the duck pond. Not a bad venue!

I love the soft creamy stone of the columns.

There are many statues dotted round the park.

And plenty of activities for children, including a rather extravagantly detailed manège.






I was very taken with this submarine.


There are old fashioned double swings.


Poney rides.


Amazing trees.


Good for climbing.

Roses.


Lampposts.

Hearts.


And great cake!

Tritons and Naiads catch the sun

I've crossed the river twice in the past week. There is nothing  quite like crossing the Seine to make you realise you live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. One thing that always strikes me as I get close to the river is how much bigger the sky feels as compared with up in Montmartre. Up in Montmartre, unless you are up by the Sacré Cœur overlooking Paris, you don't tend to see big open skies and long views like this.

Before crossing the river I cycled over La Place de la Concorde. I decided to stop half way across and have a closer look at the two fountains by the Obelisk. I've never really had a close look at them before, usually walking or cycling past them on my way to somewhere else. They're pretty elaborate! Built in 1840 they are designed round the theme of rivers and seas. The southernmost fountain is devoted to seas, and has six tritons or naiads holding golden fish that periodically spout water jets upwards.

In the centre of the fountains are are four figures depicting different arts and crafts. I love the way they shine.

The northernmost fountain is devoted to rivers and similarly has tritons and naiads. They all  have rather fine physiques I might add.

The water was spilling over the upper parts of the fountain.

A man in the centre was holding grapes.

And finally, I spotted a naiad with a rather fine hat. 

Très Toucher

On Wednesday the kids and I went to Palais de la Découverte to see the 'Très Toucher' exhibition, which will be on until the 13th March. As is usually the case at this museum, the exhibition was very well done and kids had a great time.

The entry into the exhibition was quite impressive, if a little creepy. It had the kids in fits of giggles.

There were several physical 'barriers' to cross.

Not to mention psychological ones. Yes, it was as uncomfortable as it looks.

There were lots of touchy feely exhibits. I now know what it would be like to stroke a hedgehog.

And Rodin's Thinker.

This exhibit of bouncy balls, in the dark caused much hilarity, especially when it was almost impossible to get out again.

All round fun, though I would try and go early to avoid the crowds. After 15h00 you'll be fighting to touch and feel with hundreds of others. 

Bonne journée