Parc de Bagatelle is a garden and château in the Bois de Boulogne, in western Paris. Its grounds bring together formal French gardens and Anglo-Chinese-style landscapes, with waterfalls, rock formations and a rose garden. Look for the château, exotic trees and birds including peacocks, swans and ducks as you walk. The park’s history reaches back to a 1777 bet between Marie Antoinette and the Count d’Artois; the neoclassical château was built in just 64 days. Bring water or other drinks, as there may be nowhere to buy them inside.
A château built for a bet
The story of Bagatelle begins with a wager in 1777 between Marie Antoinette and her brother-in-law, the Count d’Artois. He undertook to build a château on the site in 64 days. Architect François-Joseph Bélanger and a workforce of 900 completed the neoclassical building within that deadline. The project cost more than three million livres.
The name Bagatelle comes from an Italian word meaning a trinket or something of little importance. It suited the original idea of the château as a place for pleasure and entertainment, though the building was an ambitious undertaking. Its motto, “Parva sed Apta,” means “small but suitable” and comes from the poet Ariosto.
The grounds had associations with pleasure even before the château was built. During the Revolution, the property escaped destruction by becoming a popular restaurant. The City of Paris acquired it in 1905.
A rose garden and international competition
The rose garden was created in 1905 by Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier. It contains about 10,000 rose bushes representing around 1,200 varieties. Since 1907, it has hosted an international rose competition, described in the supplied material as the oldest of its kind.
The garden is one part of a larger landscape that combines French formal design with Anglo-Chinese gardens. As you explore, look out for the pagoda, artificial grottoes, waterfalls, abbey ruins and a nymphaeum pond. These elements sit alongside rock formations and water features that give the grounds a changing character as you walk.
Trees, birds and restoration
Exotic trees have been planted in the park since the late 18th century. Some of the grounds’ trees are hundreds of years old, and the gardens provide a setting for a range of birds, including peacocks, swans and ducks.
The château and its surroundings have been undergoing restoration work. Heritage Days are an opportunity to learn more about that work. The grounds are also suited to a quieter outing: visitors bring picnic blankets, and there is a small playground for children. Pack your own drinks, since places to buy them may not be available on site.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is Parc de Bagatelle?
It is in the Bois de Boulogne in Paris. The address is 35 Route de Sèvres à Neuilly, 75016 Paris.
What is the rose garden known for?
Created in 1905, it has about 10,000 rose bushes and around 1,200 varieties. An international rose competition has been held there since 1907.
Can you see the château interiors?
The supplied information does not establish how often the château is open to the public. You can walk around the building and admire its exterior.
Is admission free in autumn?
The supplied information says admission is free in autumn.
