Parc Monceau is a pleasure garden located in the Europe district of the 8th arrondissement. It is better maintained than most Parisian gardens.
The park includes a rotunda, famous for forming, with three others, the enclosure of the fermiers généraux. But its main attraction is the naumachie, inspired by ancient Roman naval battle displays. It’s an oval basin bordered by a Corinthian colonnade that catches the light magnificently.
What did I see at Parc Monceau? Yes, I saw the Naumachia, and all the people photographing themselves in front of it. I also saw the Maupassant and Chopin statues. But most of all, I saw a romantic little bridge, a swing where children could swing skyward, and a colorful merry-go-round.
Then I left the park and headed straight for Le Jardin Sucré, one of the capital’s best addresses. And there, I chose the pistachio orange blossom tart, a marvel.
