Bagatelle: A Princely Residence In Paris

A masterpiece of French architecture, the Pavillon de Bagatelle has established itself as the model of a certain French art de vivre, an ideal refuge dedicated to the arts and pleasures.

The result of a bet between Marie-Antoinette and the Comte d'Artois, the future Charles X, this folie was built in the Bois de Boulogne in 1777 by François-Joseph Bélanger on the model of a neo-Palladian villa surrounded by picturesque English gardens designed by Thomas Blaikie. An idyllic estate admired in Europe and America alike, Bagatelle was home to famous occupants - the King of Rome, the Duke of Berry, Richard Seymour-Conway, fourth Marquess of Hertford and Richard Wallace - before being acquired by the City of Paris in 1905.

While the park and its rose garden are the delight of a loyal public, the pavilion, which had been closed for fifteen years, was in danger of falling into ruin. The restoration work entrusted to the Mansart Foundation has saved this architectural gem by restoring it to its former splendour.

Magnificently illustrated with previously unpublished photographs and rare archive documents, this book traces the rich history of Bagatelle since the early 18th century.

Also available in French