Doesn’t the Orangerie de Bagatelle stand as an elegant testament to love and high-stakes wagers? It is nestled within the enchanting Parc de Bagatelle in Paris. The Orangerie’s story starts with a playful bet between Marie Antoinette and her brother-in-law the Count of Artois.
In 1777, the Count of Artois acquired a hunting lodge. Marie Antoinette visited it. Amused by its state, she joked that she expected to be hosted there in two months. The Count took this as a challenge. He wagered 100,000 livres with the Queen that he could complete it in that time.
Artois won his bet through an incredible feat of construction. Architect Bélanger presented plans within days. Nine hundred workers cleared the site. They requisitioned materials arriving in Paris. In just sixty-four days, the folly was complete. Simultaneously, Thomas Blaikie was appointed for the garden.
Originally, the pavilion was built in 1720 by the Maréchal d’Estrées. His wife and the Marquise de Monconseil made it a place for rendezvous. Aristocrats like the Regent and Louis XV were drawn to it. It was during this time that the location acquired the name Bagatelle.
After the revolution, the Count d’Artois emigrated. The property was confiscated. It was designated for public use. Napoleon I considered making it a palace for the King of Rome.
In 1835, Lord Seymour, Marquis of Hertford, purchased Bagatelle. He transformed it into his Parisian residence. To enlarge it, he added a story. This profoundly changed its original proportions. He also expanded the garden from 14 to 24 hectares.
Lord Seymour was close to Napoleon III. He often hosted Empress Eugénie. She would watch the young prince’s riding lessons from the Kiosque de l’Impératrice. After Hertford’s death, Richard Wallace lived there until his death in 1890.
In 1905, the City of Paris acquired the Parc de Bagatelle. Forestier, head of the city gardens, created the rose garden. He also established the international rose competition. These are famous features of the gardens today. He also added the water lily pond inspired by Monet.
The Orangerie de Bagatelle is an elegant building where intimate concerts are held during the annual Chopin Festival.
Today, the Parc de Bagatelle reflects changes made after the Count of Artois. About half of his original structures remain. Adaptations from the 19th century have shaped the park’s character. The spirit of Seymour, Wallace, and Forestier now defines it. The Orangerie de Bagatelle is more than a building. It is a testament to history and beauty.