These photos at Parc de Boulogne Edmond de Rothschild are part of a series taken in my neighbourhood. Click photos to enlarge and view detail. The park was once the Rothschild family's private estate. This red Japanese bridge graces one of three ponds. A children's playground, horse-riding rink and soccer field are also included in the landscaped grounds. Some parts of the park are left to nature's devices.
Children climb along the rocks and pond sediment up to the opposite bank. Check out the smallest boy's green wellies!
This small pond is frequented by ducks, birds, fish and turtles.
In the stones lining the embankment, flowers emerge.
My shadow (wearing a winter coat, with a huge shopping bag slung over my shoulder, while standing on the bridge taking the photo) is reflected in the water, along with the trees that line the embankments.
A sign explaining the "Life after life" philosophy for a famous Italian poplar tree that was struck by lightning, but still stands as a rather surreal "living" sculpture.
The hollowed-out bottom portion of the tree.
A flower leans inwards, as though in tribute to the once-mighty tree.
The sculptural tree in its soaring majesty.
The Rothschild family's once-grand chateau in ruins. I can't imagine why it's been allowed to deteriorate, rather than using the house in some fashion or else completely tearing it down. No doubt some obscure French law or bureaucratic issues or inheritance squabbles have resulted in the current situation. The family donated the park and the surrounding land - prime real estate due to its position directly opposite the Bois du Boulogne - to the city. Hopital Ambroise Pare and our apartment complex now occupy the former Rothschild property, adjacent to the ruined chateau.
A mossy stone stairway leads to the graffitti-covered mansion.
A glimpse of an arched portico, from which the family once gazed out on their private park.
A fence separating the house from the park is overgrown with vines.
A modern sculpture made of wood, wire, copper, steel and found objects near the park's entrance.
Beautiful pictures!
Posted by: horse property gal | 10 March 2008 at 09:16
How sad that such lovely old architecture should be allowed to deteriorate like that. It still has such a dignified air to it. I hope someone saves it before it's too late.
Thanks for the tour!~xOx
Posted by: tinker | 08 March 2008 at 09:54
LOVE!!!!!!! that sculpture.
Posted by: karen cole | 07 March 2008 at 16:55
What a fabulous chateau.... such photo ops! Paris in the Spring ~ can't think of anything lovelier! Hope all is well.. xox Deb
Posted by: Deb Lewis | 06 March 2008 at 02:42
Tara,
Wow! These photos are mesmerizing, just beautiful! What a park, full of beauty both natural and manmade. Thanks so much for sharing this bit of your neighborhood!!
Posted by: stephanie | 05 March 2008 at 22:12
Thank you for showing the poplar tree with the little tree paying tribute. I liked seeing everything, though it is sad to see the Chateau in such a dire way.
That red bridge just makes me happy!
xox
C
Posted by: rochambeau | 05 March 2008 at 19:49
that would be a fascinating stroll. one I would love to walk through. even in its ruined condition i find it fascinating.
hope you are feeling well
Posted by: AscenderRisesAbove | 05 March 2008 at 17:02
How sad... if only I had the money to restore to it's former glory and live out my days... dream... dream... dream... Vida x
Posted by: Vida | 05 March 2008 at 08:57
I love parks and what ashame that such a beautiful chateau is worn down. Hopefully it can still be restorated.
Posted by: marja | 05 March 2008 at 08:23
Divinas fotos, divino paisage.
QUe estés bien.
Posted by: mauricio planel | 05 March 2008 at 06:57
We could always say that you are one of the lost Rothschild heirs and lay claim to that amazing building! Wouldn't it be lovely if it were restored???
Your photos are amazing! Your banner is amazing! In L.A. they are gearing up for a cherry blossom festival, which no doubt coincides with the one D.C. has, it is that time of year again.
We saw a few blooms...so very gorgeous.
I'll talk to you soon, hope you are well! Love your new look!!!
xoxo
Posted by: Gillian | 05 March 2008 at 04:16
I'm loving that red bridge...and it's a shame about that house -- nothing that majestic should ever be left to decay like that.
Posted by: Sherry | 05 March 2008 at 04:14
That red bridge stands out so nicely against its surroundings. Too bad about that Chateau. I can't imagine why they would allow it to go into such ruin. It's a real shame.
Posted by: Carla | 05 March 2008 at 04:10
These photos are so lovely, I especially like the first photo with the huge tree! It doesn't even look real! We must see it in full bloom as well!
Sandra Evertson
Posted by: Sandra | 05 March 2008 at 03:41
Gorgeous pictures! Paris in early spring is so lovely, surtout Parc de Boulogne! The chateau is quite enchanting, even if it's in ruins.
oxo
Posted by: Stacey | 05 March 2008 at 03:13
It breaks my heart to see a house of that stature in ruin. I can never understand. Perhaps if we put our pennies and euros together, we can buy the place and fix it up? No? xo
Posted by: Rosa | 05 March 2008 at 03:12
I don't understand why the Rothschild chateau is in ruins either. I am surprised that some sort of heritage foundation did not get involved to safe this grand building. What a shame!
Posted by: Enzie Shahmiri | 05 March 2008 at 02:44
My gosh, imagine having a house (I use the terms loosely; it's more of a mansion) that overlooks your own park in the middle of Paris. I love the sculpture.
xoxo
Posted by: Colette | 05 March 2008 at 01:52
I love that red bridge, so charming. Too bad about the chateau, but I did watch a show one time on the enormous cost of restoring and maintaining those castles and it is unbelievable. Sad to see it crumbling!
xo
Melissa
Posted by: melissa @ the inspired room | 04 March 2008 at 22:23
once there were kings and queens...
to restore the rothschild's estate would cost a fortune and is for sure a financial obstacle to the local authorities, though knowing the french care about their cultural heritage. sad!
you're living in a lovely district of paris, tara!
Posted by: marita | 04 March 2008 at 21:09
gorgeous photography but so sad the house has been allowed to deteriorate. there must be so much history there worthy of preservation.
Posted by: studio wellspring | 04 March 2008 at 21:04
oh wow that chateau! how I'd love to restore that baby!
btw I love the colour of the bridge :-)
Posted by: Amy | 04 March 2008 at 19:53
It's a garden with soul and romance and atmosphere what with the decaying mansion and the exquisite beauty of the garden..I loved it! Thanks for sharing :)
Posted by: Wildlife Gardener | 04 March 2008 at 19:17
Kind of romantic letting the grand manner go to wreck and ruin..the stuff of novels within those walls I'll bet.
Posted by: Parisbreakfasts | 04 March 2008 at 17:54
There is something hauntingly beautiful about its benign decay. Like an old lady with powdered cheeks and lipstick whose gree eyes clues to a stunning beauty of long ago. I find the sculpture horrid. Even the graffiti on the walls of the estate is more compelling.
Tara what camera do you use? Those pictures are stunning!
Posted by: Yoli | 04 March 2008 at 17:45
A shame about that château. Beautiful shots, nonetheless!
Posted by: Randal Graves | 04 March 2008 at 17:31
Why don't they just give me that Mansion? I have just painted a chair the same colour as the bridge and 2 swans the colour of the little boy's wellies - how strange is that? :)
Posted by: Di Overton | 04 March 2008 at 17:03
I share your amazement. The Rothschilds have such a presence in French history and culture. Even in its current state, your pictures make it compelling. Are you familiar with photographer Deborah Turbeville's book "Unseen Versailles"? Her photos of long-neglcted rooms never leave you. Thanks.
Posted by: Jane Librizzi | 04 March 2008 at 16:40
So sad to see the condition of this mansion. What a beautiful place it must have been. I would love to fix it up! :-)
Loved the red bridge and that junk sculpture is incredible!!!!
Michelle
Posted by: Mosaic Queen | 04 March 2008 at 16:19