Rendez-vous aux jardins, a national event organized by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication to showcase the richness and diversity of our parks and gardens, returns from May 31 to June 2, 2024. This unique opportunity for nature lovers to admire places often inaccessible to the general public attracts many curious visitors every year, who benefit from the biodiversity of the capital and Ile-de-France.
The Chapelle Expiatoire, located in the heart of Square Louis XVI in the 8th arrondissement, is not devoid of horticultural interest! Dating from 1816 and erected in memory of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, the Chapelle Expiatoire occupies the site of a former garden that later became the Madeleine cemetery, itself closed in 1794 and transformed into a public garden. Although it contains many of the bodies of those who died during the Revolution, you can rest assured that it has preserved its magnificent gardens!
The Chapelle Expiatoire in Paris, the monument erected in memory of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette
The Chapelle Expiatoire is one of Paris's hidden monuments. Erected in memory of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, this historic site is well worth a visit! [Read more]
The garden is a peaceful and charming place, with many plants and flowers, benches for sitting and relaxing, as well as statues and fountains. It is often used as a place for local residents and tourists to stroll and relax.
When the Chapelle expiatoire was built in the early 19th century, the Madeleine district was still relatively undeveloped. Built around an earthen embankment of the former cemetery, the monument dominated the neighborhood, with its sparse, low-rise housing. Over the years, the environment has evolved and changed, becoming part of a neighborhood whose architecture tells the story of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Originally, the Chapelle expiatoire was simply lined with yew and cypress trees. The original pathway led the visitor between two double hedges to the vestibule, on the façade of which the plant motifs of poppy heads and cypress branches, inspired by Antiquity, recall the symbolism of eternal rest. Beyond, the raised inner garden or "campo santo" invites visitors to meditate. Its current form is the result of an evolution: the classical garden was replaced in 1974 by the famous white rose bushes.
Dates and Opening Time
From May 31th, 2024 to June 2nd, 2024
Location
Chapelle Expiatoire
29 Rue Pasquier
75008 Paris 8
Official website
chapelle-expiatoire-paris.fr
The Chapelle Expiatoire in Paris, the monument erected in memory of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette
