21 Nov 2024

The Folies of 18th Century Paris: Evolution of Recreational Gardens and Amusement Parks

In the ever-evolving urban landscape of Paris, recreational gardens and amusement parks known as folies played a pivotal role in shaping the city's social and cultural dynamics.

From the lavish Folie-Boutin to the grandiose Folie-Bouxière, these spaces not only provided leisure and entertainment but also mirrored the changing tastes and societal shifts of their times.

Thesis Statement

This article examines the transformation of recreational gardens and amusement parks in 18th-century Paris, focusing on the development and legacy of the various "folies," and their impact on the city's cultural and social fabric.

The Emergence of Folies in 18th Century Paris

The concept of folies emerged in Paris during the 18th century as luxurious estates transformed into public amusement spaces. These gardens and amusement parks provided a retreat from urban life's rigors, offering meticulously designed natural settings adorned with fountains, grottoes, and elaborate follies that reflected the era's artistic and social aspirations.

These lush estates not only served as centers of leisure and entertainment but also mirrored the broader cultural and social dynamics of Parisian society. The folies were stages where the elite and emerging middle classes could mingle, engage in social rituals, and partake in the fashionable entertainments of the time.

Folie-Boutin or Grand Tivoli (1795-1810)

Establishment and Design

The first Tivoli in Paris, initially named Folie-Boutin, was established in 1766 by Simon Gabriel Boutin, a prominent figure in Parisian high society. Spanning eight hectares, the park featured gardens styled in English, Italian, and Dutch traditions, complete with elaborate follies, waterfalls, and artificial ruins.

Transition to Public Venue

Following Boutin's execution during the Reign of Terror in 1794, the estate was confiscated and reopened to the public in 1795 as Grand Tivoli.

This transformation marked a significant shift towards making such spaces accessible to a broader audience, blending public entertainment with the remnants of aristocratic grandeur.

Entertainment and Decline

Grand Tivoli gained acclaim for its panoramic views, marionette shows, and magic lantern displays, pioneering the concept of modern amusement parks. However, damage inflicted by Napoleon's troops in 1810 led to the closure of the original Tivoli, signaling the end of an era for this illustrious venue.

Folie-Richelieu or Second Tivoli (1810-1826)

Re-establishment and Continuation

Shortly after the closure of Folie-Boutin, a second Tivoli known as Folie-Richelieu was established on a nearby site originally developed for Marshal Richelieu in 1730. Though more modest in scale, this iteration continued the tradition of public entertainment, offering gardens and amusements to the people of Paris.

Integration and Demolition

In 1812, Folie-Richelieu was reintegrated into the original Tivoli grounds but was ultimately dismantled by 1825 following a grand celebration for King Charles X’s coronation. By 1826, the land was sold and repurposed into the Quartier de l'Europe, marking the end of this chapter in Parisian amusement.

Folie-Bouxière or New Tivoli (1826-1842)

Inception and Modernization

The third and final incarnation of Tivoli, known as Folie-Bouxière, was inaugurated by Étienne-Gaspard Robert in 1826. Embracing the growing popularity of amusement parks, this version featured roller coasters, pantomimes, labyrinths, and extravagant fireworks displays orchestrated by Claude Ruggieri.

Closure

Despite initial success, the final Tivoli ceased operations in 1842 to accommodate urban development, leading to the construction of new streets such as Rue Ballu on the former grounds.

Folie of Faubourg Montmartre and Other Folies

Folie of Faubourg Montmartre

La Bouëxière, established by Jean Gaillard de la Bouëxière in 1747, was another prominent folie that featured sophisticated parterres, green carpets, basins, groves, and tree-lined alleys adorned with statues. Despite its grandeur, the property was sold in 1775, and by 1806, it had been transformed into an amusement park known as the Third Tivoli, which was later demolished in 1840 to develop Square Berlioz.

Folie Richelieu and Other "Small Houses"

Folie Richelieu, built in 1730 for Marshal Richelieu, and other "small houses" like Folie Gramont and Hôtel de Watteville, continued the tradition of public entertainment. These venues hosted a variety of amusements and maintained the legacy of the folies in Parisian leisure culture.

Legacy of the 18th Century Folies

The folies, alongside other urban developments like the Champs-Elysées and major hotel gardens, endowed Paris's suburbs with a verdant character and reinforced the image of a hedonistic society where sociability and leisure were paramount. These gardens and amusement parks facilitated social mixing and reflected the evolving cultural and social dynamics of the time.

Transition to Modern Leisure Spaces

By the mid-19th century, the popularity of folies waned due to changing fashions and urban pressures. Many of the major parks were subdivided, and only Parc Monceau remained by 1850. The legacy of the folies, however, continued to influence the design and concept of public recreation spaces, shaping the future of urban leisure.

Last updated: 5th December 2024