Pretty Paris Panoramas from the Parc de Saint-Cloud

The Paris Vignettes series features the inspired work of street photographer William “Bill” O’Such in themed installments.

As a complement to her book One Hour from Paris, I picked up Annabel Simms’ Half Hour from Paris, which features trips on the edge of the city with easy connections to the Metro/RER system. For my first trip, I chose a visit to Parc de Saint-Cloud and was not disappointed. I might have been there over 20 years ago, but my memories were fuzzy.

Getting off metro line 9 at Pont de Sèvres, I spotted an old tile map on the other side of the station (“Plan Parc de Saint Cloud”). Following the guide, I headed to the bridge and could see the Musée Ceramique in the distance. While crossing the river, I noticed a group of tourist rowers (“Les Rameurs”) enjoying a beautiful sunny day.

As I passed the museum and entered the park, I was welcomed by the classic French arch of trees (“Arbres dans Parc Saint Cloud”), a landscaping style that I’m surprised isn’t more common in the States. I passed a statue of an athlete and eventually found another that had been designed for the World’s Fair of 1855. To me, it seemed to be an inspiration for the Statue of Liberty (1886). What do you think?

Continuing along the path by the cascade, I came across several bassins (“Reflets de Visage,” “Je me souviens”) before finally climbing more steps to the top of the park, where I was rewarded with a beautiful view of Paris.

On my return, after a fun conversation with a couple playing pétanque, I encountered the usual cat (“Chat de Parc Saint Cloud”) before finding a new path back to the metro (“Chemin de Retour”). If you like new adventures, be sure to pick up Annabel Simms’ books. I think my next adventure via Annabel’s book will be to find the Bièvre just south of Paris.