3-000-249 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

A scene in the Bois de Boulogne - the Pré Catelan, 1860. In this wood of woods, whose clear and beautiful lakes, fairylike islands, pretty chalets, and charming promenades for visitors, either on foot, en voiture, or on horseback, offer a succession of enjoyments, there exists also the fashionable resort represented in our Illustration, open in the daytime for a small entrance-fee, and at night, in the fine summer season, for concerts and theatrical performances in the open air...[It is] attended by an immense number of wealthy Parisians and distinguished foreigners. Our Engraving...depicts very exactly the coup-d'oeil of this charming inclosure, with its numerous chalets, theatres, tents, and refreshment-rooms...The merit of the creation of this establishment is due to M. Ber, who has organised it on a scale worthy of the élite of Parisian society by whom it is attended'. From "Illustrated London News", 1860.