This magnificent antique postcard captures the grand spectacle of Les Grandes Eaux (The Great Waters) at the Park of Saint-Cloud. The photograph showcases the vast basin and the cascading fountains jetting water high into the air, a marvel of 17th-century hydraulic engineering. A large, fashionable crowd from the Belle Epoque era lines the stone balustrades, their elegant period attire and parasols adding to the nostalgic charm of a historic afternoon outing in one of the most storied royal estates of France.
Era: Divided Back (Circa 1905–1910)
City: Saint-Cloud
State or Region: Hauts-de-Seine, Ile-de-France
Country: France
Topic: historic fountains, royal parks, Belle Epoque fashion, French garden design, water spectacles
Condition: Uncirculated
Postage: Unused
Address Side: Divided back
Orientation: Horizontal (Landscape)
Artist / Photographer: Leon & Levy (LL)
Publisher: Leon & Levy
Printer: Not listed
Print Type: Collotype, Phototype
The Park of Saint-Cloud was a favorite summer residence for French monarchs, and these water displays remained a premier destination for Parisian society long after the chateau itself was lost.
