“Imagine stepping into a serene escape right here in Paris. This is the Jardin Marco Polo. It is one of two gardens within the Jardin des Grands Explorateurs.
The Jardin Marco Polo got its name from the famous explorer and merchant. Marco Polo was born in Venice in the 1200s. He was known for his travels, especially in China and Central Asia. His book inspired Christopher Columbus. It greatly influenced European map making.
Originally laid out in the 1860s, the Jardin Marco Polo has large lawns and flowerbeds. Rows of chestnut trees line the garden. It was designed in a formal French style. Park benches offer spots to relax and enjoy the beautiful flora.
Keep an eye out for two statues. They are part of a set of four showing different times of day. The other two statues are in the Jardin Robert Cavelier de la Salle. Sculptors created these in the 1870s. Francois Jouffrey made l’Aurore, meaning Dawn. Jean Joseph Perraud created Le Jour, meaning The Day.
The most famous feature of the Jardin Marco Polo is the Fontaine des Quatre Parties du Monde. This translates to the Fountain of the Four Parts of the World. Jean Baptiste Carpeaux and Gabriel Davioud designed it. Davioud was in charge of Parisian fountains and parks at the time. You might also hear it called Fontaine de l’Observatoire or Carpeaux Fountain. This fountain is at the Jardin Marco Polo’s southern end.
The Jardin Marco Polo is next to the Jardin Robert Cavelier de la Salle. Both are extensions of the Jardin du Luxembourg. They are in Paris’s 6th Arrondissement. The garden is generally accessible to disabled visitors.
The Jardin Marco Polo usually opens around 8 am on weekdays. It opens around 9 am on weekends. Closing times vary. It can close as early as 5:30 pm in winter or as late as 9 pm in summer.
The nearest RER station is Port Royal on line B. The closest Metro station is Raspail on lines 4 and 6. Bus lines 38, 82, 83, and 91 also stop nearby. The Noctilien Night Bus Service lines N01, N02, N14, N21, and N122 are options too. You can also find Velib stations for bike rentals within walking distance.
So, take a moment to appreciate this green space. Think about the journeys of Marco Polo. Consider how his adventures shaped our world.”