Suddenly people stop and stare. They see the Monument Pelouse in the Jardin des Tuileries. It is Paris’s oldest and largest garden. The Jardin des Tuileries is a public garden open to all. It sits in the 1st arrondissement of Paris. The garden is at the crossroads of the Louvre Palace. It is near Place de la Concorde the Seine and Rue de Rivoli.
In the 16th century this area held fields of gourds and tile factories. That is where the Jardin des Tuileries gets its name. Queen Catherine de Medicis ordered the Palais des Tuileries built in 1564. Many rulers lived there. The palace was destroyed during the Paris Commune. Catherine de Medicis built the Jardin des Tuileries to its west. It was an Italian garden with lawns flowerbeds and trees.
Later King Louis XIV had the garden redesigned. Andrè Le Nôtre redesigned it. He also designed the gardens of Versailles. The Jardin des Tuileries became a French-style garden. Charles Perrault convinced Jean-Baptiste Colbert to open the garden to the public. The Jardin des Tuileries became Paris’s first public park.
Today the Jardin des Tuileries is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is also a registered historical monument. The Musée du Louvre owns the garden.
Entering from Place de la Concorde you see the Musée du Jeu de Paume to your left. It hosts modern art and photography exhibits. To your right sits the Musée de l’Orangerie. It displays Claude Monet’s Nymphéas. The octagonal basin lies in the center. Chairs surround it for resting reading and chatting. The Terrasse du Bord de l’Eau overlooks the Seine. It gives a great view to the Orangerie building.
Elm and linden trees line the central path. Sculptures dot the park. Greek mythology statues stand near Place de la Concorde. The garden also features Rodin statues including The Thinker. You can also view works by Giacometti Dubuffet Moore and Ernst.
The Jardin des Tuileries provides relaxation. You can stroll the paths or jog. Picnics are welcome. Thousands of chairs are available. Or sit on the lawn. Refreshments are available at the refreshment stands. Children can sail toy boats in the basin.
Free guided tours occur from March to December. The Musée de l’Orangerie and Musée du Jeu de Paume are open. They host many exhibits. Across from the Jardin des Tuileries is the Hôtel de Salm. It houses the Musée national de la Légion d’honneur et des ordres de la chevalerie.
In spring see 60000 flowers bloom. Try the Merveilleuse Légende des Tuileries. This treasure hunt is for families. It explores the history of the Jardin des Tuileries. It also covers the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. From June to August a fun fair visits the park. Enjoy thrilling rides and cotton candy.
The Jardin des Tuileries is more than a park. It is a journey through art history. It is a place for relaxation. It is a spot to enjoy Parisian life. Take a seat and enjoy the beauty around you. Let the Monument Pelouse and the Jardin des Tuileries enchant you.