The Tuileries Garden, also popularly known as the Louvre Garden, has been a popular spot for relaxation and exploration among tourists and locals in Paris since 1667.
The Garden of the Tuileries is located opposite the Louvre on Rue de Rivoli and boasts artistic fountains, sculptures, and artworks reflecting French history.
The garden is home to two art museums, the Jeu de Paume and the Musée de l’Orangerie, and features Claude Monet’s renowned ‘Water Lilies’ series.
Entry to the Tuileries Garden is free to all visitors all year round, making it ideal for visiting after exploring the Louvre or enjoying a picnic with views of the Eiffel Tower.
Why Visit The Tuileries Garden
The Tuileries Garden in Paris, France, is famous for its beautiful parks, which offer ample space for exploration.
It is a picturesque area filled with opportunities for discovery and enjoyment.
You can admire the statues and architecture in the garden of Tuileries, find a serene spot under the trees for reading, or enjoy the lively atmosphere of the summer fun fair.
The Tuileries Garden enhances Paris’s grandeur and contributes to one of the city’s most renowned vistas.
From here, you can also view the iconic Louvre Museum and Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, which extends to the end of the Avenue des Champs-Elysées.
A favorite among locals, the Tuileries Garden is also an ideal place for people-watching.
One of the grassy lawns near the Place du Carrousel is an unofficial dog park, making it a favorite among the dog parents.
Whenever the sun shines, Paris gathers around the iconic green chairs scattered throughout the Tuileries Garden. This verdant retreat boasts a rich history.
The site initially housed roof tile kilns. But in 1564, Queen Catherine de Medici transformed it into a grand palace west of the Louvre, also known as the Musee du Louvre.
Tuileries Garden Opening Hours
The Tuileries Gardens opening hours may vary depending on the season.
Visitors can access the Tuileries Garden from 7.30 am to 7.30 pm from September to March.
The hours extend from March to September, welcoming guests from 7 am to 9 pm.
During the peak summer months of June, July, and August, the garden remains open from 7 am to 11 pm, offering extended hours in evenings perfect for enjoying the outdoors.
While at least an hour is recommended to experience the Tuileries Garden, you should stay longer to fully immerse in the tranquillity and explore all the attractions.
The best time to visit the Garden of the Tuileries is in late spring, from late February through April, when the Parisian weather is pleasant and the pretty flowers are in full bloom.
How To Get To The Tuileries Garden
Tuileries Garden is right opposite the Louvre Museum.
Address: Place de la Concorde, 75001 Paris | Get Directions
You can conveniently reach the Tuileries Garden by bus and metro.
By Bus
The bus is convenient for those near the Louvre Museum, and several bus routes are available at the Louvre end of the Tuileries Garden.
Buses 39, 68, 69, and 75 make stops on Rue du Carrousel, strategically located between the Louvre’s entrance pyramid and the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel.
This spot offers a scenic start to your visit, allowing you to marvel at these iconic structures before entering the Gardens of the Tuileries.
The 72 bus is an excellent choice for those coming from other parts of the city.
It follows Rue de Rivoli, passes directly through the Tuileries and heads towards Porte de Saint-Cloud in the west.
This route is extremely picturesque. It also travels along Quai des Tuileries, offering views of the Seine River and heading east towards the Gare de Lyon.
By Metro
The metro is the most efficient way to reach the Tuileries Garden and is an excellent choice for convenient access.
Metro lines 1 and 7 stop at Palais-Royal-Musée du Louvre, three minutes from Place du Carrousel, the gateway to the garden.
This quick and easy access makes the metro popular among locals and tourists heading to the Tuileries Gardens.
There are two additional stops to consider for those traveling on Metro Line 1.
The Garden of the Tuileries Metro stop on Rue de Rivoli on the north side of the Garden provides direct access to its heart and surrounding areas.
A brief stroll from this stop will lead you to the Grande Roue de Paris, the prominent Ferris wheel in the Tuileries skyline.
Another convenient stop on metro Line 1 is Concorde, situated at the square’s northeast corner. It’s just a two-minute walk to the west entrance of the Jardin des Tuileries.
Metro lines 8 and 12 also have stops at Concorde, providing more options for reaching this verdant oasis.
What To Do In The Tuileries Garden
Is visiting the Garden of the Tuileries worth a visit?
Here are some recommendations on things to do in the Tuileries Garden with your friends and family:
Explore the Play Area
The Tuileries Garden’s play area, established in 2015, is near the Castiglione entrance.
Guests can access the play area for free, and children can enjoy small rides, a slide, swings, and roundabouts.
A popular play area feature at the Tuileries Garden in Paris, France, is a rope bridge with compartments near the Grand Couvert section.
Boats
Parisian children have enjoyed sailing small boats in the Grand Basin at the Tuileries Garden since 1850.
You must know that boating here is a cherished tradition, not just a tourist activity.
You, too, can join this tradition and blend with the locals by renting a small boat with your preferred color sail for €4.
Carousel
The Tuileries Garden carousel is white, luminous, and elaborately decorated, themed around French author Charles Perrault’s books.
You can use the Castiglione entrance to access the carousel and enjoy a ride for just €3.
Trampoline
Yet another must-do activity inside the Tuileries Garden is the exciting trampolines, which children over two can enjoy jumping on!
Adults can look at the beautiful monument of Puss in Boots nearby, made in honor of Charles Perrault.
The Tuileries trampolines are north of the garden, between the Terrace des Feuillants and the large octagonal basin. They are open to children for €3.
Things To See Near The Tuileries Garden Paris
Explore the other top attractions near the Tuileries Garden to make the most of your trip to the garden.
Visit the Louvre Museum
On the same day, you can explore one of Paris’s most popular and visited attractions, the Louvre Museum.
Overlooking the beautiful gardens, the Louvre Museum is one of the most famous museums in the world and is known for masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
The largest museum in the world, the Louvre Museum covers over 60,000 square meters across three main wings and showcases over 380,000 objects.
You can grab the guided tours to discover the highlights of the Louvre and learn about its fascinating history for an insightful trip.
Enjoy a Picnic along the Seine
Picnicking along the Seine, another popular must-see in Paris is a popular activity for both locals and tourists.
You can enjoy a delightful summer experience by grabbing yummy baguettes and snacks and heading to the riverbanks.
A riverside picnic in front of the Tuileries gardens is a perfect way to relax and enjoy a romantic, pocket-friendly experience at the end of the day.
You can embrace the local Parisian tradition by picking picnic supplies from the food shops and bakeries behind the Tuileries instead of buying a sandwich.
Admire Impressionist Works at l’Orangerie Museum
Did you know that the Tuileries is home to four museums?
These gardens also house the Musee du Louvre, Jeu de Paume, Musée des Arts Decoratifs, and the L’Orangerie Museum.
Although smaller than other Parisian museums, L’Orangerie is celebrated for its impressive Impressionist collection, which includes Monet’s famous water lilies.
Stroll in the Jardin du Palais Royal
Just across Rue Saint-Honoré from the Tuileries gardens lies another charming Parisian site, the Jardin du Palais Royal.
Though smaller than the Tuileries, the Palais Royal has its unique charm, and if you have some time to spare after visiting the Tuileries Garden, it is a great way to spend your day.
You’ll encounter the artistic Colonnes de Buren, a favorite spot for photographers when entering from the south.
The garden, encircled by covered passages housing boutiques, restaurants, and cafes, is perfect for a stroll or a tranquil break from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Famous Statues to See in the Tuileries Gardens
The Garden of the Tuileries has numerous statues taht enhance the aesthetic appeal of this stunning, romantic, lush green garden in Paris.
Here are some of the famous statues to see in the Tuileries Gardens.
The Kiss by Auguste Rodin
You can see “The Kiss” or “Le Baiser” in French at the entrance of the Musée de l’Orangerie.
It is a bronze replica of a part of the larger sculpture, “The Gates of Hell,” which is showcased at the Rodin Museum.
The depicted couple is inspired by characters from Dante’s 14th-century epic poem: A noblewoman falls in love with her husband’s brother, leading both to be banished to hell.
Despite the sad backstory, this stunning piece in the Gardens of the Tuileries allows viewers to focus on the symbol of love that the couple beautifully represents.
The Well-Costumed by Jean Dubuffet
Found near the Jeu de Paume in the Tuileries Gardens, the “Le Bel Costumé” sculpture, with its catchy appearance, adds a splash of color to the surroundings.
It is a must-see statue in the garden, and its modern art style stands out among the more traditional sculptures.
Interpretations of the statue may vary, but the beauty of this artwork lies in its openness to individual meaning, untethered from a specific story or artist’s definition.
It becomes something personal to everyone who finds significance in it.
Apollo and Jeanette by Paul Belmondo
As you approach the Louvre Museum, two statues by Paul Belmondo come into view under a cluster of trees.
One of these represents Apollo, the Greek god of light (Apollon in French), while the other is Jeanette.
The two dark sculptures embody the Neoclassical ideal, capturing the soft curves of the human body popularised during the Renaissance.
Positioned along the main alley in the Tuileries Garden, these two statues showcase the timeless elegance of classical art.
Contents
Tuileries Garden FAQs
What is the Tuileries Garden?
The Tuileries Garden, also known as the Louvre Garden, is a public park near the Louvre Museum in Paris, France.
Is the Tuileries Garden the same as the Louvre Garden?
The Tuileries Garden is also popularly known as the Louvre Garden due to its proximity to the Louvre Museum.
Where is the Tuileries Garden?
The Tuileries Garden in Paris, France, is between the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde.
Can I visit the Tuileries Garden?
Yes, the Garden of the Tuileries is open to the public.
What are the opening hours of the Tuileries Garden?
The Tuileries Garden is open from 7 am to 9 pm.
When was the Tuileries Garden built?
The Tuileries Garden was built in 1564.
Was the Tuileries Garden part of the Tuileries Palace?
Yes, the Tuileries Garden was constructed as an extension of the Tuileries Palace.
What can I see at the Tuileries Garden?
The Tuileries Garden offers much to see inside, including a variety of flora, trees, fountains, ponds, and sculptures. There are also attractions for children and families.
Who designed the Tuileries Garden?
The Tuileries Garden Paris was primarily designed by architects Bernard de Carnesse and André Le Nôtre.
What sculptures can I see at the Tuileries Garden?
The Tuileries Garden houses various sculptures, including notable works like Etienne Jules Ramey’s ‘Theseus and the Minotaur’ and Giovanni Comino’s statue of Hercules.
Suggested Articles
Featured Photo by Xav Alexandre on Unsplash