Jardin des Tuileries: nature, art and relaxation in the heart of Paris

Located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde, the Tuileries Gardens is a green setting steeped in history, art and everyday life. Created in the XVIᵉ century by Catherine de Médicis, transformed by Le Nôtre and today open to all, it embodies the perfect balance between classical rigor and popular freedom. Whether you come to stroll around the basins, admire sculptures by Maillol, or simply take a break under the chestnut trees, every visitor finds their own rhythm and inspiration here. If you're visiting ParisDon't miss this emblematic jewel in the heart of Paris.

A royal garden turned public heritage

Italian origins: Catherine de Médicis and the first plantations

• The site we know today was, in the 16ᵉ century, a vast expanse occupied by tile factories, hence the name "Tuileries". 

• In 1564, Catherine de Medici had the Tuileries Palace built and created a Italian gardenstructured around six longitudinal and eight transverse avenues, which form flower-filled compartments embellished with a fountain, a grotto decorated by Bernard Palissyas well as a menagerie and orangery.

Le Nôtre's intervention: the birth of the French garden

• In 1664, on the orders of Jean-Baptiste Colbert and Louis XIV, André Le Nôtre profoundly redesigned the garden, bringing the classical architecture typical of the garden à la françaiseThe garden features a central walkway, round basins to the east and octagonal to the west, elegantly planted terraces and winding vistas. Le Nôtre, who had already designed Vaux-le-Vicomte and Versailles, imbued the Tuileries with the majestic, orderly geometry typical of royal gardens. 

A space of history: revolutions, fire, opening up to the people

• The French Revolution passed through here: the garden was the scene of the fall of the Tuileries palace, visited by the major events of 1792 and used as a backdrop for revolutionary ceremonies, such as that of the Supreme Being in 1794..

• Despite Colbert's attempts to restrict access to the garden to royalty, the storyteller Charles Perrault pleads that Parisians deserve this place, persuading Colbert to open the garden to the public, with guarded but accessible entrances, and chairs made available to walkers for a "penny". .

• Until 1871, under Napoleon and Napoleon III, certain areas remained reserved, but after this date, the garden became fully accessible to all

An open-air art space

Sculptures by Maillol, Rodin, Giacometti and contemporaries

Visit Tuileries Gardens is more than just a place to stroll: it's also a place where open-air art gallery. Since 1964, a collection of monumental sculptures has been installed here, mainly on the esplanade leading to the Musée de l'Orangerie.

Some of the highlights include:

• works byAristide Maillol (nearly 20 statues, including The Mediterranean, The Air, La Montagne),

• parts for Rodin, Giacometti, Henry Moore or Jean Dubuffet,

• but also contemporary artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Tony Cragg or Ernesto Neto temporary exhibitions.

This link between nature and sculpture gives the site a unique atmosphere, where works of art interact with trees and architectural perspectives.

Table of sculptures in the Tuileries Gardens

Here is a table summarizing the main statues and sculptures to be seen in the Jardin des Tuileries, Paris, with the name of the work, the artist, the period and a short description:

Informations générales utiles

• Visit Tuileries Gardens abrite de très nombreuses sculptures classiques et modernes, ajoutées au fil des siècles, allant du XVIIᵉ siècle à l’art contemporain. The Louvre

• On y trouve des œuvres de grands artistes classiques (Coustou, Ramey, Foyatier) mais aussi des œuvres modernes et contemporaines (Giacometti, Penone, Bourgeois, Mason). 

Landscape architecture and classical garden symmetry

The layout of the garden, designed by Le Nôtre, is based on a rigorous symmetrytypical of the French gardenlong walkways, reflecting pools, geometric terraces. This architecture is based on :

• a central axis linking Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel to the Place de la Concorde,

• two large basins (one round basin to the east, a octagonal to the west),

• perfect alignments of curtain-trimmed trees, often plane trees and chestnut trees centenarians.

This model creates a majestic perspectiveparticularly remarkable from the heights of Louvre Museum or from the top of the Ferris wheel in winter.

Paris panoramas: Louvre - Concorde - Arc de Triomphe axis

Visit Tuileries Gardens is the first step in thehistoric axis of ParisThis monumental line crosses the city from east to west. From the garden, you can see :

• to the east, the Louvreextended by the Carrousel,

• to the west, the Place de la Concorde, l'Obeliskthen the Champs-Élyséesand finally l'Arc de Triomphe,

• and further down the line, the Grande Arche de La Défense.

These deliberately designed alignments give the garden a special role. central to Haussmannian urban planning and in the symbolic representation of Paris as imperial capital.

A haven of relaxation for all

Green chairs, ponds and a daily stroll

One of the most emblematic elements of the Tuileries Gardensare the mobile green chairs arranged around the garden's two large ponds. Unlike traditional benches, these chairs can be moved around, allowing everyone to sit as they please: in the shade of the trees, facing a pond, alone to read, or in a circle for a chat.

Around the Large octagonal basinmany visitors like :

• quietly read a book,

• chat with friends,

• admire the reflection of the sky and statues in the water.

Visit round basinThis quieter area is ideal for meditation or lunch breaks. La free availability chairs contribute to the identity of the space as a open and democraticfaithful to its revolutionary heritage.

The secrets of Tuileries street furniture

The design of these famous green chairs has become a symbol of Parisian furniture. Created in the 1920s by the Fermob company, they are manufactured in steel and designed to be weatherproof yet lightweight.

There are three types of chair:

• without armrest,

• with armrest,

• long deckchair version for summer.

In addition to chairs, the furniture also includes drinking water fountainsand garbage cans hidden in the décorand antique street lamps and fine gravel pathscharacteristic of French gardens.

Reading, napping, photography: Parisian art de vivre

Visit Tuileries Gardens is not just a place to pass through or to contemplate art. It's also a place of daily life for Parisians and visitors alike. We meet :

• from employees on lunch break,

• from morning joggers,

• from students reading in the sun,

• from tourists capturing the golden light of late afternoon.

This mix of uses makes the Tuileries an ideal space for lively and sharedwhere architectural beauty is combined with a veritable quality of life.

The Tuileries Garden for families

Children's games: merry-go-rounds, trampolines, miniature sailboats

Visit Tuileries Gardens is a must for Parisian families and visitors looking for moments of fun and relaxation. intergenerational leisure. It offers a wide range of activities for children, including :

• The traditional merry-go-round located near the Terrasse des Feuillants: a small carousel with wooden horses, appreciated for its retro charm. The ride costs around €3, and is open to children aged 2 and over.

• Trampolines (for a fee) attract children aged 3 to 10, offering a sporting break in the great outdoors.

• Model sailboats to sail on the Grand Bassin: these small wooden boats, propelled by hand using a stick, have been available for hire (€6 per 30 minutes) for over a century. An emblematic activity in the garden.

These simple, timeless animations are just as appealing to children as they are to parents, who can sit back on the chairs around the pools while their little ones enjoy themselves.

Playground and activities inspired by Perrault's fairy tales

Near the Terrasse du Bord de l'Eau, a landscaped playground offer :

• slides,

• climbing structures,

• spring-loaded games,

• sandboxes.

This secure, shady and well-kept corner is inspired by fairy tales. Charles Perraultwhose statue stands nearby. Decorative elements evoke Le Chat Botté or Little Red Riding Hoodin tribute to the man who, in the 17ᵉ century, pleaded for the garden to be opened "to the people".

Cultural activities: workshops, fun tours, jogging

Children can also enjoy a wide range of cultural events organized by the Musée du Louvre :

• artistic workshops during the vacations,

• guided tours for families,

• treasure hunts and game trails in the aisles.

An original activity: the "cultural joggingThis new garden experience combines light running with explanatory breaks around the works of art in the garden, and is suitable for sporty families.

Finally, in summer, the Tuileries Festival (June-August) features modern rides, candy stalls, a haunted house and a Ferris wheel. It's one of the few events to combine fairground atmosphere and listed setting.

Gourmet breaks and eating places

Café des Marronniers, Terrasse de Pomone and Médicis

Visit Tuileries Gardens is not just a place for culture and strolling: it's also an ideal place for a gourmet break in a peaceful setting. Three emblematic dining areas allow you to sit in the shade of the trees or on the terrace in complete tranquillity.

• Café des Marronniers Located on the central alley on the Louvre side, this café offers a classic Parisian brasserie menu - salads, tarts, sandwiches, ice creams and hot drinks. The terrace, under century-old chestnut trees, is particularly pleasant in fine weather.

• Pomona's terrace A more discreet option, it is located near the octagonal Grand Bassin. It offers crepes, waffles, ice creams, fresh juices and drinks to take away. Ideal for a sweet break with a view of the sculptures.

• Restaurant Médicis The restaurant: located close to the Musée de l'Orangerie, this is a more chic address, offering traditional French cuisine in a hushed setting. Lunch is served in the shade of the trees, with an unobstructed view of the gardens.

These three locations embody the culinary diversity offered in the garden, between family snacks, coffee breaks and more refined lunches.

Seasonal refreshment stands and family snacks

In summer temporary refreshment stands appear in the garden, especially during the Tuileries Festival. It includes :

• cotton candy, waffles, artisanal ice creams,

• granites, churros, soft drinks and other summer treats.

Some zones also allow free picnicparticularly on authorized lawns to the west of the garden. It is advisable to check the signs on site, as some lawns are protected.

From vending machines (water, cold drinks, snacks) are also available close to the main aisles, as well as drinking water fountains free of charge.

Whether for a elegant luncha crepe takeaway or just a moment in the sun with a cool drink, the Tuileries Gardens offers a wide range of food and beverage outlets, perfectly integrated into the green and artistic setting of the place.

Around the garden: museums and culture

Musée de l'Orangerie and Monet's Water Lilies

At the western end of the Tuileries Gardensadjacent to the Place de la Concorde is the Musée de l'Orangerieone of the most emblematic sites of Impressionist art in France.

This museum houses the famous Water lilies by Claude Moneteight immense panels installed in two oval rooms bathed in natural light. These works, donated by Monet to France after the First World War, are an ode to the French countryside. nature, light and peace.

In addition to the Water Lilies, the museum hosts the Walter-Guillaume Collectionrich in masterpieces by Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, Picasso, Modigliani, Soutine and other major 20th-century artists.

The building, formerly a storage pavilion for the garden's orange trees, was converted into a museum in 1927. Its direct relationship with the garden is palpable: Monet wanted his works to be in dialogue with the surrounding nature.

Le Jeu de Paume: photography and visual arts

At the other end of the garden (towards rue de Rivoli) is another cultural gem: the Jeu de Paume. This space, originally a royal court for the game of paume (ancestor of the tennis), is now a contemporary art center specializing in :

• the photography,

• l'moving image,

• the video and multimedia installations.

Visit Jeu de Paume offers temporary exhibitions of major photographers (from Man Ray to Cindy Sherman), as well as emerging artists. It also hosts screenings, lectures and guided tours, reinforcing the dialogue between contemporary art and historical heritage.

The influence of the garden on modern and impressionist art

Visit Tuileries Gardens has often been a source of inspiration for artists:

• Édouard Manet, Camille Pissarro, Berthe Morisot and other Impressionist painters depicted it in their canvases.

• The play of light and shadow, the reflections on the ponds, the scenes of elegant strolling, have all contributed to forging a sense of parisian aesthetics.

Even today, many photographers, illustrators and video artists continue to explore the site as a backdrop for their creations. The garden is also often used for fashion shootsand historical filmsand open-air exhibitions.

A lively garden all year round

La Fête des Tuileries (June to August): attractions, fairground atmosphere

Every summer, from late June to late August, the Tuileries Gardens hosts the famous Tuileries Festivala free family funfair in the heart of Paris. Unlike traditional fairs, here there's no deafening music or oppressive crowds: the atmosphere is user-friendly and elegantrespectful of the historical setting.

They include :

• over 60 attractions for young and old alike: bumper cars, Ferris wheels, roller coasters, shooting galleries, haunted houses...

• numerous gourmet stands : cotton candy, churros, candy apple, wafflesice creams and a variety of sweets.

• family-friendly organization, with safe, shaded pedestrian areas and supervised staff.

Entrance is free, and there's a charge for rides. This festival perfectly combines popular entertainment and respect for heritagemaking the Tuileries Gardens even more lively in summer.

Temporary events: exhibitions, art installations

Throughout the year, the Tuileries Gardens welcomes various temporary cultural events :

• Contemporary sculpture exhibitionsoften in conjunction with exhibitions at the Louvre or the FIAC (Foire Internationale d'Art Contemporain).

• Monumental art installations (e.g. works by Yayoi Kusama, Daniel Buren or Jean-Michel Othoniel) that temporarily transform the landscape.

• Educational events and outdoor workshops during the Journées du Patrimoine, the Nuit des Musées, or Paris Plages.

These events allow visitors to rediscover the garden from a different perspective, while respecting its status as a cultural heritage site. listed monument.

The Paris 2024-2025 Olympic cauldron: symbol and heritage

As part of the Paris 2024 Olympic Gamesthe Tuileries Gardens was chosen as the site for the new olympic cauldron temporary. Lit on June 21, 2024 and visible until September 14, 2025, this symbolic flame pays tribute to the the garden's central place in French identity.

Installed on the Louvre - Concorde axis, the cauldron can be seen every evening at sunsetand attracts night-time strollers who come to admire the light show. This one-off event adds symbolic dimension and international nature of the garden, highlighting its capacity to host key moments in contemporary history.

Practical info: access, opening hours and advice, Jardin des Tuileries

Seasonal schedules (spring, summer, autumn, winter)

Access to the Tuileries Gardens is free of charge all year round, but the opening hours vary according to the season:

• Late September to late March opening at 7:30 am, closing at 7:30 pm.

• April to end of May Closes at 9pm.

• June and July exceptional closing at 11pm.

• In August closes at 9:30pm.

• From 1ᵉʳ to September 14 Closes at 8:30pm.

These times may vary slightly depending on the event, particularly for the olympic cauldronwhich remains visible from sunset until 11pm.

Access by metro, RER, bus - entrance map recommended

The garden is located in the 1ᵉʳ arrondissement of Parisbetween Louvre and the Place de la Concorde. It is easily accessible by public transport:

• Metro :

  • Line 1: station Tuileries or Concorde

  • Lines 8 and 12: station Concorde

• RER A : station Auberthen 10 minutes on foot

• Bus lines 24, 42, 52, 72, 73, 84, 94

The garden features several entries :

• Louvre side (Carrousel),

• Concorde side (near the Orangerie),

• Rivoli side (access to Musée du Jeu de Paume),

• and on the Seine side.

It is advisable to consult a garden plan (available at the entrance or on louvre.fr) to help you organize your visit, especially if you're traveling with your family or wish to follow an artistic itinerary.

Tips for a pleasant visit in any season

Here are a few useful tips to make the most of Tuileries Gardens :

• Spring Ideal time for flowering. Prefer mornings to avoid crowds.

• Summer Sunscreen, hat and bottle of water. There are plenty of shady areas, but the lanes can get hot.

• Autumn The light: golden light, perfect for photography. Less crowded.

• Winter Very quiet. Opportunity to see ephemeral installations or the Ferris wheel at Concorde.

It is also possible to combine a visit to the garden with one to the Louvre or the Orangerieall within easy walking distance.

Frequently asked questions - Jardin des Tuileries

What is the history of the Jardin des Tuileries?

Visit Tuileries Gardens was created in 1564 by Catherine de Médicis as a garden for the Tuileries Palace. It was transformed into a formal garden by André Le Nôtre in 1664 and opened to the public in 1667. Today, it is one of the oldest public gardens in Paris.

Where exactly is the Jardin des Tuileries?

It is located in the 1ᵉʳ arrondissement of Parisbetween Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concordeon the banks of the Seine. It's a central point on the Parisian right bank.

What can you do in the Jardin des Tuileries?

You can take a walk, have a restadmire the sculpturesmake sportparticipate in cultural eventsvisit museums (Orangerie, Jeu de Paume), and enjoy activities for children such as the rides, trampolinesor the miniature sailboats.

Is the Jardin des Tuileries free?

Yes, the entrance is free of charge all year round. Some activities, such as rides, trampolines and boat hire, are subject to a charge, but access to the garden itself is free.

Are there toilets in the Jardin des Tuileries?

Yes, several public toilets are available in the garden, in particular near the play areas and catering outlets.

Can we picnic in the Jardin des Tuileries?

Picnics are permitted, but only on certain sites. designated lawns. It is preferable to respect prohibited areas to preserve flowerbeds and furniture.

When is the Tuileries Festival?

It takes place every summerusually from late June to late August. It offers over 60 attractions, candy stalls and a family-friendly atmosphere, all in keeping with the historic site.

Which museums to visit around the Jardin des Tuileries?

Two major museums line the garden: the Musée de l'Orangerieknown for Monet's Water Liliesand the Jeu de Paumespecialized in contemporary photography and visual arts.

Is the Jardin des Tuileries stroller-friendly?

Yes, the garden is entirely stroller-friendlywith wide, step-free aisles and shaded areas ideal for breaks with young children.

When is the best time to visit the Jardin des Tuileries?

The best times are weekday mornings or in end of dayto take advantage of the calm, natural light and serenity of the site, outside the busiest hours.

Conclusion - Jardin des Tuileries

Visit Tuileries Gardens is much more than just a green space in the heart of Paris. It's a historic sitea open-air museuma living space for families, artists, strollers and heritage enthusiasts. Whether you come to admire the sculpturestake a break on a terrace, explore the neighboring museums or take advantage of seasonal entertainmentThis garden embodies the very essence of French culture: accessible, elegant and lively.

If you are travelling or a resident the countryfor more information, don't forget to consult our complete guide to visit France and discover other wonders such as the Jardin des Tuileries.

Learn more about the history, creation and evolution of this iconic space, it's over here!