Tuileries Garden: A Royal Oasis in the Heart of Paris
The Tuileries Garden in Paris, France, is situated in the heart of the city, between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. The Jardin des Tuileries (French for Tuileries Garden) offers visitors a stunning blend of history, art, and natural beauty. This former royal garden, now a beloved public park, invites you to explore centuries of French culture and horticulture in the center of Paris.
In this comprehensive guide to the Tuileries Garden, you’ll discover:
The Rich History of the Tuileries
Royal Beginnings
The Tuileries Garden boasts a history as colorful and varied as the flowerbeds that grace its grounds. Created in 1564 by Catherine de Medici, it served as the garden for the Tuileries Palace, a royal residence that stood until 1871. The garden’s name originates from the tile factories (in French, Tuileries) that previously occupied the site.
André Le Nôtre, Landscape architect of the Sun King’s Masterpiece
In 1664, Louis XIV, the Sun King, commissioned André Le Nôtre, the renowned landscape architect of Versailles, to redesign the garden.
Le Nôtre transformed the space into a masterpiece of French formal garden design, characterized by symmetry, order, and perspective. His vision still forms the backbone of the garden’s layout today.
Furthermore, what is nowadays called the “Tuileries Garden” was only the formal part of the garden. The main path (French “allée centrale“) continued through a wood, similar to that in Versailles. This main path, previously in the garden’s wood, is now the Champs-Élysées.
In 1667, the Tuileries Garden became one of the first public gardens in Paris, opening its gates to all citizens, regardless of social status—a revolutionary concept at the time.
Louis XIV, the Sun King, commissioned André Le Nôtre, his landscape architect, to redesign the Tuileries Garden.
The first Manned Hydrogen Balloon
On 1 December 1783, Professor Jacques Charles and the Robert brothers launched the first manned hydrogen balloon from the Jardin des Tuileries. More than 400,000 spectators, including Louis XVI and Benjamin Franklin, witnessed the launch.
Benjamin Franklin was the diplomatic representative of the United States of America in France then. The hydrogen balloon was launched in the Tuileries garden less than three months after the treaty recognizing the US independence from Great Britain was signed in Paris on September 3, 1783.
Benjamin Franklin. He saw the launch of the first hydrogen balloon in the Tuileries Garden.
Revolutionary Times
The Tuileries Garden has silently witnessed some of the most pivotal moments in French history. On August 10, 1792, during the French Revolution, an insurrection stormed the Tuileries Palace. Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, and the royal family were obliged to shelter in the Legislative Assembly. To do so, they crossed the Tuileries Garden, where they made their last move as free people. Six weeks later, on September 21, the formal end of the monarchy occurred.
During the French First Empire, the Tuileries Palace became Napoleon‘s principal residence. To commemorate his victorious military campaign of Austerlitz, he commissioned the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, which became the formal entrance to the palace. The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel remains standing today, initially serving as a transition between the Louvre and Tuileries areas.
After being sent to Elba Island, Napoleon returned to Paris directly to the Tuileries Palace for the famous Hundred Days episode, before meeting his final destiny at Waterloo.
The Tuileries Garden became a symbol of the new republic and the Napoleonic era.
Most of our Napoleon Tours and some of our French Revolution tours include the Tuileries Garden in their itinerary.
The Arc de Triomphe du Caroussel is still delimiting the Louvre area from the Tuileries Garden area.
19th Century Transformations
Throughout the centuries, the garden evolved in tandem with each change in political regime. In the 19th century, Napoleon III made significant additions, including the construction of the Orangerie and Jeu de Paume museums. The destruction of the Tuileries Palace in 1871 during the Paris Commune marked the end of an era, but it also opened up new vistas and possibilities for the garden.
Palais des Tuileries around 10 years before its destruction.
Palais des Tuileries in fire May 24th 1871.
Modern Legacy
Today, the Tuileries Garden is a living testament to French history and garden design. It seamlessly blends its royal past with its role as a beloved public space in the heart of modern Paris.
Garden Layout and Key Features
The Tuileries Garden stretches from the former site of the Tuileries Palace (now occupied by the Louvre) to the Place de la Concorde. The garden is divided into several distinct areas, each with its own character and features:
Grand Carré (French for big square)
Closest to the Louvre, we find the Grand Carré. This area exemplifies the French formal garden style, characterized by its geometric flower beds and meticulously manicured lawns. At its center lies the Grand Bassin Rond, a circular pool that serves as a focal point, reflecting the sky and surrounding trees.
The Grand Carré is also home to an impressive collection of classical sculptures, adding an artistic dimension to the horticultural display. Visitors can admire works primarily from the 17th and 18th centuries, including:
- Statues depicting figures from classical mythology
- Allegorical representations of virtues, seasons, or elements
- Sculptures of historical figures
These sculptures are strategically placed throughout the Grand Carré, inviting visitors to discover them as they explore the paths and flower beds. The juxtaposition of these classical artworks against the formal garden design creates a harmonious aesthetic experience, embodying the essence of the French classical garden style.
The ongoing restoration work in this area focuses on preserving the intricate patterns of the flower beds, improving drainage systems, and maintaining and conserving these valuable historical sculptures, ensuring they continue to enhance the garden’s beauty and cultural significance for years to come.
Grand Carré – Diane à la Biche statue (English Diana with a Doe sculpture) – April.
Entry of the Tuileries Garden at the level of the former Tuileries Palace.
The Grand Basin Rond in the Grand Carré (eastern part of Tuileries Garden).
The Tuileries Garden is a sanctuary for biodiversity in the heart of Paris. Blue irises with ducks in the first ground – Grand Carre area – Spring, May.
The Tuileries Garden is a sanctuary for biodiversity in the heart of Paris – Grand Carré area – Beehives – Spring, April.
Bosquets (French for Groves)
On either side of the Grande Allée lie the bosquets or groves. These densely planted areas create intimate garden rooms within the larger landscape. Each grove is unique, with its distinct character and features. Some notable examples include:
- Two groves featuring Exedra ponds providing serene water features
- Groves adorned with modern structures, blending contemporary art with nature
- A grove housing a charming merry-go-round for children
- A historical grove paying tribute to Charles Perrault and the mulberry trees once planted here by King Henry IV of France
The restoration project includes replanting approximately 2,000 trees across 16 groves, reviving Le Nôtre‘s original design while adapting to modern needs and preserving these unique features.
Tuileries Garden – The Groves zone (Bosquets) – Exedre pond with cafe terrace.
The Groves zone (Bosquets) – Tuileries Garden – Merry-go-round in May.
The Groves zone (Bosquets) – Tuileries Garden – Statue of Charles Perrault – Acanthus and Mulberry Trees in May.
Fer à Cheval (French for Horseshoes)
We reach the horseshoe-shaped area by approaching Place de la Concorde. This section is centered around the Grand Bassin Octagonal, an octagonal pool that creates a serene setting. The ongoing restoration project has paid particular attention to this area, ensuring the preservation of its historic design.
View of Place de la Concorde with its obelisk from Tuileries Garden in the “fer à cheval” (horseshoe in French) zone.
Tuileries Garden, the “fer à cheval” (horseshoe in French) zone – A lot of amazing lavender was recently planted – The south part of the zone, receiving a lot of sun, is called La Provence.
The Orangerie and Jeu de Paume
Two important museums flank the western end of the garden:
Musée de l’Orangerie
Originally a greenhouse for orange trees, the Orangerie now houses Claude Monet‘s breathtaking Water Lilies series. These massive canvases offer an immersive Impressionist experience. The museum also displays works by Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso.
Jeu de Paume
Across from the Orangerie, the former royal tennis court has been transformed into a center for contemporary art and photography, providing a modern contrast to the garden’s historical setting.
The western end of the Tuileries Garden Orangerie Museum – Western facade.
Rodin The Kiss Jardin des Tuileries – in front of the entry of the Orangerie Museum – Place de la Concorde in the background.
Ongoing Restoration Project
The Tuileries Garden is a living space in constant evolution. Since the 1990s, an extensive restoration project has been underway to return the garden to its 17th-century glory while adapting it to modern needs. Key aspects of this project include:
- Replanting the Grande Allée with disease-resistant elm trees to recreate its historic appearance
- Restoring the bosquets, including the replanting of approximately 2,000 trees across 16 groves
- Renovating pathways and improving drainage systems
- Restoring various monuments within the garden
This ongoing work ensures the garden maintains its historic design while evolving and adapting, remaining a vibrant part of Parisian life.
Activities and Events
Year-Round Attractions
The Tuileries Garden is a vibrant hub of Parisian life, offering a variety of activities and events throughout the year. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, a family looking for fun, or simply someone who enjoys the outdoors, the Tuileries has something to offer.
The Famous Green Chairs
A quintessential feature of the Tuileries Garden is its iconic green metal chairs. These green chairs, freely available for public use, are scattered throughout the garden. Visitors can arrange them as they please, creating impromptu seating areas to relax, read, or soak in the Parisian atmosphere.
Picnicking and People-Watching
The Tuileries Garden is a favorite spot for picnicking and people-watching. On sunny days, the lawns and free-to-use green chairs fill with locals and tourists, creating a lively, convivial atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely lunch while immersing yourself in the Parisian ambiance.
Fitness and Recreation
Fitness enthusiasts will find the garden’s paths ideal for jogging or brisk walks. Early morning or evening runs through the Tuileries offer a uniquely beautiful setting.
Model Boats
If you have young children, the Little Boats at the Grand Bassin in the central alley have been an iconic activity of the Garden since 1850. There is a fleet of little boats. Children can pick a ship and help it navigate with a stick; renting one costs 4 euros.
Other Children Activities
This includes a play area (free), a merry-go-round (€ 3), and trampolines (€ 3).
Seasonal Attractions
The main seasonal attractions of the Tuileries Garden are the funfairs, one in the summer and one in the winter.
Fête des Tuileries
One of the garden’s most anticipated annual events is the Fête des Tuileries, a summer carnival that transforms a park section into a whimsical wonderland. Visitors can enjoy classic fairground rides, games, and treats from late June to late August.
Entry to the fête des Tuileries funfair is free, but rides and attractions are charged.
Fête des Tuileries! Famous summer funfair at Tuileries Garden.
Christmas Market
The Tuileries Garden hosts a festive Christmas Market during the winter holiday. Visitors can explore charming wooden chalets selling artisanal gifts, seasonal treats, and warm drinks, all set against the backdrop of the beautifully illuminated garden.
Guided Tours
For those interested in delving deeper into the garden’s rich history and horticultural significance, the Louvre / Tuileries normally organizes free 1h15 public guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays from the beginning of April to the end of October. However, these tours are in French, and limited places are available. You can also contact us for an English private tour with a flexible schedule.
The Tuileries Through the Seasons
Spring Renewal
Spring in the Tuileries is a celebration of renewal and color. As Paris emerges from winter, the garden bursts into life with a spectacular display of spring blooms. Tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths create carpets of color in the formal flower beds, while the cherry and Judas trees offer delicate canopies of pink and white blossoms.
Photo of Gardeners of the Tuileries garden planting flowers in the flower beds at the beginning of April.
Photo of Judas trees in full bloom with purple flowers. At the beginning of April, the numerous Judas trees of the Grand Carré give a fantastic spectacle.
Octagonal Basin area with lavender and iris flower beds—The numerous iris flowers throughout the Tuileries garden will be a fantastic spectacle in May.
Summer Splendor
Summer brings long, warm days perfect for strolls and picnics. The garden’s lawns and chairs fill with sunbathers and book readers, creating a lively, convivial atmosphere. This is when the Fête des Tuileries takes place, adding a carnival flair to the western end of the garden.
Autumn Hues
Autumn paints the Tuileries Garden in warm gold, orange, and red hues as the leaves of its many trees change color. This season offers a more contemplative mood, perfect for quiet walks and reflection.
Winter Magic
Winter transforms the Tuileries into a serene, sometimes snow-dusted landscape. The bare trees reveal architectural details often hidden in summer, and the low winter sun casts long shadows across the grounds, creating dramatic vistas. The Christmas Market brings a festive atmosphere to the cool winter days.
The 2024 Olympic Cauldron
During the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics, the Tuileries Garden was the site of the famous Olympic cauldron. This 30-meter-tall structure, featuring a 7-meter-diameter flame ring, will be accessible to the public during the day and rise to over 60 meters each evening, creating a spectacular sight. This eco-friendly, electric flame represents an innovative approach to the Olympic tradition.
Despite some discussion during the summer of 2024, it was decided that the sculpture would not remain permanent and was removed.
Carrousel Garden
Although technically separate, the Carrousel Garden is an essential extension of the Tuileries Garden. Located between the Louvre and the main Tuileries Garden, it was once the rear part of the garden when the Tuileries Palace was still standing.
The 3.6-hectare Carrousel Garden was redesigned in 1990-1991 as part of French President François Mitterrand’s Grand Louvre project. Indeed, it is now a roof garden built on an underground parking lot and exhibition rooms.
The Carrousel Garden starts at the Level of the Carrousel Arch, which Napoleon commissioned to commemorate his Austerlitz victory and the corresponding military campaign. This arch was formerly the formal triumphal entrance of the Tuileries Palace.
The Carrousel Garden houses notable sculptures, including works by Aristide Maillol (the dominant sculptor in France after Rodin’s death), adding an artistic dimension to the horticultural display. Depending on the time of day, you can have fantastic photo opportunities from there to the main Tuileries Garden.
Tips for Visiting
- Visit early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist season.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the garden covers a large area with gravel paths.
- Take advantage of the free green chairs in the garden for an authentic Parisian relaxation experience.
- Bring a picnic on the lawns – it’s a quintessential Parisian experience.
- Check the garden’s official website for information on current exhibitions and events.
- Consider combining your visit with a trip to the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay for a full day of art and culture.
- Don’t miss the sunset views from the western end of the garden, looking towards the Eiffel Tower.
- If you are visiting with children, visit the playground in the western part of the garden.
- Remember that the garden closes at night, with closing times varying by season.
- Follow guided private tours. Discover hidden gems, learn fascinating stories, and gain insider knowledge about this iconic Parisian landmark.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of the Tuileries Garden?
The Tuileries Garden is open daily, with hours varying by season:
- April 1 to May 31 and September 1 to September 30: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- June 1 to August 31: 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- October 1 to March 31: 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Is there an entrance fee for the Tuileries Garden?
No, the Tuileries Garden is free to enter and explore.
Are dogs allowed in the Tuileries Garden?
Dogs are permitted in the Tuileries Garden, but they must be kept on a leash. Some areas may be restricted to dogs.
What’s the best time to visit the Tuileries Garden?
Spring and early summer offer beautiful blooms, while autumn provides stunning foliage. However, the Tuileries Garden is charming year-round, each season offering its unique atmosphere.
What to do, what to see around the Tuileries Garden?
World-famous museums and monuments surround the Tuileries garden: in the north, Opéra Garnier and Palais Royal; in the east, the Louvre Museum; in the south, the Orsay Museum; and in the west, the Orangerie Museum, the Jeux de Paume Museum, and the Hôtel de la Marine Museum. For more information, also see our dedicated post on what to see and do around the Louvre.
Photo of the Orsay Museum (in the background) from the Grand Bassin Rond in the Tuileries Garden at the beginning of April.
Experience the Tuileries Garden with a Private Tour
Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of the Tuileries Garden with our expert-guided private tours. Discover hidden gems, learn fascinating stories, and gain insider knowledge about this iconic Parisian landmark.
We do not currently offer a pre-designed tour of the Tuileries Garden. However, most of our Napoleon Tours and some of our French Revolution tours include the Tuileries Garden in their itinerary. We can also organize a custom tour on demand for garden enthusiasts who want to explore the Jardin des Tuileries in depth.
Contact us about a custom Tuileries Garden Tour. Explore our range of private tours in Paris to make the most of your visit to the City of Light! Also, see Yves’ webpage. He is the Broaden-horizons tour guide in Paris, and his page is full of helpful information.