Tuileries Garden | A Green Haven Right Next to the Louvre
Tuileries Garden | Louvre
Tuileries Garden, often known as the Louvre Garden, is a sprawling public garden in the heart of Paris. Built in 1564, the garden opened for the public in 1667 and got its name from the tile factories that stood in the area.
Today, Tuileries Garden is a prime attraction in Paris, thanks to its proximity to the Louvre Museum. You can get all the information to visit the Tuileries Garden from here.
Why Visit the Tuileries Garden?
With green trees, colorful flora, and beautiful sculptures, Tuileries Garden represents the spirit of Paris. The garden has playgrounds for kids, little ponds, hedges, and shady trees that create beautiful scenery. It also has an open-air museum exhibiting the sculptures of great masters like Auguste Rodin and Claude Monet.
Tuileries Garden is divided into three parts. This distinctive design allows visitors to experience the place in three unique ways as if you're in three different gardens. Take a stroll in the garden to experience its magnificence up close.
Once a Royal Garden, Now a Public Park
Tuileries Garden wasn't fully opened to the public until 1871. In 1667, nearly 100 years after it was built, it was open to select people. The garden was built as part of the grand Tuileries Palace and was used by the Royal Family and French nobles.
The Palace and the garden were private properties of French monarchs that included King Louis XIII, Napoleon I, Henri IV, and Louis XIV. An uprising in 1871 turned violent and resulted in the Palace being burnt down. Luckily, Tuileries Garden survived the onslaught and was opened to the general public ever since.
Who Designed the Tuileries Garden?
The initial design of Tuileries Garden was done by Italian architect Bernard de Carnesse on the orders of Queen Catherine de' Medici, widow of King Henry II. The idea was to build an Italian-style Renaissance-era garden. In 1664, during the rule of King Louis XIV, French architect André Le Nôtre was commissioned to overhaul the entire garden. The landscaping of André Le Nôtre divided Tuileries Garden into three stages - the arrangement is still unchanged.
André Le Nôtre is praised for his geometry illusions. The view from where the Tuileries Palace once stood, displays the four ponds in the vast garden as having the same size. In reality, however, the octagonal pool at one end is twice as big as the round pool at another end.
A Brief History of the Tuileries Garden
Tuileries Garden has an eventful history. It all started in 1564 when Queen Catherine de' Medici constructed the garden in Italian style. It remained a private garden of the monarchs living in the Tuileries Palace for many centuries. French noblemen like King Louis XIII and the son of Napoleon I were among the kids from the Royal Family who used this garden as their playground.
In 1664, King Louis XIV hired André Le Nôtre, who built the gardens of the Palace of Versailles to overhaul the Tuileries Garden. The People's Revolution in 1871 saw Tuileries Palace burnt down, but the garden was spared and eventually became a public park.
Major Areas Inside Tuileries Garden
Tuileries Garden is unique for the design of its architect André Le Nôtre. He was considered the go-to man in the 17th century when it came to French landscaping. Tuileries Garden consists of three major sections.
The Grand Carré
This portion of Tuileries Garden close to the Louvre Museum was designed in the formal French garden style. Drawing inspiration from the style of Italian Renaissance gardens, the Grand Carré is symmetrical. It was designed to admire the beauty of the garden from Tuileries Palace. You can find low hedges, ponds, statues, as part of the once private gardens of Kings, Louis Philippe and Napoleon III.
The Grand Couvert
The Grand Couvert is where you can find the tree cover. It's at the center of the Tuileries Garden and intersects with the Grande Allée, the path leading to Place de la Concorde square. It's said that Andre Le Nôtre oversaw the planting of trees in this portion. But most of the trees in Grand Couvert are new, with only a small number of trees older than two centuries.
Horseshoe Ramps & Terraces
The horseshoe ramps in the garden can be found on the Octagon, an open area surrounding the pond known as the Grand Basin. The horseshoe-shaped ramps lead to terraces, which are ideal viewpoints to admire the Place de la Concorde. The Octagon is a very popular spot with tourists and locals. There are a few historic sculptures in this section.
Sculptures at the Garden
Inspired by the Louvre Museum, the Louvre Garden is often touted as an open-air museum. Across the garden, you can spot some of the iconic masterpieces in French art.
One notable statue is 'Theseus and the Minotaur' by Etienne Jules Ramey. This sculpture depicts the Greek legend of King Theseus fighting a Minotaur. Another work worth mentioning is a statue of Hercules by Giovanni Comino.
Activities for Children
Tuileries Garden is a popular recreational area in Paris. There are several activities suitable for children and families.
Play Area
The play area in the Louvre Garden opened in 2015 and is located near the Castiglione entrance. Kids can enjoy various small rides and play in groups. The play area has a slide, swings, and roundabouts for children to enjoy. Near the Grand Couvert section, a rope bridge with compartments is erected, and it's a very famous attraction. Entrance to the play area is free of charge.
Boats
Since 1850, Parisian children have been sailing their small boats in the Grand Basin in Tuileries Garden. More than a tourist activity, boating in Tuileries Garden has become a tradition. You can pick a boat from the fleet with your favorite color sail and row it on the Grand Basin. Renting a small boat will cost you €4.
Carousel
To ride the carousel, you have to enter through Castiglione entrance. Painted white, bright, and ornate, the carousel at Tuileries Garden is based on the theme of books written by renowned French author Charles Perrault. A ride on the carrousel will cost you €3.
Trampoline
If your kids are above two years old, they can enjoy the trampolines at Tuileries Garden. The trampolines are located north of the garden near Octagonal Basin. After enjoying the trampolines, don't forget to say hi to the warrior Puss in Boots, whose monument can be seen nearby. Pay €3 for the trampoline experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Tuileries Garden at Louvre
A. The Tuileries Garden or Louvre Garden is a public park close to the Louvre Museum in Paris.
A. Yes. Due to its proximity to the Louvre Museum, the Tuileries Garden is often referred to as the Louvre Garden.
A. The Tuileries Garden is located between the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde.
A. Yes, the Tuileries Garden is open to the public.
A. The Tuileries Garden is open from 07:30 AM to 07:30 PM.
A. The Tuileries Garden was built in 1564.
A. Yes. The Tuileries Garden was built as an extension of the Tuileries Palace.
A. Inside the Tuileries Garden, you will find a wide variety of flora, trees, fountains, ponds, and sculptures. There are also several attractions for children and families.
A. The two primary architects who designed the Tuileries Garden were Bernard de Carnesse and André Le Nôtre.
A. There are many sculptures at the Tuileries Garden. One notable statue is 'Theseus and the Minotaur' by Etienne Jules Ramey. Another work worth mentioning is a statue of Hercules by Giovanni Comino.
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