park
Tuileries Garden
Paris's first public garden, designed by Le Nôtre, between the Louvre and Concorde.
History & context
Created in 1564 for Catherine de Medici, the garden is named after the tile works that once stood here. In 1664 André Le Nôtre gave it the strict perspective that opens the historic axis running to La Défense.
Open to the public from the 17th century, it was the first Parisian garden accessible to everyone. The Tuileries Palace that closed it to the east burned down in 1871.
Why visit
- ·The finest urban perspective in Paris, from the Louvre to Concorde
- ·Open-air sculptures by Maillol, Rodin and Giacometti
- ·Two museums at its ends: the Orangerie and the Jeu de Paume
What to see
- ·Grand basin
- ·Maillol & Rodin statues
- ·Orangerie and Water Lilies
- ·Jeu de Paume
Practical tips
- ·Combine with Louvre and Orangerie
- ·Funfair July–August
Best photo spots
- ·The octagonal basin lined up with the obelisk
- ·The central alley at sunset
Good to know
- ·The chairs around the basins are free to use
- ·A large funfair sets up along rue de Rivoli in summer
- ·Little shade at midday in high summer
Schedules and tickets may change. Check the official website before booking.
Anu's insider tip
Walk from the Louvre toward Concorde late in the day: the light runs straight up the alley.
Itineraries with this place
Nearby
Musée de l'Orangerie
An elegant gallery in the heart of the Tuileries, home to Monet's monumental Water Lilies and the Walter-Guillaume collection.
Louvre Museum
The world's largest museum and former royal palace, the Louvre holds 35,000 works including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.
Champs-Élysées
"The world's most beautiful avenue" runs 1.9 km from Concorde to the Étoile.
Musée d'Orsay
A Belle Époque train station turned museum, Orsay holds the world's largest Impressionist collection.