Hotels near Tuileries Garden

Catherine de' Medici commissioned the Tuileries Garden in 1564, making it the oldest public park in Paris. Andre Le Notre redesigned it in 1664 in the formal French style that would later define Versailles - symmetrical paths, clipped hedges, geometric lawns, and octagonal reflecting pools. Today the 23-hectare garden stretches from the Louvre's courtyard west to the Place de la Concorde, forming the green spine of Paris's monumental axis. Two small museums sit at the western end: the Musee de l'Orangerie (home to Monet's Water Lilies) and the Jeu de Paume (photography exhibitions).

The garden is free and open daily from 07:00 to 21:00 in summer and 07:30 to 19:30 in winter. Green metal chairs around the central basin are first-come, first-served and perfect for a rest after the Louvre. In summer, a small fairground with a Ferris wheel and carnival rides appears near the Rue de Rivoli side. The gravel paths are flat and accessible throughout.

Pro Tip: Grab a crepe or a sandwich from one of the garden's kiosks and settle into a green chair facing the Grand Bassin Rond. The combination of the Louvre behind you and the Concorde obelisk ahead makes this one of the best free lunch spots in Paris.