Paris Gardens to Enjoy

Paris gardens beckon locals and tourists alike to sit and relax, rest your weary feet, forget the cares of the day, revel in the green of the grass and trees, and enjoy the bright-colored blooms. This being Paris, a palace may be nearby, and artistic sculptures adorn the gardens. Ponds and lakes and fountains add to the ambience.

Here are a few of my favorite Paris gardens.

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The Tuileries Gardens

Sprawling just outside the Louvre, the Tuileries Gardens are the most famous of the many parks in Paris. The Tuileries takes its name from the tile factories that occupied this land when Queen Catherine de Medici built her palace here in 1564. A hundred years later, King Louis XIV hired his gardener to redesign the gardens in their current French formal style.

The Tuileries includes two large ponds and sculptures, such as the one pictured here by Jean-Baptiste Hugues, titled “L’Homme et sa Misere.” Paris has its own triumphal arch, which looks much like Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate. The triumphal arch has graced this garden area since the 1600s.

Stroll along, sit a while in one of the green chairs scattered about, and maybe stop for a coffee at the little cafe. Pop into the small museum of Monet’s paintings, the Orangerie, at one end of the gardens. After you’ve sauntered through the Tuileries, you emerge at the Place de Concorde, back in the busy circle at the heart of Paris.

One excellent way to explore Paris is with a walking tour. I highly recommend Take Walks Paris!

Luxembourg Gardens

Lovely Luxembourg Gardens, with its resident palace, dates back to 1612. The gardens were designed for Princess Marie de Medici, who became Queen of France.  The palace is now used by the French Senate. The gardens offer spacious lawns, tree-lined lanes, sculptures, and fountains. My favorite part of these Paris gardens is the toy boats. On weekends, children can sail colorful wooden toy boats in the lake. The young ones run around the lake chasing the boats and laughing. It’s simply charming.

Place des Vosges

This elegant garden in the Marais district is the earliest planned green space in Paris. A perfect square of only 150 yards on each side, the Place des Vosges is bordered by 36 buildings. Victor Hugo lived here, and his home is now a museum you can visit. What I love about this Paris garden is that locals come here to hang out, study, work out, and wander. On a Sunday afternoon, it’s the place to be.

The Formal Gardens at Versailles

The formal gardens found out the back door of the Palace at Versailles will amaze you with their symmetry and color. Swirls of flower beds and hedges invite you to enjoy nature. You can tour the palace and then come outside for fresh air and the view. There’s something satisfying about these rows of impeccably trimmed trees.

Where to stay

Paris offers hundreds of hotels. It’s sometimes overwhelming to start looking for a place to stay. Here are a few suggestions for lovely hotels near some of the sites mentioned. With the excellent Paris Metro system, you will be able to arrive wherever you like with just a little planning.

Near the Invalides: The Hotel de Varenne is exquisitely decorated and includes an inviting patio. You can walk from here to the Invalides as well as the Rodin Museum. (7th arrondissement)

Book your stay at the elegant Hotel de Varenne around the corner from the Rodin Museum.

Near the Pantheon: Hotel des Grand Hommes and (right next door) the Hotel les Dames du Pantheon. Both of these elegant hotels are across the street from the Pantheon. From my balcony room at the Grand Hommes I watched the sun rise on the iconic Pantheon. (5th arrondissement)

Book your stay at the Hotel des Grand Hommes and enjoy a view of the stately Pantheon out your window.

Near the Museum of the Liberation of Paris: Hotel Serotel Lutece is in the Latin Quarter, not exactly near the museum. But it is within comfortable walking distance. You can also walk from here to the Pantheon, Notre Dame, and Sainte-Chapelle. Not only is this a comfortable, attractive hotel, but I also found the staff here to be extra helpful with directions and information. (5th arrondissement)

Book your stay at the cozy Hotel Serotel Lutece in a walkable neighborhood near metro stations, shops, and restaurants.

Central to wherever you want to go: Hotel Moliere, themed on the French poet, is a delightful hotel near the Louvre. It is surprisingly affordable for this pricey area. You can walk or take the Metro to any sites you would like to visit. (1st arrondissement)

Book your stay at Hotel Moliere near the Louvre and the lovely Tuileries Garden.

Consider a side trip to the D-Day Beaches and Normandy

History comes alive when you visit the D-Day Beaches in Normandy. Just a two-hour train ride or drive from Paris, the Normandy beaches offer battle sites and museums. Pay respects at the many somber cemeteries. Stay in charming Bayeux. Normandy makes a great side trip if you are going to Paris.

Book the elegant Hotel Churchill in Bayeux, the perfect base for exploring the D-Day Beaches.

Places to visit include Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, and Gold, Juno, and Sword Beaches. If you have time, include all 5 D-Day Beaches in your itinerary for an amazing overview of June 6, 1944 and Operation Overlord.

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I can recommend renting with Auto Europe.

FOR MORE OF PARIS, HEAD TO THESE POSTS!

Paris WWII Sites for History Lovers

Tips for Your First Trip to Paris

A Few Hours in Paris

Reasons to Visit the Eiffel Tower

Climbing Up Into the Eiffel Tower

Exploring the Rodin Museum

5 Reasons to Visit Luxembourg Gardens

The D’Orsay Museum in Paris

A Walk in the Latin Quarter

If you are in Paris long enough for a day trip, take the train out to Monet’s residence, Giverny, to peruse the gardens and the famous lily pond. In the US, my favorite garden is New York’s Central Park during springtime.

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