In the 1st arrondissement is the pretty stretch of formal French Gardens called the Jardin Des Tuileries. This is a stereotypical example of French landscaping at the height of their formality. Designed by the famous André Le Nôtre for Louis XIV, these are another must-see of your trip to Paris.
The Jardin Des Tuileries is a garden on the grandest of scales. It features classical statues, fountains, finely pressed gravel paths, and carefully positioned and precisely trimmed hedges. You can see the Louvre at one end and the Place de Concorde at the other. There are vantage points from which you can clearly see the Tour Eiffel and the Musée d’Orsay.
The Jardin Des Tuileries is also home to the Musée de l’Orangerie, housed in a former greenhouse for citrus trees. This museum contains some of the country’s most beautiful works by the Impressionist, Claude Monet. This is the Water Lilies series – Nymphéas. The Musée de l’Orangerie also presents early 20th century paintings of interest. Of particular note are the works by John Walter and Paul Guillaume. Also represented are pieces by Rousseau, Paul Cézanne, Renoir, Utrillo, Soutine, Derain and Picasso.
If the museum does not appeal, try walking the paths. Wander along the Right Bank of the Seine to cool off on a hot summer day. There are also several round pools. Here you can try your hand at sailing boats. Children also like the merry-go-round and the pony rides.
The Gardens also have a small bookstore beneath the stairs close to the Rue de Rivoli. Pick up something to read. You can then sit down and enjoy the promenading of Parisian and visitors alike. There is an open-air café to help you people-watch.
While you are in the neighborhood, you may consider fitting in any of the following nearby attractions:
- Musée de Louvre – Palais Royale
- Jardin du Palais Royale
- Forum des Halles
- Arc de Triomphe du Carousel
- Musée des Arts Décoratifs