If you are dreaming of sitting in the sunshine, munching on a baguette surrounded by iconic landmarks, then you need to visit the Tuileries.
What started out as a field in the 13th century with only tile factories scattered throughout. Catherine de Médicis, recently widowed of King Henri II, took it on as a pet project. In 1564, she ordered the construction of the Palais des Tuileries which became the new residence of a number of French royalty.
While the construction was happening on the building, the Tuileries Garden was being planted on the other side. In an Italian style reminiscent of Catherine’s home country, this garden featured an orangery and even a magnanery (for silk farming).
In 1664, Louis XIV decided to completely change the style of the garden to a French style which is still used today. In 1719, the main entrance was given two statues depicting Mercury upon a winged horse.
During the uprising of 1789, Louis XVI and his queen Marie Antoinette took refuge in the Tuileries palace after the revolutionaries had taken them back to the palace of Versailles. With Napoléon III’s reign two more buildings were built to house tennis courts and an orangery. Today the tennis courts have been converted into the Jeu de Paume National Gallery and the Orangery is a modern art museum known, oddly enough, as the Orangerie museum.
Today, chairs line the park, free for anyone wishing to enjoy the scenery. There are several ponds throughout the garden; one of them rents miniature sailing boats for children to push around on the water.
If you want to pack a picnic for a visit to these gardens, check out these local shops to put together one hell of an experience:
Check out this website for events that might be occurring in the garden throughout the year.
My name is Kristal and I am so happy to have you visit my site!
I hope that the travel guides, fun facts, and photography you find here will inspire you to explore new places!
