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Stretching elegantly between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, the Jardin des Tuileries is far more than just a patch of green in the City of Light. It’s a place where revolutionaries once rallied, royals once strolled, and Parisians today still come to unwind, flirt, snack, and sunbathe on those iconic green chairs.
What is the story behind the Jardin des Tuileries?
The Jardin des Tuileries began as a royal playground. Commissioned by Queen Catherine de’ Medici in 1564, it was originally attached to the now-destroyed Tuileries Palace. The name Tuileries comes from the tile factories (tuiles) that once occupied the land before the palace.
In the 17th century, landscape genius André Le Nôtre - yes, the same mastermind behind the great palace Versailles - transformed it into a classic French formal garden. Over centuries, it evolved with France: it became a public park after the French Revolution, and even served as a protest ground and military camp during key moments in history.
Despite revolutions and redesigns, the Tuileries never lost its soul - it’s still a space where art, politics, and leisure mingle under the Parisian sky.
Curious about royal intrigue and revolutionary drama? Dive into the full narrative on the StoryHunt Inner Paris audio walk.
Why is the Jardin des Tuileries famous?
The Tuileries is iconic for many reasons:
- It’s Paris’s oldest public park, open to all since 1667.
- The garden links two of the city’s most important landmarks: the Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde.
- It’s filled with sculptures by artists like Maillol, Rodin, and Giacometti.
- It hosts seasonal fêtes, pop-up art exhibits, and Paris Fashion Week photo ops.
But perhaps what makes it truly famous is that it’s a microcosm of Parisian life. Morning joggers, philosophers with notebooks, gossiping teenagers, and tourists all coexist here - each adding a chapter to the garden’s story.
What does Tuileries mean in French?
Tuileries literally means "tile factories" (tuiles = tiles). Before it became a palace garden, the area was home to a cluster of tile-making workshops. When Catherine de’ Medici decided to build her palace there, the name stuck.
It’s a quirky little detail that ties the garden to its artisanal roots - proof that even royal ground can have humble beginnings.
Are the Tuileries Gardens free?
Yes! The Tuileries Garden is 100% free to enter, making it one of the best-value cultural attractions in Paris. Whether you want to stroll, picnic, sketch, or just soak up the vibe, it won’t cost you a cent.
Opening hours typically range from:
- 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Spring/Summer)
- 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM (Fall/Winter)
There’s no need for tickets or reservations - just walk right in.
Psst... You can turn that free visit into something extraordinary by syncing it with the StoryHunt Inner Paris audio walk. Free garden + immersive storytelling = perfect Paris moment.
Is the Tuileries Garden part of the Louvre?
Yes - and no.
Geographically speaking, the Tuileries Garden is connected to the Louvre complex. It was originally the royal garden of the Tuileries Palace, which stood adjacent to the Louvre until it was burned down in 1871.
Today, the gardens fall under the administration of the Louvre Museum, but they are separate from the museum experience itself. No ticket to the Louvre? No problem - you can still explore the garden.
Fun fact: Several outdoor sculptures in the garden are actually part of the Louvre’s collection.
How long does it take to walk the Tuileries Garden?
If you’re in a rush, you could walk from the Louvre to Place de la Concorde in 15-20 minutes. But trust us - you’ll want to linger.
Here’s a relaxed plan:
- 30-40 minutes for a full stroll with photos
- 1-1.5 hours if you stop for a coffee, admire sculptures, or people-watch
- Add time if you're listening to the StoryHunt audio guide, which makes the experience richer (and more fun)
Make it part of a leisurely Paris afternoon. Combine it with a museum stop, a book under the trees, or a sketch session by the fountains.
Is it worth seeing Jardin des Tuileries?
Absolutely. The Tuileries isn’t just worth visiting - it’s essential to understanding the rhythm of Paris. It’s a living museum, an urban oasis, and a gateway to the city’s past.
Why it’s worth it:
- You walk through 500+ years of Parisian history
- You get a free outdoor sculpture park
- It’s perfectly located between other landmarks
- It’s gorgeous in every season
Even if you're only in Paris for a day, make space for the Tuileries.
What else is nearby Jardin des Tuileries?
Inner Paris is filled with iconic landmarks. Here's what’s within a 10-minute walk:
- Louvre Museum: Enough said.
- Musée de l'Orangerie: Home to Monet’s Water Lilies, right inside the garden’s west end.
- Place de la Concorde: With its towering obelisk and Revolution-era history.
- Rue de Rivoli: Ideal for shopping and local eats.
- Seine Riverbanks: For a golden-hour stroll or river cruise.
Ready to see it all from a new perspective? Use the StoryHunt Inner Paris audio walk as your guide to get a fresh take on familiar sights.
