The Tuileries Garden: A Complete Guide to Paris’s Most Iconic Park

TLDR: The Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuileries) is Paris's oldest public park, stretching between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. It is 100% free to enter and famous for its symmetrical French design, iconic green chairs, and world-class sculptures. The name literally means "tile factories," referring to the workshops that stood here before the royal palace was built.

Nestled in the heart of the 1st Arrondissement, the Tuileries Garden is a living museum of French history and a peaceful escape from the city's bustle. Whether you are a photography enthusiast looking for the perfect shot of the Louvre or a traveler planning your daily itinerary, this guide provides essential visiting hours, ticket info, and the fascinating stories behind its statues and name.

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.

Why is 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.

The top things to see in Jardin des Tuileries is:

• The Octagonal Basin: The grand pond at the west end, perfect for sailing traditional wooden toy boats.
• Maillol Bronzes: A collection of 18 sculptures by Aristide Maillol scattered through the flowerbeds.
• The Musée de l'Orangerie: Located in the southwest corner, home to Monet's famous Water Lilies.
• The Green Chairs: Iconic Parisian seats that are free to move and use for relaxing by the fountains.

What does "Tuileries" mean?

The name Tuileries originates from the French word tuiles, meaning tiles. Before Queen Catherine de' Medici commissioned a palace here in 1564, the site was occupied by several tile-making workshops. Although the palace was destroyed during the Paris Commune in 1871, the name remained as a tribute to the land's humble artisanal roots.

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.

Are Tuileries Garden tickets required?

Entry to the Tuileries Garden is free all year round. You do not need a ticket to walk the paths, sit by the fountains, or view the outdoor sculptures.

However, the two museums located within the garden grounds - Musée de l'Orangerie and the Jeu de Paume - do require separate paid tickets and advance booking is highly recommended.

What athe opening hours for Tuileries Gardens?

The garden's opening hours vary significantly by season to align with daylight.

• Winter (Sept–March): 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
• Spring/Autumn (April, May, Sept, Oct): 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
• Summer (June, July, August): 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

‍Note: Visitors are asked to begin vacating the premises 30 minutes before closing.

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.

The best photo spots in Tuileries Garden are:

• Terrasse du Bord de l'Eau: A raised, tree-lined walkway offering elevated views of the garden and the Seine.
• The Grand Allée: The central path providing a perfectly symmetrical frame of the Louvre Museum.
• The Ferris Wheel (Seasonal): Located near Rue de Rivoli, providing a "pigeon's eye view" of the city.

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.