With so many famous landmarks in Paris it can be tough to decide, but no visit would be complete without time spent in one of the city’s many famous gardens. So much more than just a pretty backdrop, surrounding some other famous place, they offer a welcome respite from the bustle of city life, or if you’re a traveling family a great place to relax and regroup. Aiming to spend less time planning, and more time wandering, the gardens of Paris fit our bill perfectly.
Jardin du Luxembourg
Our first stop upon arrival to Paris was the Jardin du Luxembourg, conveniently located just three blocks from our hotel. With no particular destination in mind, our initial intention was to wander straight through, but as soon as we saw the little wooden boats on the pond, we changed our minds!
Simon, teen that he is, wasn’t sure this would be fun, but before too long he was just as into it as the rest of us! Each ship represented a different country and we were excited to see that there was also a pirate ship! However, it was already in use when we arrived. When eventually the rain chased us off we found shelter at a nearby gelato place.
Returning here many times during our visit I loved the many statues and fountains within the gardens, while my boys enjoyed hunting the many Pokemon who apparently live there. Not interested in statues or Pokemon? Don’t worry, you’ll find there is something for everyone! There are plenty of spots perfect for contemplation, the reading of a good book, or a cat nap. Feeling a bit more active, there are tennis courts, bocce courts and playgrounds.
Tip: You’ll find the wooden boats just next to the pond. They are available to rent for €3.50 an hour.
Location: The 6th Arrondissement between Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter
Jardin des Tuileries
Due to its proximity to the Louvre, the Jardin des Tuileries might just be the most famous garden in Paris. While we didn’t find time for the Louvre on this visit we did find ourselves in the gardens. In addition to the usual offerings the gardens host a carnival each summer from June to August. I loved seeing the stark contrast between the carnival rides and the centuries old gardens, buildings and statues.
Tip: Entry to the Fête des Tuileries is free, however there is a fee for the rides and attractions.
Location: The 1st Arrondissement between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde
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galanda23
What an inspirational post! I love les Jardins de Paris, the Tuileries. I miss Paris… #TheWeeklyPostcard
Hilary
Thank you!
Len Kagami
Gorgeous photos! My favorite: the Foutain at Jardin du Luxembourg. I have been to Paris a few times but did not have a chance to visit Jardin du Luxembourg (either it was raining cat and dog or I did not have enough time). And I did not know that you can rent the boats, I thought people brought their own boats 🙂
Hilary
It was super fun and at 3.50 a real value!
Anisa
I really enjoyed my visit to Jardin du Luxembourg on my last trip to Paris. Next time, I will add Jardin des Tuileries to my list for my next trip. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard
California Globetrotter
This looks like a scene from a movie! I’ve never actually seen anywhere that provides like boat to play with!I don’t think I made it to this garden the last time I was in Paris, so I’ve saved this! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Hilary
It was such a good time, and if I am lucky enough to find myself back in Paris, it will definitely be on my list, kids or no kids!
Cultural Wednesday
I want to sail boats in the Jardin du Luxembourg #TheWeeklyPostcard
joylovestravel
Love both of these places – your photos are gorgeous and it was so nice to revisit in this post!
Hilary
Thank you!
eileen g
we also visited Paris with a child. I saw very little of the Romantic City of Lights and plenty of Paris’ parks. We liked the puppet shows several of the parks have, even with our limited French. The Tuilleries was our favorite.
Hilary
I get it! We hired a taxi one evening so we could “tour” the city at night and it was lovely!
mymeenalife
Beautiful destinations! I especially like your photos comparing the rides and older structures. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Hilary
Thank you!
Linda
Lovely post and beautiful photos! Thank you so much for sharing, and warm greetings from Montreal, Canada. 🙂
Hilary
Thank you!!
Mary P
! I want to sail boats in the Jardin du Luxembourg #TheWeeklyPostcard
Phoebe
My kids used to love sailing the boats and it was a favourite thing to do when living in Paris, to take visitors there. One thing I love about these 2 parks is the metal chairs that aren’t fixed to one spot so you can place them where you want, to face whichever direction takes your fancy. I’ve spent many hours people watching in them. Your photos are absolutely lovely. Thanks for linking to #AllAboutFrance
Hilary
Thank you! It was magical! It’s wonderful how local people really do take advantage of the parks!
Catherine Berry (But you are in France, Madame)
It is true that when you are travelling with children parks take on a completely new level of attraction. It is also lovely that children can find ou how much fun simple, ‘old-fashioned’ pastimes can be! #allaboutfrance
Catherine Berry (But you are in France, Madame)
It is true that travelling with children parks take on a different level of attractiveness. It is also lovely that simple, ‘old-fashioned’ games can be found and enjoyed!
lejardinperdu
It’s been a very long time since I visited Paris, in fact way before I found my love for gardening. It’s lovely to see that Paris has such lovely, tranquil places to escape from the hustle and bustle. Whenever I visit Paris again, they’ll certainly be on my list of must sees. Thank you #AllAboutFrance
Richard
Hilary – your photos are beautiful! Nothing better than a summer Sunday afternoon on a lawn chair in the Luxembourg gardens, watching all of Paris go by…#AllAboutFrance
Hilary
Thank you so much! The parks are just lovely aren’t they?!