Sunday, 18 May 2014

The 'Palais - Royal' Garden

On my recent visit to Paris, I was lucky enough to visit the gardens of the Palais Royal. These gardens can be found tucked away in the heart of Paris in a quiet backwater near the Louvre.

Dating back to 1633 and originally designed by the Cardinal de Richelieu, it had a small wooded park and shaded flower garden. In those early days it had somewhat of a seedy reputation. It was frequented by elegant 'Parisian ladies' and held rooms for hotels, gambling and drinking dens!

Redesigned over the centuries, the gardens now form the shape of a large courtyard containing avenues of trees, which provide plenty of shady areas. In the centre of the tree lined area is a beautiful lawned garden, edged with stunning flower beds and roses. The centrepiece of the garden is a stunning fan shaped fountain. There are plenty of sitting areas, where visitors while away the hours in the most peaceful atmosphere; it is hard to believe we are so near the busy cultural centre of Paris. The garden is flanked by ancient arcades housing shops to browse in and cafes to relax in and soak up the atmosphere. It is a refreshing place for a rest and is frequented by families, bohemian writers, artists and tourists alike. Take a stroll around...































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