Showing posts with label Louvre. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Louvre. Show all posts

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...































Friday, 16 May 2014

The Tuileries Gardens

While we were in Paris we took the opportunity to have walk through the Tuilieres Gardens, which cover an expansive area between the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre. The gardens with their stunning fountains and vivid flower displays are a charming place for a stroll.

The gardens house a popular playground for children, cafe areas, large lawned areas, spectacular sculptures, fountains, lake and dramatic flower displays. There are large pedestrian avenues which sweep from the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde and onto the Champs Elysees. 

It was originally the garden that was laid out in front of the Tuilieres Palace, which was destroyed by fire. It is now a designated World Heritage site and today's landscape gardeners have preserved the historic layout of the gardens, representing French history. It is a much loved and popular place, which has lost none of it's charm.

A beautiful and colourful place to visit in spring time, with its gorgeous displays of irises and wallflowers.