Jardin des Tuileries

If not for a jousting accident, the magnificent Tuileries Garden might never have been. King Henry II of France died from wounds inflicted during that match, causing Queen Catherine de’ Medici to move to the Tuileries Palace and commission the garden. Over a century later, it became the first public park in Paris— and in the interim, it was owned by a nine-year-old.

A preadolescent Louis XIII inherited both the throne and the garden, which he transformed into a giant playground and a little zoo housing several wild animals.

As the child-king aged, the amusements of the park shifted according to his maturing whims. The rabbit warren and kennels became a flower lined promenade, while his jungle gym evolved into a stage for regular cabaret performances. When he died, his son—King Louis XIV—brought forth another new era for le jardin. He ordered a full redesign and commissioned landscape architect André Le Nôtre, who created its current spectacular arrangement.

The garden’s water areas include a charming arena known as the Grand Bassin, a large round pond where model boats are rented and effectively sailed. They are typically wooden, adding a touch of nostalgia and craftsmanship to the experience, and are available for rent from small kiosks—or from an old wooden wagon—beside the pond. The child-size, whimsical sails make for a great afternoon activity, while also perhaps paying tribute to the days when a tiny king ruled the land.

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