The Secret Garden

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Sssshhhhh…..this is my most favourite spot in Paris. Frequented largely by Parisians, I don’t want it over-run with tourists. So if you promise to keep this address to yourself, I’ll tell you about it.

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It’s called the garden of the Royal Palace – le jardin du Palais Royal – and it’s a sublime and sheltered retreat tucked behind a courtyard near the Louvre. The long, rectangular garden is hemmed in by elegant arcades that border its perimeter. Exclusive boutiques are to be found in 18th-century shopping galleries. As well as two or three restaurants. And other treats.

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I love the faded grandeur of the buildings. The author, Colette, lived in one of these upper apartments overlooking the garden.

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You could easily spend half a day here. There’s a beautiful fountain in the middle. And tree-lined allées that provide shade.

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There are little squares of rose garden in which to read a book, contemplate life, people-watch … or write that memoir!

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Where young princes once strolled, today local boys play soccer.

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At the far end near the entrance is an inner courtyard containing the controversial columns designed by artist, Daniel Buren.

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I like the interplay between modern and classical.

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I love the jardin du Palais Royal. It’s French, it’s fabulous, it’s forever. Pour toujours.

And remember … c’est un secret.

5 thoughts on “The Secret Garden

  1. This is one of our favorite spots in Paris, though I still do not like the columns. But, of course, I do not like the Pyramid in the Louvre courtyard….:-)….btw, the other “secret” garden is the Place des Vosges….for us, another special place that makes Paris, Paris.

    • Don’t be so stuffy, Sherman. Appreciate the quirky and the Avant Garde!
      We’re not all fans of classicism (thank goodness) 🙂

      • No Juliet, I am a lover and repecter of the classical art forms,though to look at our personal art collection might disprove that assertion. 😉

  2. This is also one of my favourite Jardins in Paris. So unexpected as you walk into the cloisters. I am fortunate to spend a month in Paris twice a month, in April-May and September-October.
    You may be aware that Daniel Buren has brought his Like Child’s Play installation to Sydney, Australia. It is showing at present.

    • I was just talking about going to Australia today with my colleagues at lunch. I’ve never been and would love to go. Thanks for writing!

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