This is my most favourite spot in Paris. If you promise to keep the address to yourself, I’ll tell you about it.
It’s called the garden of the Royal Palace – le jardin du Palais Royal – and it’s a heavenly 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.
I love the faded grandeur of the buildings. The author, Colette, lived in one of these upper apartments overlooking the garden.
You could easily spend half a day here. There’s a beautiful fountain in the middle. And tree-lined allées that provide shade.
There are little squares of rose garden in which to read a book, contemplate life, people-watch … or write that memoir!
Where young princes once strolled, today local boys play soccer.
At the far end near the entrance is an inner courtyard containing the controversial columns designed by artist, Daniel Buren.
I like the interplay between modern and classical.
I love the jardin du Palais Royal. It’s French, it’s fabulous, it’s forever. Pour toujours.
And remember … it’s a secret.
Juliet in Paris
You and I will disagree about the Buren uprights, which are as out place here as is the glass pyramid at Le Louvre (I know, I am a stickler for classicism…:-))…but, the Palais Royal garden is otherwise a garden of Earthly delights. In addition to all you have pointed out, we enjoy strolling the shops, from Stella McCartney to the store that displays all the medals and related bric-a-brac. The cafes are a bit overpriced, but this IS Paris and this is the Palais Royal, n’est-ce pas? Thanks for sharing our secret garden…
Sherm
I guess the cat is out of the bag now: the Jardin du Palais Royal is no longer a secret. I’m sorry you and your wife have been unable to visit it this year (and last year). Fingers crossed for next year!
Paris has other secrets yet to be discovered…:-)….we are hoping to come back next
Spring, but the way things are going back downhill…who knows…