Tuileries Garden: A Family Favorite for All Seasons
Updated: Sep 5
While Paris can feel delightfully grand for adults, all that time indoors—and alongside priceless pieces and endless elegance—can feel rather overwhelming for tiny travelers.
Enter the Tuileries Garden, an outdoor celebration of Paris complete with fountains, seating for tired parents, playgrounds, ice cream stops, and plenty of pop-up celebrations throughout the year.
Located at the heart of the city and conveniently tucked between the Louvre and the Seine, the garden is easily one of the easiest family breaks to plan while in the City of Light. Here you can let out pent-up energy, take in quintessential Parisian sights (think little boats in the fountain or sculptures), and get in some beautiful family photos.
Wide gravel paths allow for ease of travel, whether you're maneuvering a stroller or walking alongside older kids. You can enter from the side nearest the Louvre, wander past fountains and sculptures, stop for a snack, and continue toward Place de la Concorde. If the plan falls apart, you are still close to taxis, metro stations, cafés, museums, and the river for an easy exit.
No two trips are the same. Come throughout the year to enjoy the garden through the seasons.
The Musée de l’Orangerie sits at the western end of the garden and can be a smart option in bad weather—or for a quiet experience while a baby naps. It's best known for housing Monet’s large Water Lilies paintings.
Spring at Tuileries Garden
There's a reason so many flock to Paris in the springtime. The air is mild, the light is fresh, and the garden springs back to life after the winter. Start near the Louvre and let the garden unfold slowly. Children often enjoy the contrast between the enormous museum buildings and the open paths. From there, head toward one of the large round ponds. The green chairs around the water are one of the garden’s quiet pleasures.
In the Summertime
Europe has been experiencing record heat in recent years, and Paris has not been spared. While we love Paris every season of the year, be prepared to deal with higher summer temps and sometimes unrelenting sunshine.
Come early to take in what shade you can. Those same great wide paths that are perfect for strollers and also feel somewhat exposed to the summer sunshine. Bring water, hats, and sunscreen, especially if the visit includes a lot of walking before or after the garden.
Tuileries is known to host summer fairs complete with rides and treats. Be on the lookout for information online (the official calendar is here). The Tuileries Festival lasts two months and features some 60 attractions, as well as all the sweet French treats you could imagine.
A French Fall
Fall brings a different mood. The garden becomes softer and quieter, with leaves underfoot and cooler walking weather. It is often a great season for families who want central Paris without the heavy summer feeling.
It's a good time for a low-pressure picnic, as long as the weather cooperates. Pick up sandwiches or pastries nearby (we always opt for Cedric Grolet Opéra), then use the garden as a scenic pause. Follow posted rules, especially around lawns and planted areas, since not all grass is open for sitting.
Christmastime in the Park
Winter in the Tuileries is not lush, but it has its own charm. The bare trees reveal the garden’s long lines, the fountains feel still and sculptural, and the crowds are usually lighter than in warmer months. Come with your heavy coats and a good amount of patience ... but also be prepared to be charmed.
Holiday markets and carnivals make the visit feel extra special.
