PARIS LE MEURICE Two day itinerary: Parks & Gardens The city of Paris is home to more than 400 green spaces, ranging from grandiose historic parks to quaint hidden gardens frequented only by those who know where to find them. When in need of some peace and quiet, follow Parisians into secret corners of solace around the city, discover rare plant life in the capital’s botanical gardens, or relax in the impressive grounds of noble estates that date back many centuries. Day One Walk across the road from the hotel to the Jardin des Tuileries.
JARDIN DES TUILERIES Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris Overlooked by the Louvre, Tuileries Gardens is more than a garden; it’s a historic landmark. Created by Queen Catherine de Medici, the park stretches alongside the River Seine and is a beautiful spot for a morning amble. Stroll along the picturesque avenues and soak up the imperial ambience of the Palais des Tuileries, which once stood there, or picnic by the ponds. Next, take a 15-minute drive to Jardin Anne-Frank.
JARDIN ANNE-FRANK 14 Impasse Berthaud, 75003 Paris Located next to the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire du Judaïsme, Jardin Anne-Frank is a small walled garden with great symbolism. The little-known space is dedicated to Anne Frank, author of one of the most famous diaries in the world. In a prime spot a treasured chestnut tree grows, cultivated from saplings taken from a tree Frank had admired from the window of her Amsterdam apartment. Take a 15-minute walk to Square René Viviani.
SQUARE RENÉ VIVIANI 2 Rue du Fouarre, 75005 Paris Opposite Notre Dame de Paris, Square René-Viviani is a tranquil urban garden with grass borders, flower beds and, most importantly, the oldest living tree in Paris. The ancient 400-year-old tree, which is carefully supported by columns, is thought to have been planted by royal botanist Jean Robin at the turn of the 17th century. Then, take a 15-minute walk to Jardin des Plantes.
The Dorchester, London | 45 Park Lane, London | Coworth Park, Ascot | Le Meurice, Paris | Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Paris Hotel Principe di Savoia, Milan | Hotel Eden, Rome | The Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills | Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles | Dubai (opening 2020) JARDIN DES PLANTES T: 01 40 79 56 01 | 57 Rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris The city’s principal botanical garden, Jardin des Plantes features 28 hectares of gardens, greenhouses and even a zoo. Tucked away in the fifth arrondissement, it’s been cultivating an impressive collection of plant and natural life since it was founded in the 17th century. As well as botanicals, visitors will discover myriad species of birds and amphibians here. The final garden of the day is a 10-minute drive or a 20-minute walk away.
JARDIN DU LUXEMBOURG Rue de Médicis-Rue de Vaugirard, 75006 Paris Inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence, Queen Marie de Medici commissioned the Jardin du Luxembourg in 1612. This 25-hectare park features beautiful English and French-style landscaped gardens, complete with lawns, chestnut groves, orchid-filled greenhouses, an orchard and ancient statues. A highlight is the Médici Fountain, a monumental fountain featuring figures from Greek mythology. To return to the hotel, hail a taxi and enjoy a 15-minute drive. Day two Begin the day with a 15-minute walk to the first garden. JARDIN DE LA NOUVELLE FRANCE 10 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris A stone’s throw from the Champs Élysées is one of the most intriguing secret gardens in Paris: Jardin de la Nouvelle France (formerly Jardin de la Vallée Suisse). Take a break from the bustle of the famous shopping street and venture down a discreet staircase to discover a beautiful space full of trickling waterfalls, ponds covered in waterlilies, charming archways, and an abundance of trees and plant life. Then, take a 10-minute drive to Musée National des Arts Asiatiques Guimet.
JARDIN JAPONAIS DU MUSÉE GUIMET T: 01 56 52 54 33 | 6 Place d’Iéna, 75116 Paris In a wing of the Musée Guimet, visitors can find the Panthéon Bouddhique (Buddhist Pantheon), an annex dedicated to art from the Far-East. A visit will reveal a beautiful Japanese garden featuring a pavilion where traditional tea ceremonies are carried out. Standing out among a sea of traditional Parisian parks, this Asian-inspired space is one of the most unusual in the city. Next, take a 15-minute drive to Jardins des Serres d’Auteuil.
The Dorchester, London | 45 Park Lane, London | Coworth Park, Ascot | Le Meurice, Paris | Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Paris Hotel Principe di Savoia, Milan | Hotel Eden, Rome | The Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills | Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles | Dubai (opening 2020) JARDINS DES SERRES D’AUTEUIL 3 Avenue de la Porte d’Auteuil, 75016 Paris Tucked away within the giant Bois de Boulogne park is Jardins des Serres d’Auteuil, a historic botanical garden with roots dating back to 1761 and the rule of Louis XV. It’s home to a vast central lawn, themed gardens and several grand 19th century greenhouses where rare and tropical plants, trees and botanicals are cultivated. There’s also a charming aviary for keen birdwatchers. Reach the next location with a short 15-minute taxi ride.
ALBERT-KAHN MUSÉE ET JARDINS T: 01 55 19 28 00 | 10-14 Rue du Port, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt A highlight of the itinerary for green-fingered visitors is Albert Kahn Musée & Jardins, a museum of gardens that showcases gardening styles from around the world. The 10-acre site features various sections dedicated to different countries; from symmetrical French lawns to modern Japanese gardens and traditional English parks, there’s plenty to discover. Make sure to book guided tours of the garden in advance. Drive for 25-minutes to the final stop, the gardens at the Château de Versailles.
GARDENS OF VERSAILLES T: 01 30 83 78 00 | Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles Meticulously manicured lawns, blooming flower beds, grand fountain sculptures, rich woodland; all this and more can be found in the Gardens of Versailles. The regal French-style garden, which surrounds the Château de Versailles, is most famous for its creative landscaped lawns and long rectangular lake that’s not dissimilar to the one that extends in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC. To get back to the hotel, it’s a 45-minute drive.
All journey times are approximate and subject to variation.
The Dorchester, London | 45 Park Lane, London | Coworth Park, Ascot | Le Meurice, Paris | Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Paris Hotel Principe di Savoia, Milan | Hotel Eden, Rome | The Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills | Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles | Dubai (opening 2020)