Jardin du Palais Royal + Les Colonnes de Buren (Paris Garden Spotlight)

Hidden behind the Palais Royal in an enclosed space open to the public is the tranquil Jardin du Palais Royal. Although not a garden as grandiose as Le Jardin du Luxembourg or Le Jardin des Tuileries, the Palais Royal Gardens, near La Comédie Française, offer an enclosed and quiet place to do some reading, listen to the steady hum of water from a fountain, or just walk amongst the trees as French royals used to do centuries past. Beautiful roses scent the air, and games of pétanque provide an inviting soundtrack for any and all visitors who visit the palace built in the 1600s for Richelieu.

There is lot’s of nature all over the garden, and many trees provide refuge from the sun during the sunniest parts of the day.

There are tons of cafés, patisseries and high-end shops inside the gardens, and on the side streets just outside of the main entrance/ exit.

Some of my favourites include Baguett’s Café, Senoble (patisseries), Omusubi Gonbei (great onigiri takeout place), Izakaya Issé, and both Angelina Paris and WHSmith Tea Room (a very posh WHSmith at that) about a 10-15 minute walk away.

Café Kitsuné, Maison Kitsuné’s coffee shop venture, can be found inside the gardens. When I first tried to look for it, I had a very hard time figuring it out. However, it did lead me to the discovery of these gardens, so all’s well that ends well!

Although the gardens may be a tad difficult to find as they are separate from the main road, one of the most noticeable entrances features many beige coloured columns underneath a detailed roof (pictured below).

Somewhat separate from the garden area, but still within the confines of the Palais Royal’s enclosed area, are the modern and contemporary The Colonnes de Buren/ Les Deux Plateaux. These columns are a fascinatingly divise art work created in 1985 to help conceal the ventilation shafts below. You either love them, or you hate them.

Personally, I found them very intriguing amongst the classical columns and architecture of the original 17th century palace. There is certainly no shortage of tourists vying to take arty shots with them most hours of the day. I do suggest arriving either early, or before sunset in order to beat the crowds!