17th-century palace gardens with fountain, art installations

























"When I want a quiet retreat near the bustling Louvre, I slip into this serene garden, settle into a classic green chair—sometimes with a poem etched into the back—and let that particular spring light wash over me until I get goosebumps. The beauty here has a quiet sensuality that makes it feel like a sanctuary in the center of the city." - Lane Nieset Lane Nieset Lane Nieset is a travel writer from Miami who has lived in France for the past decade. From Paris, she covers a mix of lifestyle, wine, food, and design for publications including Food & Wine, Condé Nast Traveler, Vogue, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

"For a lazy, afternoon stroll, I head to Jardin du Palais Royal. You can imagine walking in the shoes of King Louis XIV as a child, and can immediately feel the energy and history of the French capital while enjoying a peaceful moment." - Mikka Wee
"A tucked-away urban oasis in the city center with a pleasant fountain and quiet cafés where families can relax between sights; its large courtyard features Daniel Buren’s playful installation of 260 black-and-white striped columns that children can enjoy." - Nicola Iseard