Jardin du Palais-Royal, Urban park in 1st arrondissement, Paris, France
The Jardin du Palais-Royal is a classical French garden in Paris's first arrondissement laid out with symmetrical paths, trimmed hedges, and fountains framed by colonnaded buildings. The southern section features 260 black and white striped columns by Daniel Buren that function as an outdoor art piece.
Cardinal Richelieu commissioned this garden in 1633, which later served as a royal residence before becoming open to the public during the French Revolution. It has since evolved into a public retreat at the heart of the city.
Four fountains dot the garden spaces, and you can see locals settling onto benches for lunch breaks and quiet afternoons. The garden serves as a breathing space in the busy city where different groups gather in the shade and sunlight.
The garden is open daily from sunrise to sunset and is easily reached from the Palais-Royal-Musée du Louvre metro station served by lines 1 and 7. Entry is free, and there are plenty of benches to sit on with areas of both shade and sun throughout.
A solar-powered cannon with a mechanical trigger has been firing at noon since 1786 in this garden. This unusual device remains functional today and catches the attention of many visitors who happen upon it.
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