Loire and Loiret, Stone statue in Tuileries Garden, France
Loire and Loiret is a marble sculpture depicting two French rivers as human figures and stands near the Fer a Cheval section in Tuileries Garden. The original work now resides in the Louvre Museum for protection, while a precise replica remains displayed in the garden for public view.
The sculpture was created between 1703 and 1707 by artist Corneille Van Cleve and was originally designed for Chateau de Marly. It was moved to Tuileries Garden in 1719, where it has greeted visitors for over three centuries.
The sculpture portrays two French rivers through human figures carved in classical style. You can observe how the artist expressed movement and flow through the poses and gestures of the allegorical bodies.
The statue is located in an easily accessible area of the garden near the Fer a Cheval section and can be viewed for free. It is best to visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
The replica was restored between 2004 and 2006 while preserving the specialized marble techniques from the 18th century. The original carving methods of the sculptor were carefully replicated to maintain historical authenticity.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
