If you're a history buff or just curious and eager to discover new things, you'll find a very special green setting in the Latin Quarter , where you can step back in time. Not far from La Sorbonne, behind the Musée de Cluny, a medieval garden awaits you. A delightful place to stroll, it is inspired by medieval strolling areas, in keeping with the surrounding buildings.
Accessible free of charge, this 4,000 m2 garden, probably the most historic in the capital, invites contemplation, next to the superb ancient remains of the Gallo-Roman baths and the Hôtel de Cluny, which can be seen as you stroll along. Laid out between 1498 and 1515, the garden was an extension of the abbots' residence, who took great care of the garden to produce medicinal plants and herbs, along with a kitchen garden and a pleasure garden, an aesthetic as well as a spiritual treasure.
Despite its location on a noisy thoroughfare not far from the Saint-Michel fountain, the garden is a quiet little paradise, which was redesigned in several areas during the latest renovation work, completed in the summer of 2025. Today's garden is inspired by medieval times, with the presence of plants visible on the famous Lady and the Unicorn tapestry, on display at the Musée de Cluny.
Planting squares recall the traditional composition of medieval gardens, with columbines, strawberries, roses, etc., but also species resistant to extreme climatic events.
To please the whole family, a luminous clearing awaits your children, who can climb the wooden agility course and spring-loaded games from the age of 4. A large 220 m2 lawn provides a relaxing spot in the sun, with an exceptional view, while in the center of the garden, you can admire the magnificent architecture of the abbey ruins, the stone-encrusted statues and other medieval features, sitting on a bench in the shade of tall trees.
A succession of flowerbeds plunges us into the Paris of yesteryear, for a tranquil, bucolic journey back in time, in the heart of a historic district of the capital.
The Musée de Cluny, Paris' museum of the Middle Ages, its program and age-old treasures
Located in the heart of the Latin Quarter, the Musée de Cluny is housed in the 13th-century Hôtel des Abbés de Cluny, and is home to works of art even older than that! Come and visit this museum dedicated to the Middle Ages in Paris. [Read more]
Please note that it's been over 4 years since our last visit, so the place and experience may have changed.
Dates and Opening Time
Next days
Saturday:
from 09:30 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.
Sunday:
from 09:30 a.m. to 05:45 p.m.
Monday:
from 09:30 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.
Tuesday:
from 09:30 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.
Wednesday:
from 09:30 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.
Thursday:
from 09:30 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.
Friday:
from 09:30 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.
Location
Medieval garden at the Musée de Cluny
6 Place Paul Painlevé
75005 Paris 5
Access
Metro Maubert-Mutualité (line 10)
Prices
Free
The Musée de Cluny, Paris' museum of the Middle Ages, its program and age-old treasures
