In Paris, the remnants of centuries of monarchy and empire are everywhere, from the splendid châteaux perfectly preserved across the Île-de-France, notably the Versailles, Rambouillet (with the Laiterie de la Reine and the Chaumière aux coquillages), but also in the leisure paths, once reserved for the country’s most eminent figures. It was in 1616 that Marie de Médicis, Queen of France, created the Promenade du Cours de la Reine (per Paris.fr).
At that time, the fashion for promenading spread among the French nobility, and Marie de Médicis ordered trees and vegetation planted to create a proper stroll, stretching from the Pont de l’Alma to the Jardin des Tuileries. Moreover, part of this promenade (the stretch between the Pont des Invalides and the Pont de l’Alma) would later be renamed Albert 1er, in honor of the King of the Belgians, who played a particularly collaborative role with France during the First World War.
Four major statues line the Cours de la Reine: one honoring King Albert I, another depicting Simón Bolívar, and a colossal statue of La Fayette perched high on his horse. The fourth commemorates the Russian Expeditionary Corps that fought in France during World War I.
The promenade is open 24/7, every day of the year, and offers a pleasant stroll along the banks of the Seine. To continue your wander in this iconic Paris spot, be sure to also explore the Jardin d'Erevan, or, further toward the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, the jardins éponymes, listed as historic monuments.
This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.
Dates and Opening Time
From August 18, 2026 to December 31, 2027
Location
Promenade du Cours de la Reine
1 place de la Reine Astrid
75008 Paris 8
Route planner
Official website
www.paris.fr
