Le Jardin du Musée Rodin

Prolific French sculptor Auguste Rodin’s masterpieces are known for their expressive detail. While multiple museums around the world are dedicated to him, his former home at Paris’s Hôtel Biron holds his largest collection with 6000 sculptures and 7000 drawings. Rodin’s most influential work, The Thinker, is here in front, reigning over the beautiful rocaille architecture and meticulous topiaries. Don’t let its imposing and regal neighbor, the Invalides, distract you from a detour to Musée Rodin.

Paris brims with fantastic public gardens, often full of art and exotic scenery (such as the waterfall at Parc des Buttes Chaumont). But there is a particular magic discovering your own “secret garden” at Musée Rodin’s three hectare wonder. Grab a book – or iPad – and head away from the museum, to the trellis and pool in back. Here, you find a secluded spot with comfortable loungers in the sun. Or explore the shady paths along the edge through the east side’s rocky “Garden of Orpheus” or west side’s aptly named “Garden of Springs.” Rodin’s personal favorite spot is the overgrown garden where oxidized life-sized torsos stretch and twist half-camouflaged in the greenery’s contained chaos.