Chris Pearrow
Paradise in springtime
The Jardín del Parterre is a beautiful stylized garden just behind the Royal Palace of Aranjuez. It's a French garden designed by King Phillip II that flanks the lazy Tajo River and features curvy plots of bright yellow and purple flowers surrounded by magnolia-lined pathways and some truly gorgeous and monumental fountains like the Fountain of Ceres and the massive Fountain of Hercules.
I went in mid-April and it was absolutely wonderful; everything was in bloom, the sun was shining (not too hard) and the garden was like a little slice of royal paradise on Earth. It's a wonderful place to go for a walk and take pictures, especially if you're in the mood for something romantic. The gardens are free to visit and you can visit the Jardin de la Isla which is right next door.
Read more
![](https://images.mnstatic.com/48/bc/48bcc1bc9b051af82f54f100bcd8aa3c.jpg?quality=75&format=png&fit=crop&width=65&height=65&aspect_ratio=65%3A65)