Luxembourg Gardens

When I first came across Le jardin de Luxembourg my heart skipped a beat and I had to descend from my bike...there are no bikes allowed in the parks in Paris and a policeman strictly wistlelled my way to the ground! Walking thru the vast vegetation and sea of people one can easily get lost in the interbelic Paris..there are lots of statues of all the Emperors and their spouses,politicians, as well of important women figures that had a saying in the history of France(like Saint Genevieve)..the perfume of the place, the beauty of the gardens and the romanticism flowing in the air will simply make you feel alive and is right there where I found a new passion..walking! In French it is translated `promenade` which means a walk taken for pleasure or for exercise and that`s exactly how people use this park...you will see them falling in love under the trees or falling over-exhausted on the lawn from too much effort from running! The park is bursting with color from all the flowers and these magnificent doves which I have seen only in the parisian area...these huge green coloured flying Emperor Doves that mostly walk like these majestic children of the sky. If you want to consider my opinion don't miss this place if you want to experience a little of the lifestyle at the Royal House of Louis the Sun King! Be Royal!

After having fallen in love with the French Riviera and fallen in love in the French Riviera I didn't know what to expect from the city of lights. Could it get any better than having spent a month among some of the most beautifully sun drenched locals? Imbibing in their traditional dishes and drinking their sweet nectar known as wine? Even their "cheap" wine was something to be celebrated, because in France box wine doesn't necessarily mean bad wine. But I digress. If you're looking for a full Parisian experience you must mark visiting the Luxembourg Gardens on your sightseeing list. Not only is it bountiful with history in every step and sight you take in but it is the essence of the Parisian way of life. Here you will find yourself surrounded by statues and sculptures of artists and politicians, even the original Statue of Liberty. With every breathtaking work of art you start to feel yourself slowing your pace and stride to that of well, a Parisian. If you're like me and from some where in the West, more specifically a major city such as New York, by the time you've realized your pace has slowed you should be noticing the people surrounding you. Laughing, talking, playing games, children playing games, smoking cigarettes, and of course eating. Although it's been said countless times before this really is the ideal picnic location. Most popularly recommended, a baguette, wine and some cheese; and the only way to properly enjoy such a decadently authentic picnic would be to sprawl out along one of the picnic friendly lawns. It is not uncommon after a small lunch and a bottle or two of wine to see people dosing off in the park without a care in the world. Getting lost in conversation and scenery there is no better was to relax and blend in with the locals and French tourists alike. To be a Parisian, or to even vacation like one, one must let go of all inhibition to appreciate life for what it is and not what we’re trying to make.

My visit to the Luxembourg Gardens was the epitome of what many imagine Paris in the summertime to be. After a somewhat overwhelming week of viewing many of the more pricey Parisian sites, it was nice to be reminded of the fact that the City of Light has much to offer in the form of nature and serenity. The expansive park has fountains and flower blossoms as far as the eye can see, and is a visual masterpiece. The only disappointment during my visit was learning that the Luxembourg Palace was not open to visitors, but this was quickly forgotten. Come alone to savor some French cuisine while poring over a good novel, come with your children to watch them play amongst the ducks and race sailboats, come with your lover for an afternoon of classic romance...whatever the circumstances, just ensure that this stop is not one that you overlook.

I’ll just come out and say that I am an absolute sucker for the Jardin du Luxembourg. I feel honestly that it is at its core one of the most sublime and lovely places on earth. I’ve been visiting Paris as often as my means have allowed (read: not often enough) since I turned eighteen, and I honestly don’t consider myself to have even arrived in the City of Lights until I’ve taken the time to sit down on a green chair in the Luxembourg Gardens on a sunny day with a good book. That is something that I live for. What is it about the place that makes it so goddamned fantastic? For me, it has little to do with the immaculate landscaping and the gorgeous fountains, or the rich history and stunning architecture of the gardens. Rather, it is its quality of serenity and and its amazing ability to relax the mind. Visits to Paris are often necessarily madcap: there is so much to do and see there that one can easily get caught up in overcrowded itineraries and miss out on Paris’s greatest pleasures -- the pleasures of relaxing, of sitting still, in a beautiful place. Little sailboats, too. The little sailboats are great. There is a fountain in the Jardin du Luxembourg into which little Parisian children set their tiny toy boats and watch them move with the wind, and it is a sight to behold. I’ve never rooted for anything more than I’ve rooted for a strong wind one day as I sat by it and watched the kids try to blow their little sailboats across the fountain. The Jardin du Luxembourg is a perfect place, and if you go to Paris without stopping to unwind there, well, I would say that maybe you didn’t really go to Paris after all.

I still have dreams about this park. My friends and I came to Paris for a weekend one summer and stumbled upon this place after a long day of obligatory tourist stops. We wanted to sprawl out in the sun like happy kittens, and eat our chèvre and baguettes in peace. When I entered the gardens though, I forgot all about sandwich (this is a big deal for me) because I was too busy experiencing the best kind of sensory overload. Children were hopping around in a fountain, the sun was bouncing off the water, everything was lush and hyper-pigmented, it was like being inside of a postcard. It reminded me of that one scene in Mary Poppins, when they hop inside of the painting, dance with penguins, ride the carousel... but I digress. This spot is a great place for people watching. I saw a couple making out behind a bush (somehow when the French do this it's sexy, not cheesy), I saw toddlers waddling around with one another in a makeshift goose chase, and I saw old men cracking each other up. It's been a year and a half since I visited the Luxembourg Gardens and I still can't stop thinking about it. Also, it's worth noting that though the French have a reputation for sometimes seeming unfazed or smug, the vibe from this place was pure giddiness, joy and revelry. Whether you come here in the company of a novel, a group of friends, or a date, you are guaranteed to have an idyllic, relaxing time.

I think I prefer the Jardin du Palais-Royal to the Luxembourg Gardens, but that's probably because I'm a huge art nerd and those just happen to be next to the Louvre. Despite that, the Luxembourg Gardens are really quite lovely. They remind me a bit of Museumplein in Amsterdam, where you will find similar fountains, a big, old, pretty building in the background, and lots of grassy areas to lounge. The Palais itself is really lovely, and I'm particularly partial to the amazingly manicured trees that line the walkways. But by far the best way to spend your time at the gardens is with some cheese and a baguette. And friends, of course!

Full disclosure: Paris, or the Paris I saw during my week long stay there, is not my kind of city. Even the parks seem like some kind of fashion show or popularity contest. Of course the Luxembourg Gardens are pretty, and of course the palace they sit behind is a feat of architecture, but I don’t like the feeling of people constantly glancing over their shoulders, studying and judging each other based solely on appearances. My suggestion is to find a park near wherever you happen to be staying and take your wine, cheese, and baguette there. You’ll be much more happy and comfortable there.

Without a doubt the most relaxing place in Paris. With beautiful surroundings and stunning architecture these gardens are well worth a visit. After escaping the hustle and bustle of touristic Paris this was a fantastic escape. Perfect place to relax in the sun with a picnic. There's also a great play park for the kids. As soon as you arrive you feel instantly at ease. It's hard to believe you're in the middle of a major European city! One of the very few places I visited more than once. With so much to do in Paris it was almost like a safe haven were you can just relax, forget about being a tourist and all the things you MUST see, just enjoy being away! Do not miss out on these gardens!

Although Paris has many beautiful gardens, this is by far one of the best. Such a relaxing place to visit after a busy day of touring the city and stuffing your face with carbs :) There are people everywhere soaking up the sun, reading books, or chatting with friends. Lounging in the grass or having a picnic is perfect for a spring afternoon! Definitely go here when the hustle and bustle of the city is a little overwhelming. Even feel free to relax and take a nap or take your dog for a walk. Whatever you do just make sure you visit while in Paris, this is not something you want to miss on your map of the city!

There is nothing quite like a garden in the spring! After a long day of eating, touring museums, eating, and shopping...oh, and more eating, the Luxembourg Gardens was a suprising treat. Wandering down the paths, there was nothing more serene than to see a little old lady feeding the pigeons and a wrinkled old man painting a small child playing in the dirt. Young lovers cuddled on a blanket nearby and nannies pushed babbling babies in their carriages. It was a moment of pure relaxation when I sat on a bench, closed my eyes, and allowed myself to listen to all of the cheerful spring noises. I am so thrilled to have the memories I do of this lovely space and have decided that, on my next trip through this busy city, Les Jardin du Luxembourg will be getting another visit from one of its greatest fans.

Paris has decades worth of stuff to do and all have their place and time; many are more exciting, unique, outrageous, thought-provoking, or historic than the Luxembourg Gardens, but in my 2 weeks in Paris this was the one place I came back to repeatedly. It is a relaxing and beautiful place to meander through well-tended gardens and the place is huge. You can find crepe vendors any time of day or bring a picnic. The best part, however, is the people watching. Les Jardins du Luxembourg attracts Parisians, French tourists, and foreign tourists of all types. I love watching the kids play with toy sailboats in the fountain and kind of wish I had a boat as well. One time I was sitting one some steps watching people walk by and saw a pair of girls seemingly doing the same thing on the other side of the steps. Then I overheard one of them say, in English, "I think he's French, wait no, look at the shoes...definitely American." I was not the only one there that day just checking people out and I can't wait to go back and do it some more.