Garden of the Queens – Part 3

Paris is a city of apartments so people have very little if any personal green space. The public gardens thus become their back yard. This is clearly evident as you stroll into the English garden of Jardin du Luxembourg – Luxembourg Gardens. This is a space where joggers can run the circumference of the park while others soak up some sun by the octagonal basin or play a game of tennis. The garden is also a place for children. Here they can watch a puppet show at le théâtre des marionnettes or take a pony ride.

La Vie En Rose

Beyond the ponies lies the lovely Jardin de la Roseraie. Lined with trellises of luscious climbing roses, it certainly gives one inspiration for ‘la vie en rose‘. I must say, I envy the children who have the good fortune to be able to play within it’s  playground. As well as those who get to ride the carousel nearby. There is also an orchard with a variety of heritage apple trees ‘en espalier’ – the ancient horticultural practice of pruning and tying branches to a frame to maximize space usage and the growing season in a temperate climate.

Fit For A Queen

Down the path from that is an apiary that offers instruction on bee-keeping. This is a home that any queen bee would love! Nearby, the ornate Pavillon Davioud, completed in 1881, hosts events such as the les Fêtes du Miel – Honey Festival – in late September each year.The English garden is also the home of the Orangerie which was once housed the orange trees over winter. Now it functions as an art gallery. And, beneath the garden’s shady canopy stands a miniature replica of the Statue of Liberty, one of several to be found in Paris. So, the next time you are in Paris and looking for a relaxing break from all that sightseeing, make like a queen and take a walkabout in the romantic and royal Jardin du Luxembourg.Make sure you didn’t miss the other treasures found in Jardin du Luxembourg like the beautiful geometric forest and the amazing Fontaine Médicis. Learn more about them by reading Part 1 and Part 2 of ‘Garden of the Queens’.

Jardin du Luxembourg, Rue de Médicis – Rue de Vaugirard, 75006 Paris

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