Rustique France: PARIS

There are many beautiful gardens big and small in Paris and we took the opportunity recently to spend a little time here , beautiful despite the overcast weather.

Le Jardin du Luxembourg is in the 6^th arrondisement on the Left Bank and surrounds the Palais du Luxembourg, currently the home of the french senate.

Building of the palais and jardins was first started in 1612 for Marie de’ Medici, widow of Henry IV and mother of Louis XIII. Marie had grown up in Florence so she envisioned this palais and it’s gardens in the florentine style of the time.

There are about twenty statues of french queens and famous women arranged along the terraces. In 1880s and 1890s, statues of french writers and artists were added to the collection. There are allées of trees for shade and plenty of seats scattered about so you can just relax and watch the world pass by, perhaps with a glass of wine or a coffee from the little cafe.

There are two particular features of the gardens – the Medici Fountain and the central basin.

The Medici Fountain was built in 1630 by Italian artisans. France had embraced the Italian style during the 16^th century when Catherine de’ Medici married Henry II and, after his death, three of her sons became kings of France. It appears that the Medici and the Valois families intermarried quite a lot – might explain some things. When we first saw this fountain in 1999, climbing out of the water was a dinosaur made of wire and covered in ivy. Can’t say the french don’t have a sense of humour.

choosing un petit bateau

sailing on le bassin

The gardens are popular on Sundays and fête days (public holidays). Lots of people walk the paths or sit in the sun, and some bring their children to sail little boats on the basin.