Taking a leap from our daily routine, my spouse and I recently decided to drastically shake things up by hopping on a plane and embarking on an adventure to Paris. For months prior, we meticulously planned this trip that promised a break and an exciting change from our predictable routine. The whole experience was so cinematic and riveting that it felt as if we were characters in a mesmerizing movie.
Our accommodation was a quaint hotel located on Rue Madame. Refreshed and fully rested, we started looking forward to our daily tradition of strolling through the neighborhood following a delightful breakfast dotted with croissants and flavored with aromatic coffee. Little did we know, we were about to cherish a picturesque surprise: our hotel’s proximity to the famed Jardin du Luxembourg.
It’s equally surprising and delightful to stumble upon the grandeur of the Jardin du Luxembourg! Stepping in through the gates facing Rue Guynemer, we found ourselves immersed in a sea of nature’s finest work: overflowing gardens, picturesque fountains, and towering trees lending a serene feeling to the environment. The public gardens simply exuded immense beauty coupled with a larger-than-life feeling.
Crafted back in 1612, the Jardin du Luxembourg was the brainchild of Marie de’ Medici. She built the Luxembourg Palace as her personal residence, following the demise of her husband, the French king Henry IV. As the regent for Louis XIII, she kick-started her dream garden by planting 2,000 elm trees, enlisting expert gardeners to replicate the gardens she so fondly remembered from her childhood in Italy. A prominent feature of her original garden was the Grand Bassin, a fountain coupled with a large pool that today forms a picturesque focal point.
This treasure trove today stands at nearly 57 acres, significantly larger than the original eight hectares (approximately 20 acres). After several transformations, the Palace is now the home of the French Senate and the meticulously maintained garden is a public haven of natural beauty and recreational facilities.
From fruit trees and bee hives, to a small café and a gazebo offering free musical performances, it really has something for everyone. The garden also boasts playing courts, a playground, free puppet shows, and even a vintage carousel! Wandering paths, sprawling expanses of green grass surrounded by spectacular floral displays, and tranquil grottos mingle together to create a scene out of a fairy tale.
The garden was a vivid palette of color and fragrance with annuals like begonias, coleus, dianthus, sages, dahlias, geraniums, petunias, basil, fuchsia, and zinnias adorning its grounds. Green chairs were present in plenty, being used by older people indulging in conversation, reading or soaking in the sun. Some had formed groups to sketch while the younger generation were glued to their phones or busy clicking selfies.
Children flocking towards the Grand Bassin and adults practicing Tai Chi and yoga added to the sight. The discipline observed by the visitors and the impeccably maintained garden was truly noteworthy. Behold the marvel of nature’s beauty that the Jardin du Luxembourg offers. Our visit to this garden reminded us once again that plants have the power to bring inner peace and strengthen our connections with each other, transcending geographical and temporal boundaries.
We left Paris with beautiful memories synonymously attached to the Jardin du Luxembourg. The tranquility of the garden and its surreal beauty provided us with the ideal route to unwind from our bustling days of sightseeing. No wonder it was the highlight of our Parisian adventure, engraving onto our hearts an indelible mark of a truly phenomenal memory.
