The Gardensof

The Gardensof ParisDancing at the Jardin Tino Rossi © Janine MarshSpringtime in Paris is just the moment toseek out the city’s many lovely gardens.They’re perfect for pausing, picnickingand people-watching and with morethan 421 municipal parks and gardenscovering more than 3000 hectares –there’s plenty of choice. Marian Jonesshares some of her favourites.Café in the garden of the Petite Palais Museum © Janine MarshPublic gardensIn the city’s botanical garden, the Jardin desPlantes near the Gare d’Austerlitz, you canwander the pathways to see plants groupedaccording to species. In spring, it’s especiallylovely when the cherry trees are in full blossom.You could make a longer visit by visiting one ofthe garden’s paying attractions such as the zooor the Natural History Museum.Nearby, there’s the prospect of a riversidestroll through the city’s outdoor sculpturepark, the Jardin Tino Rossi, whose entrance isjust by the left-bank end of the Pont de Sullybridge. The mix of modern sculptures andriverside views is enticing and in the eveningsthere’s often a salsa dancing group in fullswing and you can join in if you like!The Luxembourg Garden, a favourite withParisians, was commissioned by QueenGenerations of French children have come here to sail little boats, ride apony or see a puppet show at the Luxembourg gardens © Marian JonesMarie de Medici in 1612, the gardens are splitinto French and English styles and cover 25hectares of land. In the middle of this beautifulpark, you’ll find a large pond with the woodenboats. There are also 106 statues spreadthroughout the park and the most beautifulfountain in Paris, where statues depict atragic love story from Greek mythology -Polyphemus about to murder his love rival andwin back the nymph Galatea.The Tuileries gardens between the Louvre andthe Champs Elysées. It’s one of the biggestoutdoor museums in France. Run by theLouvre it contains artworks from the 17th to20th century.50 | The Good Life France The Good Life France | 51