Jardin du Luxembourg

Métro: Notre Dame Des Champs (line 12), Odéon ( Line 4 or 10)
RER B: Sénat, Luxembourg
Address: Jardin du Luxembourg, 75006 Paris
Access: Rue d'Assas, Rue Guynemer, Rue de Vaugirard , Rue Auguste Comte or Bd St Michel
Hours:  Click Here
Cost: Free
Website:www.senat.fr

I have the chance of working a street away from this garden so I have seen its many faces. Yet after 5 months of walking its alleys daily,  I am still discovering this garden. Everyday is different: the light, the weather, the landscape; everything brings life to this place. It is the Parisians very own backyard. I love seeing locals reading their journals or their books on the now famous green metal chairs. They stay indifferent to the hoards of tourists who cannot stop taking pictures of the ducks. Well, there is also the fitness addicts: joggers, tennis players or even Tai chi groups.

I have also crossed the path of a famous actress, a french singer even a movie set. Yep this is the place where no matter who you are, local or tourist, famous or anonymous, you still find yourself in love with this manicured paradise. Inside its gates, there is also a playground for kids, a puppet theater and during vacation or summer months: poney rides and little cars rentals. But most of the kids enjoy feeding the ducks and navigating their boats on the main fountain.

We owe this little beauty to Marie of Medecis. So why the name Luxembourg? I thought you'd never asked!

In the beginning of the 17th century, this area was mostly made up of convents, schools and a few hôtels particulier. One of which was the property of the Duke of Piney-Luxembourg. As a young boy, King Louis XIII spent time hunting. Later Marie de Medecis left the grand palace of the Louvre (that's another story) to establish herself there. But for a queen the place is not quite to her standard so ordered some remodeling and expansions including a gorgeous orchard and garden, and what we know now as the Senate.

The garden is filled with beautiful statues and sculptures totaling over a hundred pieces. Best free open air museum! There is even a small replica of the Statue of Liberty. My favorite are the Fontaine Médécis and the Hommage à Eugène Delacroix which are massive and magnificent at the same time.

Finally, to spend a nice afternoon among friends: a game of pétanque or delecting in a nice nutella crêpe with the girlfriends.

Or you can take a class at the Rucher-école and learn all about bees : www.la-sca.net
But no matter what, les Jardins du Luxembourg is a must-see stop to relax. I often think about what it would be like to have this place all for myself but feeling spoiled and lucky to be able to enjoy it daily. Maybe I'll see you there!?

Hugo & Victor

Métro: Sèvres-Babylone (line 10 or 12)
Address: 40 bd Raspail 75007 Paris
Hours:  9:00 am -8:00pm  Monday-Saturday
             10:00 am -6:00 pm on Sunday
Cost: around 6 euros for a pastry
Website:http://hugovictor.com/

I've known about Hugo & Victor for a while. It's hard to miss the fancy frontage. So fancy, that I have hesitated entering for months. I wasn't sure if I was entering a jewelry boutique on Place Vendôme. I felt kind of nervous, I definitely did not want to pay 20 bucks for a small pastry. But then, I became really intrigued by the concept: 2 desserts (one by Victor and one by Hugo)  declining the same ingredient. The theme ingredients change with the season, for instance pineapple or blood orange. When I came in, I was immediately hypnotized by the Chestnut display. I adore chestnuts so I fell for this glittery version of religieuse.

The problem was: how do I get one? The experience of getting the pastry was unique and I was a bit lost at first. It was confusing! So you look at the displays around the store, you tell the lady following you around like your own shadow that you have made your choice and she goes back to the secret kitchen to get it. She suddenly reappears with a little black box. You hope that it is a diamond necklace but know it's the second best thing after the pricey rocks.

I went to a little park around the corner and decided to open my present. Was it going to be a let down? First the look is totally rad- even though I don't like glitter dust on my food. I love chestnut cream and I hate it when pastry chefs corrupt its decadent flavor. Religieuses are usually filled with a custard cream (usually chocolate or vanilla) but as I took a bite, I was totally surprised by the lightness of its sublime mousse but I was still able to taste the richness of the Chestnuts. I loved it! Too bad it was only a seasonal treat. I guess I will have to return the other flavors. Litchi is calling my name. How about you: What is your favorite flavor?

Galerie Vivienne

Métro: Bourse (line 3) or Palais Royal (line 1)
Access: 6 rue Vivienne, 75002 Paris
             4 rue des Petits Champs
             5 Rue de la Banque
Hours:  everyday from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm
Website: http://www.galerie-vivienne.com/

 

Probably one of the prettiest, if not the prettiest passageway of Paris, Galerie Vivienne is like a free minute of spa. I felt right in my element: Free Luxury! I admit it. I like pricey looking things that I cannot afford so I love when I find a way to feel like I live the high life without spending a dime. Let's just call it as it is: I'm superstar cheap.And walking around Galerie Vivienne fulfills my need for affordable indulgence.

Galerie Vivienne bathes in light thanks to its beautiful rotundas.Everything from floor to ceiling is majestic. This gallery was built in 1823 and is 176 meters long. I'm sure you noticed the beautiful mosaics on the floor made by Facchina, the Italian artist. To sound fancy and all knowledgeable, the style is neo-classical Pompeian (Yep I looked on Wikipedia).

 

It's not only gorgeous but filled with little boutiques (for your eyes only of course). I love the beautiful bookstore at the corner:  Jousseaume (www.librarie.jousseaume.fr) which is opened from 11 am to 7 pm Monday through Saturday.