Les Jardin des Plantes, Paris

At this time last week, we had just arrived in Paris and were looking forward to spending a few days exploring this iconic city. Our first stop was Les Jardin des Plantes, and due to a heatwave, we got an early start. This 68 acre park reminds me of one of my favorite places, Balboa Park in San Diego.

Dating back to the 17th century, this garden was originally established for medicinal purposes. It has expanded greatly over the centuries, and now includes museums, gardens, a zoo, galleries, greenhouses, and so much more.

There is a labyrinth in the garden that leads to a gazebo perched on the highest point in the park. The gazebo was built between 1786 – 1788, making it one of the oldest metal structures in the world.

There are some nice views of the surrounding area from the gazebo.

This Lebanese Cedar was brought here from England in 1734 as a sapling. As we approached the tree, we saw a woman standing next to it, her palms on the tree and head bowed. Is there any other way to appreciate such a grand tree?

The Tropical Rainforest Greenhouse is another beautiful place to visit. As one would expect, it was hot and humid, so we didn’t linger. We hope to visit again when the weather is cooler, and a tropical environment is more inviting.

There is much to see when wandering through the gardens. I love the “bee hotels”.

We spent all morning in the garden, but barely scratched the surface. This is easily a place one can return to time and time again. Seeing it in different seasons seems particularly appealing.

We also visited the Musée d’Orsay during our time in Paris. Check back next week when I write about this iconic museum.

As our train was approaching Gare Montparnasse, theTravelsketcher said, “look, there’s the Eiffel Tower”. When I turned, just like Meg Ryan in the movie French Kiss, it was gone. I hoped to get a glimpse of it on our way home. I sat watching for it as we pulled out of the station, but a fraction of a second after it came into view, we passed a train heading in the other direction, giving me just a blurry view through three sets of dusty windows. Maybe next time.

Wishing you grand adventures,

Tricia