After a mosey about the antique and fine-art shops near the river in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, I approach the gardens from Place Saint-Sulpice, with its imposing fountain and guarding lions.

I pause along the way to admire a bronze statue on the footpath,

And to read about one of the many exhibitions currently showing in Paris.

As soon as I push open the gate to the gardens, the rush of the city fades and it’s peaceful and calm.

The vintage carousel is whirling, its time-worn wooden horses galloping in circles, and children are lining up for a marionette show.

Le Jardin du Luxembourg is the Parisian’s backyard, where locals come to promenade, picnic and play petanque, sail toy boats on the pond or just relax in the sun on the trademark green chairs.

I stop to greet St Geneviève, Patron Saint of Paris, with her long, trailing plaits,

While nearby, a superfluity of nuns cross the park.

Before I leave, I sit for a while by the tranquil Medicis fountain, one of the most relaxing spots in Paris and a fine place to read in the shade, sketch or dream. The fantasy fountain has been rebuilt many times but was originally commissioned by Marie de Medicis in 1630. Pining for Italy she wanted to recreate the atmosphere of the Boboli Gardens in Florence.

Renewed and inspired, I stroll out of the gardens and along rue de Seine, where I pause to press my nose against the window of Gerard Mulot’s beautiful bakery.

Anyone fancy une Charlotte Framboises?

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