Jardin du Luxembourg

I’ve found this Left Bank park surrounding the French Sénat to be the loveliest urban park anywhere. It offers a charming microcosm of the French way of life, including the premise that the natural world, including humans, is meant to be guided, disciplined and improved. The plantings change seasonally, and the park is brilliantly designed to offer a variety of activities. Sit alongside the main fountain for people-watching, send a rented wooden sailboat across the calm waters with your children or bring a book and find a quiet corner in one of the shaded areas along the park’s western edge. The Luxembourg also offers pony rides, tennis courts, puppet shows for children, even beekeeping courses.