Jardin de Luxembourg

Jardin de Luxembourg seems to be the most popular Park in Paris. It is located near Sorbonne University in the 5th district.



At the center of the park is the Grand Bassin, an octagonal pond where children can rent small remote-controlled boats.

Around the pond are nice lawns and alleys, all laid out in a geometrical pattern. Numerous statues including the Statue of the patroness of Paris, Saint-Geneviève - adorn the park. This is also one of the parks where you can just get hold of one of the many chairs and take it to the exact spot where you want to sit.








Palais du Luxembourg was constructed at the north end of the Jardin du Luxembourg. It was built for Marie de Medicis, mother of Louis XIII who was of Italian descent thus the architect, Salomon de Brosse designed the palace in a Florentine style.

During the French Revolution, the palace served as a prison and as the headquarters of the Luftwaffe during the Second World War. It currently houses the French Senate.

The Arch from Champs!

I had lots of photos in the past of Paris' important monument, Arch of Triumph but it was only now that I was able to get one right from the elegant Champs Elysees, the widest and biggest avenue that side of town.

While Bebeth and I were crossing Champs, I suddenly remembered to take out my camera and get this chance amidst the traffic. My amiga was hesitant for we were right smack in the middle of the cars wheezing in and out but we did it!

The Arch of Triumph was ommissioned in by Napoleon, shortly after his victory at Austerlitz. There are four huge relief sculptures at the bases of the four pillars and one can also find the tomb of the unknown soldier where every Armistice Day (11 November) the President of the Republic would lay a wreath.

This is also the starting point of a military parade every Bastille Day (July 14).

I can still remember that the french heroine Marianne is also carved in one of its walls. How can I forget that when we share similar names :)

The photo below gives you a nearer shot of the famous landmark.




We also chanced upon these seemingly french veterans preparing to March to the Arch for what occasion we don't know.

May 27: St. Sulpice

Of all the scenes in the Da Vinci film, next to the Louvre, this church seemed to be the most interesting so Bebeth and I went to check out the site. Photo below shows the facade of the church. There was sort of a flea market of sorts going on in the area this time.




The famous so called obelisk below which according to authorities isnt really one.


Rose line? hmmm they say not although Dan Brown states it is so.