A few (almost) secret gardens in Paris
So the month of July in Paris was a-wash with warmpth and sunlight, but sadly I didn’t get to go out and enjoy it that much since I was dealing with this issue. And as soon as that cast came off, the weather went sour. August has been a total disappointment weather-wise. But the very occasional day of cooperative weather, we managed to get out and take full advantage. We were able to discover (or at least try to) a few out-of-the-way green spots in the city that are practically secret. Well, almost…
We headed to the Musée de la Vie Romantique, which has free entry for its permanent collection. A lovely house full of George Sand’s paraphernalia, and things like a sculpture of Chopin’s hands. But before skimming through the museum, I suggest grabbing a chance to enjoy the tea garden.
Although this isn’t the most well know garden courtyard in Paris, it is small, so it is advisable to get there early to secure a spot. Counter service there provides Angelina’s products to go along with a tarte, a quiche or other treat. It was a delight to enjoy a dainty snack with the sounds of traffic far far away, inaudible and forgotten, for a couple hours. And with pretty flowers and foliage surrounding the garden’s edge, we almost felt like we were anywhere but Paris.
Another curious flora that I have encountered and want to share with you all, is inside a garden. At the top of a a little hill inside the Square des Batignolles, protected from view by all the trees around it, is a greenhouse with a single tree in it. When I first saw the greenhouse, it was empty. Now there is a tree, with one single lemon on it. So it is a lemon tree. But I think it is sad, sitting there all alone, and that’s why there is only one lemon peeking out of its breeze-less leaves. If you are passing through the square, go say bonjour to the sad lemon tree, I am sure it could use the company.
Two other parks that we tried to visit were closed when we got there. Next time I will check the hours before trekking all the way over there. But for your reference I am posting the images of their posted hours and days of opening so you can head their fully informed, unlike moi. One is the Jardin Sauvage Saint-Vincent on rue Saint-Vincent in Montmartre, next to the vineyard. It would seem that it is a lovely little overgrown garden that is a nice change from all the trimmed and tamed French gardens of Paris. And the Jardin des Abbesses, is an herb garden, where we were hoping to get some inspiration for what to grow on our balcony. Those gardens will remain on my list of things to do…
I hope you are finding ways to beat the rain and chilly weather in Paris this month. Hopefully September will bring us a toast indian Summer…
I love your post on these little gardens in Paris! And that sweet little lemon tree – how interesting! I’ve been wanting to check out the Musée de la Vie Romantique for the longest time – your post is inspiring me to get out and go already because it looks so pretty! I’ve been trying to get out to some parks in Paris this summer, when the weather actually cooperates 🙂 I finally made it over to Parc de Belleville to see its view of the Eiffel Tower. Love discovering the green parts of Paris!
Sara, that’s wonderful! You should go to the musée de la vie romantique, hopefully we will get a lovely month of September. And the Belleville park is quite a gem, glad you went. Did you go around sunset?!? That’s the best time to head there. 🙂
I’ve also wanted to visit the Romantic museum (I’m a total sucker for Chopin, haha). I hope to make it next time I’m in Paris.
Speaking of secret gardens, have you ever been to the Jardin des serres in Auteuil? It’s so beautiful…they have tropical plants, gorgeous 19th century greenhouses and even sculptures right out of Rodin’s atelier. I guess there’s less traffic than other parks and gardens in Paris because it’s on the outskirts but I really loved it!