Created for Queen Marie de Medici in 1612, Jardin du Luxembourg is definitely a park fit for royalty. Bordering Paris’ Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter, here’s what to do next time you’re in the hood.
walk in the park: Inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence, Jardin du Luxembourg feels like a fairytale escape in the middle of the city. Set on 25 hectares of land are French and English gardens, orchards, an apiary, a greenhouse and a fragrant rose garden. There are also more than 106 statues and a large pond where you can race rented toy sailboats. It’s so easy to sail away on a dream here. Jardin du Luxenbourg, 6e Arrondissement, Paris, +33 1 42 34 23 62, www.senat.fr
chic as can be: Located a half-block from the park is the divine Hotel Villa Madame. A pair of unsuspecting doors open up to tasteful boutique accommodations with a real sense of French elegance infused in every detail, from the enchanting back garden to the room’s plush chaise-lounges. Hotel Villa Madame, 44 Rue Madame, Paris, +33 1 45 48 02 81, www.hotelvillamadameparis.com
sleep in a little: During your stay, treat yourself to breakfast in bed. Order pastries to die for, including a pain au chocolat made in the authentic French manner, plus local yogurt, fresh-squeezed juice and Parisian coffee. Simple, light, wholesome: a small luxury that’ll make your morning.
a la mode: A.P.C. (it stands for Atelier de Production et de Création) is one of France’s most beloved clothing lines, and you’ll find its flagship store centrally located in the Jardin du Luxembourg district. Known for its timeless, minimalist pieces, this label is favoured by the likes of Michelle Williams, Spike Jones and Kanye West. Pick up a Luxembourg sweatshirt ($145) as a souvenir, and rep the hood long after you leave. A.P.C., 38 Rue Madame, Paris, +33 1 42 22 12 77, www.apc.fr
A little slice of Paris. Ooh la la. —Elianna Lev
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