A Family Picnic in Jardin du Luxembourg

Rue Mouffetard was one of the oldest streets in the city and was a major thoroughfare during Roman times. You and any accompanying gladiators are on a mission to collect supplies for a picnic in the Luxembourg gardens. Like many food shops in Paris, please note that the markets are closed on Mondays. Buy a fresh baguette, a wedge of cheese, cured meats, and seasonal fruit, like blood oranges, mangos, figs and the sweetest melons and you’re all set.

Jardin du Luxembourg are just over 1 kilometre away, so head down Rue Erasme, then Rue Louis Thuillier, and follow Rue Gay-Lussac all the way into the park. Or save your feet and look for bus number 27 or 21.

Established in the 17^th century, head past the Palais Du Luxembourg and find the Fontaine de Medicis with its unusual face poking out of the water, which is always a talking point with the little ones. You should have no problem finding a shady or a sunny spot to enjoy your picnic and if the ground is damp there are chairs and benches scattered about the place.

After you’ve gorged yourselves silly, head towards the lovely octagonal lake, which is usually full of sailing boats that are possible to rent on certain days of the week.

After you’ve all sufficiently dunked your hands in the lake, head away from the palace and veer to your right (you might notice the Eiffel Tower poking out in the distance) to the fantastic children’s playground. There is an entrance fee, but definitely worth the charge as there is a gorgeous little cafe full of treats to bribe the kids off the monkey bars when it’s time to go home. The playground also has one of the few pint sized restrooms in Paris. You can sip on a coffee while the little ones run amook – now what could be more civilised than that? Nearby to the playground, there are sand pits, swings, pony rides and a charming wooden carousel.  Also very popular is the Les Guignols in Theatre de Marionnettes, which hosts daily puppet shows in the afternoons and the schedules change frequently.

by Carmen Jenner of Fluffy Towel