Our last evening in Paris was spent wandering around Jardin du Luxembourg, which was just a short walk from Hotel des Grands Hommes where we were staying. We had both visited these gardens on a few previous trips, but as so often happens in the more interesting and intricate gardens we discovered a new treasure off to the side, the Medici Fountain (La fontaine Médicis):
Leading up to the granite sculpture is a dark glassy pond, flanked on either side by thick gatherings of dark green vines fixed into garlands strung ribbon-like between the occasional grand old chestnut tree. These leafy garlands added a sweet romance to the scene as did the potted geraniums, which bloomed in brilliant reds and pinks from large stone planters. The Medici Fountain offered an ideal space for my Mom and I to just drift for a while; a greatly desired activity after a rather stressful trip.
La fontaine Medicis was indeed a find. Dozens of trips to Paris over the years and somehow I had never turned the right corner, or taken the right path to come upon this peaceful, shady, lovely spot to sit and rest on a sunny, late afternoon. Makes me wonder what other remarkable spots remain to be discovered on some future trip!
Thanks for visiting and commenting Jackie! I too wonder how many intriguing little spots have been missed over the years; another reason to return soon!