For me and I’m sure many, many others it is the heart of the city. Women, men, boys, girls, visitors and locals can be found scattered throughout the park on any given day, rain or shine.

This beautiful 400 year old park serves as a front yard for Parisians and visitors from all over the world. My family and friends certainly know all about my strong attachment to this park. Before choosing any hotel on our visits the first question I ask is, “How far is it from the Park?” Technically the center of Paris, and all of France for that matter, is a marker in front of Notre Dame, but for me it’s Luxembourg Gardens.

Fortunately we’ve never stayed more than a ten minute walk away. Many if not all of our days start with a walk through Luxembourg Gardens and often end with a walk through the park in the evening. Being in the park at dusk, closing time, is always a fun experience as well. As dusk approaches the police slowly meander throughout the grounds blowing their whistles signaling closing time, as they usher the crowds out of the many gates surrounding the park.

I’ve spent time in the park in the middle of winter, on beautiful spring days and in the peak of summer and regardless of the time of year, it is the most wonderful place to be.