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Image by Frédéric Moussaïan
Green spaces in Paris are divided into parcs, which are big, generally in peripheral areas. Jardins are smaller, more central though, beautifully decorated by palaces and statues, and generally have no – or very little – grass to lie on.
But to me what makes a critical difference is the fact that in the jardins, it is possible to find the greatest piece of (urban) furniture on earth!!! The reclining Chaise Luxembourg!
Having a nap on one of those reclining chairs is a must-do during a stay in Paris!
You can find them in the Jardin du Luxembourg, but also in the Tuileries (picture) and a few ones in the Jardins du Palais-Royal (check the Palais-Royal article), close to the ponds and fountains, the edge of which is an excellent place to stretch your legs.
If all such chairs are already occupied when you arrive (as it often happens at Palais-Royal):
1) Don’t give up by taking another uncomfortable straight chair! It would be coward.
2) Walk around the pool and observe carefully all people who are sit on these chairs, using your psychological skills to guess when they might leave.
3) Be the first (run, jump, fight if necessary) where a chair becomes available again (usually you won’t have to wait more than 5 or 10 minutes).
4) Forget gallantry and courtesy towards old people (after all, they can come back whenever they want if they’re retired).
5) Enjoy! You won’t regret it.
Details about this spot (Show on map)
Reclining chairs | Art & culture, Relaxing | Free
Jardin des Tuileries | Louvre/Les Halles
Check the opening times of the gardens
@ Nicole in Paris
Indeed Nicole, many people use other chairs for their feet and/or clothes (including myself today at the Luxembourg!). But generally they use less comfortable chairs (not the “recline” ones) for that purpose.
In case you can’t find a free chair because they’re occupied by coats or feet, don’t hesitate to ask, politely, to people to let you their chair, I’m sure that most people would feel embarassed and confused to refuse such a logical request!
Sadly though, while the chairs are a wonderful thing, 50% of them are being used as foot rests by the greedy.
I was appalled as I wandered through the park seeking a chair to see half of them being used by feet or bags! Even elderly people were ignored for the sake of a purse or a coat.
Civilized? Not in my mind.
my best moment sitting near the pond contemplating on the duckling wondering around….