In the "Park it in Paris" series, I write about the city's parks - some of the best spots to relax, people-watch, and mingle with the locals.
Sometimes it's those things that are right in front of you that are somehow not obvious at all. Like the pen I search for that's on the table in clear view, or worse, in my hand. Or a cool sculpture garden right along the Seine that I somehow don't quite notice until after two years of living in Paris.
In fact, it took two boat rides on the Seine this summer for the Jardin Tino-Rossi to fully capture my attention. After one boat ride celebrating my friend Katherine's birthday and another when my aunt and cousin visited me, it finally sunk in. At about the turn-around point for the tourist boats, you can see a cool sculpture garden along the left bank of the Seine. Seems so obvious, but somehow not.
As I mentioned before, the weather took a rainy turn in Paris this July. But a Bastille Day miracle occurred - after days of cool, rainy weather blue skies broke through, and the sun came out to bath Paris in some much needed light. And that was the afternoon I set out to finally explore this park for myself.
I found the park to be quite different than others in town. It features a wide, flat cement surface along the river that walkers, joggers, and cyclists alike all share. The cement and modern looking sculptures that adorn the garden give it a modern feel, yet the picturesque view of the boats going down the Seine add a heavy dose of Paris romance.
Michael and I walked along the river, admiring the sculptures that I am unable to comment on intelligently from an art perspective. Thus I am only offering this picture of me interacting with the art.
Near the entrance of the park off of Quai Saint-Bernard (almost across from the Institut du Monde Arabe) is a playground for children. Between that and boat-watching along the river, it makes a great spot to keep kids amused. Of course, I probably love boat watching even more than any child so it was perfect for me to sit and relax for a few minutes.
While there's not much grass to lounge on, it makes a great spot to bring a sandwich to picnic along the water. (Though I must give mention to the most intense picnickers I've spotted in Paris yet. They presented their food spread on a folding table with a tablecloth. Maybe they went all out for la fête nationale?)
Reading a bit more about the park, it seems like a popular summer tradition during July and August is that dancers gather here to tango and salsa the night away. Check out the blurb on en.parisinfo.com for more information. It gives me yet another reason to want to return!
Have you ever visited this garden? What did you think?
2 quai Saint-Bernard, 75005 Paris, France
Open daily, 24/7
And more in the area:
If you're looking for something else to do close by, across the street from the park entrance is the Institute Arabe du Monde. See an exhibit or go up to the terrace for a free view of Paris.
Or walk less than 15 minutes to the Grande Mosquée de Paris for a look inside and/or get a cup of mint tea.
Practically next door to this garden you can also find the Jardin des Plantes and the National Museum of Natural History.
