PontAlexandre III
Stroll
Paris has no shortage of placid parks and gardens,
but perhaps the most charming is at Palais Royal,
the birthplace of the restaurant (if you’re feeling
flush, book a table at Le Grand Véfour, one of
the city’s oldest and longest running restaurants).
Today, its illustrious arcades frame art galleries,
designer shops and terraced restaurants. At the
heart of it all is a beautiful garden oasis, with
manicured lawns, rows of lime trees, marble
statues, a flowing fountain and benches for
lingering.
The city’s gilded past looms large in the Left Bank,
particularly on and around the Pont Alexandre III,
an ornate bridge built by in the late 19th century
in honour of Tsar Alexandre III following the
Franco-Russian Alliance. Look out onto the river
from the centre of the bridge when soft, golden
light suffuses the city late afternoon and you’ll
understand why it has provided the backdrop
to countless films, including Woody Allen’s
Midnight in Paris.
Quai d’Orsay, 75008
Palais Royal Terrace
99