Le Pont Traversé X Jardin du Luxembourg

#008: Paris ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Mar 31, 2024

Timelapse video (above) of where I sat and ate my croissant from Le Pont Traversé and simply watched the people go by.

The story behind this story

The Sun was shining. I was in Paris. Today was my garden day.

I started early-for-Paris (730am) and walked from my AirBnB in the direction of the gardens that I had marked in my Google Maps.

The day before I had been enjoying a coffee at now one of my favourite cafes in Paris - KB Coffee Roasters, where I had struck up a conversation with a beautiful French woman by the name of Justine. When we met she initially seemed to be needing to take some time for herself - sighing with a quiet breath which I understood to mean her work-energy-demands and family life - but we ended up talking for an hour which I really appreciated - there is something magical about a warm human interaction from a total stranger.

She told me about the balconies and architecture opposite us, and the flea markets and the gardens that I should visit, which ultimately brought me to the Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg) the following day.

Napkin sketch of the view at KB Coffee Roasters

People watching at KB Coffee Roasters the day before. Not a croissant, a delicious scone with cream and jam :)

Jardin du Luxembourg

The Jardin du Luxembourg, or Luxembourg Gardens, is a beautiful and historic park located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, France. It covers about 23 hectares (56 acres) and is known for its lawns, tree-lined promenades, flowerbeds, and the iconic Luxembourg Palace, which houses the French Senate.

The garden was created in 1612 by Marie de' Medici, the widow of King Henry IV of France, who purchased the land to build a palace in the style of the Pitti Palace in her native Florence. The gardens have a distinct French and English garden style, with geometrically arranged lawns and pathways, statues, fountains, and a large octagonal pond known as the Grand Bassin, where children can rent small boats.

The Jardin du Luxembourg is not just a feast for the eyes; it's also a cultural hotspot. It features over a hundred statues, monuments, and fountains, among which are the famous Statue of Liberty replica and the Medici Fountain. The gardens host a range of activities throughout the year, including concerts, exhibitions, and the popular children's puppet shows.

Besides its beauty and cultural offerings, the Jardin du Luxembourg is a popular spot for both locals and tourists to relax, jog, play chess, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll. It’s a peaceful green oasis in the middle of Paris's urban hustle and bustle, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and art.

Le Pont Traversé (Café)

I knew that I wanted to eat a croissant and drink a coffee in the gardens, as opposed to a cafe or bakery. As it turns out this was harder to find close to the gardens than I expected!

After walking for some time I discovered by chance, Le Pont Traversé is a quaint and charming café located in Paris's 6th arrondissement, near the Luxembourg Gardens. This café is known for its inviting atmosphere and serves as a delightful spot for both locals and tourists to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee or a meal.

With its close proximity to the Jardin du Luxembourg, Le Pont Traversé offers an ideal location for those looking to take a break after a stroll through the gardens. The café boasts a traditional Parisian ambiance, complete with outdoor seating that allows guests to soak in the vibrant street life and architectural beauty of the area.

The croissant

The croissant that I bought from the cafe was small and dense, unlike any other croissant that I had ever tried before.

I appreciated this. The unknown can be exciting.

It was in fact delicious. Dense. Buttery. With all the right flavours hitting the pallet. And I enjoyed it thoroughly with my half spilled espresso with no lid.