~Beehives in the Garden~

Jardin du Luxembourg

While researching and planning this year's trip, I read about an apiary in the Jardin du Luxembourg.  The bees and the beekeeping school have been in the garden since 1856.  Since we usually spend time in the gardens each time we visit, I added the bees to the "to see list", wondering why we hadn't seen them before.

 This is a perfect place for the bees as there are many flowering and fruit trees in the garden.  There's an extraordinary orchard next to the apiary.

The antique bee boxes are under the gazebo; the bees now make their home in the newer 'pagoda-like' houses.    The fountain in the middle of the apiary is especially for the bees.  The colony thrives as Paris is a pesticide free zone.

We entered near the Luxembourg Palace built for Marie de Medici in 1615.  It currently houses the French Senate.

We couldn't have been further from the apiary, which is in the southwest corner of the garden near the Rue de Fleurus entrance; an entrance we've never strolled by.

The Medici Fountain, a beautiful,quiet place to sit and enjoy the moment..

Walking along the Luxembourg Palace, the flowers are gorgeous.

The lovely white statuary circles the parterre garden.  They are all women, many Queens of France

French gardeners love their Dahlias.  They were spectacular!
Always reminds me of the dahlias my Mom grew in her garden..

                                                             More of the parterre garden

The Palais Luxembourg~now housing the French Senate.

We are slowly making our way to the other side of the garden, enjoying all the beautiful plantings.

Soon we came to a very large boules area.  There must have been a dozen games in progress.  These men are obviously friends and quite competitive.  They do have fun and we enjoyed sitting and watching.

Next to the boules courts was a very large play area.  This is a serious playground!

Now we are close to the bees!   The sign says; "Don't walk on the grass. Danger Bees"

I am so glad I read about this part of the garden.  Those bees have some luxurious housing.

The area near and around the apiary is quite beautiful as well.

Such a beautiful walk.  This area will definitely be on my "must do again" list.

This is the walkway from the south entrance to the gardens.  I love how the gardens are maintained.

Returning to where we began, we pass the large pool.  On weekends, there would be kids sailing boats.

The Jardin du Luxembourg is on every Paris 'must see' site list.  I've shown photos of the garden from every one of our Paris visits. I hope you don't ever get bored with this beautiful retreat.  I know I won't.