around Musée du Luxembourg 8Musée Zadkine A major figure of the École de Paris, Ossip Zadkine lived and worked in this studio- home from 1928 to 1967. Situated on the boundary between Saint-Germain and Montparnasse, the museum boasts six rooms presenting the different materials used by the sculptor; a lush garden, where visitors can admire several bronze statues; Jardin and the studio where Zadkine and his wifeworked for some 40 years. & Musée des-Champs.100 bis rue d’Assas (6th).01 55 42 77 20.M Notre-Dame-o du Luxembourg public holidays.Daily: 10am-6pm, except Mon and on certainPermanent collections free. The elegant Luxembourg Gardens, created Temporary exhibitions/full rate: €7-€8. for Queen Marie de Medici, take their inspi- www.zadkine.paris.fr ration from the BoboliGardens in Florence. Some one hundred or so statues are scat- tered throughout the grounds, which are part French formal garden and part English garden. There are plenty of activities and attractions for children: puppet shows, merry- go-rounds, slides,little sailing boats, etc. Adults, Parisians and tourists alike, can enjoy a game of chess, tennis or bridge. One of the 9 Saint-Germain-des-Prés gardens’ more curious features is the bee- A visit to the area should begin with the hive, created in 1856; at the end of Septem- church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Its tower ber, the honey produced is sold. The cultural and nave constitute some of the oldest programme consists of free photography Parisian vestiges of Romanesque architec- exhibitions, displayed on the park railings, andture (11th and 12th centuries). Music lovers concerts in the bandstand. Recline on one will appreciate the rich musical programme. of the wrought-iron chairs arranged around Amongst the luxury boutiques and art gal- the large ornamental pond and admire the leries that make the area so lively, take a facade of the Palais du Luxembourg, the seat seat on one of the terraces of the area’s of the Sénat (the upper house of the French most iconic cafes: the Café de Flore, the parliament).After a relaxing break, head Deux Magots, and the brasserie Lipp, the to the Musée du Luxembourg and discover meeting places of artists and intellectuals one of its two annual exhibitions. Next to the since the early 20th century. museum, the Angelina tea room is renowned 6th. M Saint-Germain-des-Prés.o for its specialities: Mont-Blanc cake and Afri- can hot chocolate. • MUSEUM: 19 rue de Vaugirard (6th).RER B Luxembourg. 01 40 13 62 00. Daily. Mon to Thurs: 10.30am-6pm. Fri to Sun and public holidays: 10.30am-7pm. Late-night opening varies according to exhibition programme. Closed 1 May, 25 Dec and between exhibitions.Full rate: €12-€13. http://museeduluxembourg.fr 32 THE LEFT BANK