Disneyland is often called “the happiest place on earth,” but that is no longer the case; the title of happiest place on earth officially belongs to the Jardin du Luxembourg.
Here’s why: Disneyland is so crowded you have to shove your way through the throngs of people. You wait in a hot line, sometimes for an hour or more, for a three-minute ride. It is very loud, very wild, and truthfully caters mainly to young children.
(I actually happen to like Disneyland very much. And, hey, if you genuinely enjoy crowds, noise, and standing all day, then more power to you.)
On the other hand, the Jardin du Luxembourg is peaceful, beautiful, meets a variety of needs, and still manages to be fun for children.
When the Jardin was started, it was not available to the public, but over the years it has been opened up, divided, altered, added to, and changed with the times. These days, it has tennis courts, playgrounds, cafés, gardens, and more. The Jardin also features a variety of styles, from the formal French-style gardens, to the winding, romantic English style. Despite all of these elements in a relatively average-sized space, the park never feels cramped. You can easily wander from one section to the next, but if you want to stay secluded, that’s possible, too.
Really, almost any kind of experience you want to have in the Jardin is possible (unless you’re looking for roller coasters or something, then you’re out of luck). Children can play on one of the most unique, fun-looking playgrounds, or sail little sailboats on the water. Runners can exercise along the paths. Workers on lunch breaks can enjoy a peaceful time. Couples can stroll from sculpture to sculpture. The park can be enjoyed alone or with a group, and can be as secluded or crowded as preferred.
Professor Smith said that the Jardin du Luxembourg is “all things to all people.” Children, teenagers, parents, and the elderly can all equally enjoy the park. The emphasis is on equally. Today, so many places are built to cater to one specific group, with maybe a casual acknowledgement to others. The Jardin has a universal appeal, which is difficult to accomplish.
And people actually enjoy the park. The playground may not have any television screens, and the sailboats are only powered by pushing a stick (which a kid accidentally swung at my head) and the wind. But even with these things that many be considered simple by today’s standards, every single child I saw was having a fantastic time. As for the adults, they all appeared relaxed and content as they ate their lunch, chatted with friends, or sat alone deep in thought.
Unlike most parks in the United States, the Jardin has a few ways to earn money to help fund it. The nicer playground charges a nominal entry fee. Bee hives and the garden are harvested for their goods and sold. (Also, since 1809, there have been gardening courses to teach people how to plant and harvest food. This very cool initiative began after rampant starvation during the Revolution.)
How else does the this park differ from American ones? Why can’t we accomplish a park like this in the United States? Most American parks are funded by local government and tax dollars. People who don’t or won’t use the park don’t want their money going to it. The Jardin is funded much more heavily by the government.
This difference reflects an interesting, large contrast in the overriding cultures of France and the US. The French understand that programs such as public parks and healthcare are for the greater good. Even if it doesn’t directly help you, that doesn’t mean it’s worthless. Meanwhile, in the US, many have the mindset that if they are not benefiting from their tax dollars, then it shouldn’t be spent. The US has this preoccupation with freedom and keeping the government out of as much as possible. The strictness of preservation in France would never work in the US. In historic districts in France, you must apply to sell, rent, or make any changes to your home, and it can take months to get a response. Homeowners in the US would be up in arms about that kind of government oversight. But it’s not just about difference in opinions of government, it’s also about difference of values. France is very proud of their heritage and architecture, and actively wants to preserve it, while this is valued less in America.
No matter your opinion on more government vs. less government, I think we can all appreciate beauty, and in this the Jardin du Luxembourg more than excels.
(Also, Leslie Knope would love this park, and that makes me love it even more.)
