Sydney Mahmood, Culture through Literature in Paris Summer 2024
When you first think of Paris, do you think of the Eiffel Tower? Or do you think of the chic couture? The Mona Lisa? Baguettes and croissants? Maybe even the Olympics? That was also my initial view of Paris before studying abroad. However, after spending 30 days there, my mind immediately goes back to how green the city is. I never would have imagined my favorite part of the trip would be all of the gardens and parks. Most days, you could find me spending my free time sprawled on the grass, eating a macaron, reading, or chatting with friends. The landscapes were perfect for people (and dog) watching, a favorite pastime in Paris.
Each park had its own unique story. In Luxembourg Gardens, there is a large palace proudly waving a French flag, with palm trees and white statues creating a perfect backdrop for the set of Saltburn. I felt like an aristocrat watching toy boats sail. In contrast, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont featured rugged rocks covered in vibrant foliage, creating a wild yet serene scene. A family of ducks paddled in the lake, and French chatter filled the park. Behind the lake, a small temple perched on a cliff, allowing me to drift off and imagine I was wearing an elegant gown, running up the bridge to meet a forbidden lover inside. At Jardin des Plantes, I was comforted by the scent of fresh flowers and vegetables, reminding me of gardening with my grandmother as a kid.
Unlike any park I experienced in the United States before, each landscape in Paris felt like a personal oasis, inviting you to be anything you wanted to be and imagine anything you wanted to see. These places were my perfect escape and the parts of Paris I still miss the most.
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