A Walk in the Luxembourg Garden

Text and photos by Chen Chi-Hsiang. Life has always been full; there is no time to savor the past or visit the future. Every moment is right before our eyes, grasped and strived for in the present. Time is inherently timeless. Live fully, experience every situation of the now, and life exists exactly as it is here and now. Life simply is.

Parisian time seems to pass quickly. In the blink of an eye, summer vacation ended, and Parisians returned to their posts. School started again. The crowds commuting and studying in public spaces signaled that Paris had returned to its normal rhythm. There is a French idiom describing Parisians’ lives as “metro, work, and sleep.” This repetitive metropolitan scenario suggests that life everywhere has its own different tones and rhythms, with the music of life flowing with the seasons and holidays.

Seasonal changes are felt keenly. As we entered the crisp autumn weather, the temperature difference between morning and evening became significant. The sun seemed more hurried each day, setting earlier and earlier. Amidst these shifts, especially in recent days, the weather changed drastically. The sun began playing hide-and-seek with Parisians, bringing cold, cloudy skies with occasional showers. Temperatures dropped to around 17°C. Parisians’ lifestyles changed with their clothing; coats and warm garments emerged, altering the streetscape.

Of course, Parisian life continues regardless of wind or rain, whether scorching heat or freezing snow; only the scenarios and forms change. Everyone cherishes sunny summer days. My life in Paris is no exception. From spring until the crisp autumn, my favorite spaces for leisurely strolls are undoubtedly the green areas, large parks, and gardens within the City of Flowers. Whenever possible, I visited lush gardens near my home this summer for impromptu picnics. Each time, I chose an urban oasis for a relaxed picnic, harmonizing daily life with a unique flavor.

Once, I specifically went to the Parisians’ backyard—the Luxembourg Garden—for a picnic and to listen to a concert. We often avoid the front courtyard, choosing instead the back garden around the Statue of Liberty. Surrounded by verdant hedges, this quiet place was perfect for a picnic. With simple salads, sandwiches, and drinks, we chatted while eating, enjoying a carefree life. After the meal, we had dessert and coffee, living spontaneously. Many people working nearby or tourists rested for a moment, numerous others picnicking like us.

I am not unfamiliar with the Luxembourg Garden. This oasis is a favorite of both Parisians and tourists because it is located in the city center and the famous Latin Quarter. It serves as a large space for students’ leisure, young couples’ dates, citizens’ recreation, children’s games, and art pilgrims’ visits.

During these recent walks in the Luxembourg Garden, what particularly caught my attention were not the statues of French queens surrounding the central courtyard, but rather the statues of famous French artists scattered in various corners of the back garden, surrounded by flowers and shrubs. Most striking were the statues of painter Delacroix, musician Chopin, writers Hugo, Balzac, George Sand, and Stendhal, poets Baudelaire and Heredia, sculptor Rodin, and others. Among them is the statue “La bocca della verita” (The Mouth of Truth), which confuses and awakens the truth. Referencing Roman allegory, it depicts a sensual woman standing before a mask, inserting her hand into the mask’s mouth, symbolizing to the world: “Truth never deceives.” In other words, if a liar inserts their hand into the mask’s mouth, they cannot pull it out.