By taking bus number 89, you can get off at Luxembourg or Sénat and be right at the Jardin du Luxembourg. You can wander around the gardens and park to all the sights in these photos and enjoy so much more — sculptures, picnic areas, playgrounds, fountains and various amenities.

The small statue of Liberty was one of the models used for the Statue of Liberty given to the U.S. by France. There are many magnificent sculptures throughout the gardens.

Children can rent boats, and there is a puppet theater in the park beside a beautiful playground and picnic areas.

From the Grand Bassin (pond) you can view the famous Tour Montparnasse (tower). While it is not a pretty structure, it is worth going to the top of it for the magnificent view of the city.

As you'll see on the cards, lots of buses go to Montparnasse.

Near the Grand Bassin is Le Sénat (the Senate). It was originally a palace and then became a prison during the French Revolution. Now it is the seat of the French Senate.

Be sure to seek out the most famous fountain in the park, called the Médicis Fountain.

You can wander to the St-Sulpice area from the Jardin du Luxembourg. It is an easy walk, or you could take the 87 or 96 bus (among others) that goes near the St-Sulpice area.

Even in winter people enjoy le Café de la Mairie (town hall café) on the Place St-Sulpice in spite of the long-term reconstruction and repairs on the church. Note the famous fountain by Visconti.

Especially if you have read The DaVinci Code, be certain to go into the Eglise St-Sulpice (Church of St. Sulpice) and see the references from the book, such as the Rose Line. Above all, do not miss the frescoes by Eugène Delacroix in the chapel on the right when you enter. Push the button to turn on the light or you won’t see them.

There are many interesting shops in this area, including bookstores, gift shops, restaurants, a kiosk and Les Olivades on rue de Tournon, a shop with fabric goods and materials of their fine brand from Provence. There are a lot of restaurants nearby on and around rue Guisarde.

Next: Itinerary 2