One of the guides we consulted for the Paris gardens portion of our trip was “Hidden Gardens of Paris” by Susan Cahill. Using that guide, we discovered how close the Garden of Plants was to our hotel which ultimately prompted our visit, although I’m still not sure why the Garden of Plants would be considered “hidden” (how, pray tell, do you “hide” a 69-acre garden!). Ms. Cahill’s guide also recommended La Vallee Suisse (the Swiss Valley), which truly was a hidden garden and a real gem. One of the things that made it so hidden was the fact that the name on the sign at the garden entrance was not La Vallee Suisse but rather Jardin de la Nouvelle France. But we knew we were at the right place because we were at the busy intersection of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Cours la Reine and the place looked like the photos in the book. Oh, those sneaky French!

This sunken garden was so lush, green and quiet, we were in absolute amazement of the contrast between this tiny oasis and the relentless traffic surrounding it from above.  I think Ms. Cahill summed up this little jewel very well when she said:
“…narrow, cracked stone stairs lead down into the hidden “valley.” What you find at the bottom comes as a surprise and delight: utter quiet and simple beauty to the accompaniment of the sound of water flowing from a small waterfall into a pond shaped by rocks and shaded by an old weeping beech tree. There’s a surround of tall evergreens and maples rising toward the sky, bushes thick with lilacs and jasmine. The wooden footbridge has the look of a set design. It’s an enchanting and comforting place, a sanctuary…”