What we're really reviewing here are the sandy "beaches" that France's socialist mayor has been…read moreinstalling for several summers now, to even things out between those people who can afford to jet off to a beach community for the summer and those who can't afford to leave town. Paris is hardly coastal property, so tons of sand are hauled in around mid-July and retained until mid-August and those who are still in town milk the fun out of every cubic centimeter. Really, I've never seen so many "beach goers" enjoying so little space in my life. Parties, picnics, booze, pot, sex, romance, music, games, fun. From bridge to bridge for several bridges running, the walls of the Seine are lined with little sandy pockets where kids and adults, young and old, rejoice in their little slice of beach. The whole thing is free, officially open until around 11:30 p.m., and incredibly well-executed. Some "blocks" are sand only, others have food and drink, others have chairs, a playground, a petanque court (and petanque sets too, just ask). It was impossible to resist dipping my toe into the sandy "beach" of the Seine, strolling along the "coast", or kicking back in one of the chairs with a baguette and a drink. I've heard some other cities emulate this ritual but they've messed it up by charging admission. Being a huge "all beaches should be free of charge always" person I was immensely pleased to see just how right Paris got this one.

How fun! French line…read moredancing, misters, tons of ice cream, champagne, sand, loungers, Pétanque, foosball, galettes, crepes, and the Seine what else could a girl ask for? The kids are playing in the sand, moms are laid out getting the sun, men are playing petanque, and for a quick second your forget we're in the heart of a city. I subtract one star because the maps are backwards. They show the river on the opposite side that youre walking, so its a bit precarious to figure out. Silly map makers!

One of the reasons we chose the hotel for our April visit to Paris was the proximity to Le Jardin…read moredu Luxembourg -- the Luxembourg Garden. This is one of my favorite places in Paris. Besides the layout and beauty of the Garden itself, it is a wonderful way to experience the softer side of Paris. Despite April overcast and rainy weather, walking through the Park was uplifting as always. Tulips greeted us when we entered through the Gay-Lussac entrance. Once in the Park, we found more flowers and trees in bloom. Beyond Les Voiliers du Luxembourg -- an octagonal fountain for sail boats at the focal center if the Gaeden -- we walked through a canopy formed by rows of chestnut trees. It was great staying within a few blocks of Le Jardin du Luxembourg and visiting daily.

Quality/Quantity - Huge and good size garden. Many locals here eat (and drink) their lunch…read more Family friendly. The landscaping here is amazing. Well, most of Paris's gardens! I am so impressed I used to do my own landscaping so I know how much work it takes to make gardens look like this! Several small snack kiosks; see my pictures. Ambiance - 25 hectare, beautifully landscaped. There is a French and English part, I did not know and sadly probably would not be able to tell the difference. Rose garden, statues, etc. Kid friendly - A merry go round, slides, play areas, etc. Restaurant, snack kiosks, etc. Service - Self service. Price - The garden is free. I think you have to pay to go into the building. Owner Comment - Congrats on all your success since 1612.

The Bunker. or: the most depressing public-pool in Paris…read more You cannot argue about most windowless basement-pools in Paris. They are mostly build in very crowded neighbourhoods, squeezed into the basement of another construction. But Didot is different. Piscine Didot is not build underneath some other structure nor is there a lack of space around it. It just doesn't have windows because (educated guess) it was cheaper to build it this way. And this really is the nail in it´s coffin. It is awfully dark in there and the blue-yellow color-theme on the walls doesn't help. One wall has been painted with a beach-motive and palm trees but this only increases the bunker-feeling. Top Tip: If you don´t want to spend the money for windows, paint it all white. Other negatives? The locker-system has not been converted to € (I wish I was kidding) and only takes 50cent pieces because they are roughly the size of the old 1 Franc-pieces. Too few showers and changing-rooms. Piscine Didot is also in no way handicapped accessible. Positives: It was clean when I was there and the people working there were all very friendly. The basin itself is in good shape and not too shallow at one end. I spotted no mold.