Les Jardins de Paris: Parc de la Bagatelle

The Parc de la Bagatelle is probably Paris' loveliest park, known for its flower and thematic gardens. A water lily pond pays homage to French painter Monet, and a chateau and orangerie feature Chopin concerts in the summer. The rose garden is the park's most visited spot with 10,000 roses of 1,200 different varieties blooming in June.

Les Jardins de Paris: Parc de la Villette

Parc de la Villette is certainly Paris' most interesting garden attraction. The park features a series of themed gardens, such as an exotic bamboo garden or one displaying stream and water jets. There are playgrounds scattered about among other attractions.

If you've been to the Cité des Sciences et l’Industrie museum, Parc de la Villette is a must-see.

Les Jardins de Paris: Parc de Belleville

Located on a hill with stunning views of the western part of the city (including the la Tour d'Eiffel), Parc de Belleville features rock formations and grottos left over from when the hill was a strategic point for fighting Attila the Hun. There's also a museum, fountains, a play area and open-air theater for concerts in the summer.

Les Jardins de Paris: Parc Monceau

Parc Monceau, in the upscale 8th arrondissement, is different from other Parisian parks because of its "English style". Unlike the formal lines characteristic of the French park, Parc Monceau features winding paths and randomly placed statues.

It was also one of Marcel Proust's favorite haunts. Here, he strolled among bridges, waterfalls, a windmill, medieval ruins and Paris' largest tree, an Oriental plane.

Les Jardins de Paris: Tuileries

In honor of spring, a series of entries dedicated to the beautiful les jardins de Paris.

The garden of Tuileries is situated in the center of Paris in the 1st arrondissement between the Louvre and Concorde Square. The garden is surrounded by walls and has many shade trees, benches and quiet corners to rest your weary feet.

The Passerelle Simone-de-Beauvoir

The Passerelle Simone-de-Beauvoir is a beautiful addition to the city and the 37th bridge crossing the Seine.

The bridge, designed with the curvy lines of a woman in mind, is meant for cyclists and pedestrians only, and is dedicated to the French author/feminist Simone de Beauvoir.

Where does the bridge lead to? The French National Library, bien sûr.

Le Grand Palais

The Grand Palais is a stunning work of 20th century French architecture. Built for the 1900 Word's Fair, the palace was closed for renovations for ten years, only re-opening in 2004. It now plays host to art exhibitions, fashion and car shows, and other grand events. If you ever have the chance, do walk through this piece of Parisian history.

Montmartre la Nuit

Montmartre is a neighborhood on a hill in the 18th arrondissement of Paris. Any visitor should plan to spend time in this beautiful, historic neighborhood. It is known for many things, most popularly for the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, but also as the home to cabarets and artists such as Dali, Monet, Picasso and van Gogh.

Musée Gustave Moreau

Gustave Moreau (1826-1898) was a French Symbolist painter who was born and died in Paris. Over his lifetime, he painted more than 8000 paintings, many of which are on display at the museum.

Situated in the 9th arrondissement, the museum is Moreau’s former workshop. The artist lived on the first floor and worked on the second and third.

Jardin des Plantes: A Country Oasis

For a country oasis in the center of Paris, visit the Jardin des Plantes, a beautiful botanical garden where a small patch of ground is left unattended on purpose. The small field of alfalfa is meant to show that nature and simplicity can still make a home in the city.

Immerse Yourself in la Culture Française

Want to take a French immersion course but unsure of where to start? There are many great universities in France offering two to six week courses to learn the language and soak up that sweet French culture. Some of the best programs are offered at the Ecole Normale Superieure and the Institut de Civilisation Francaise de la Sorbonne.

Keep Fluent with the Latest French Music

Some artists that made a splash in 2007: Vanessa Paradis released her new album Divinidylle, a must on everyone’s iPod. Matthieu Chedid, who contributed to the French songstress’ album, is also worthy of acclaim in his own right.

French-Israeli singer Yael Naim is also making an impact with unique folk-acoustic sounds in songs like New Soul, Paris and Yashanti.