Beeez

Part of why I love living in Paris so much is that the Parisians may be the ultimate cityfolk, but they never really reject the countryside. There are the markets everywhere and fresh cheeses and meats from the farms, and in some of the most elegant parks in Paris, there are orchards, and small private vegetable gardens and other lovely surprises.

We were somewhat mysteriously let in on a little Parisian secret this fall: there are a large amount of beehives kept by beekeepers in two parks in Paris. And for a weekend each fall, you can purchase the special honey that they create. It is apparently quite famous honey, and it is only sold for these two weekends at little stands in the parks. We missed the sale at the Jardin du Luxembourg a few weeks ago because it slipped my mind. By the time we got there on the Sunday afternoon, it had been long gone. Apparently all the French senators line up early for the honey in the Luxembourg gardens (where the French senate is housed in Marie de Medici's palace) to give away as Christmas gifts.

Fortunately being the enterprising young man that he is on the internets, A. found that they were also selling honey this weekend in the Parc George Brassens in the 15th, way south in the city (and according to Wikipedia, built on the site of a former slaughterhouse). So we hopped on the metro fairly early this chilly (but sunny!) morning to go find the honey. And we got some! So some of you lucky readers will get the luxury of mysterious Parisian honey from the George Brassens bees. It has a very interesting flavor - not at all like cheap honey you buy in the store. You can taste the environment in it, like herbs and flowers and things. They were also selling honey vinegar and mustard and other delectable treats made with the honey. I imagine this honey would make a killer honey-mustard sauce if mixed with a spicy Dijon mustard! Alas I cannot really try it as I live with the world's most fervent mustard hater.




After we got the honey, we took a turn around the park and discovered some other awesome scenes. I heard the sounds of a marching band across the way, and we discovered them camped out in the orchard, playing and partaking of some grapes that had just been harvested off the vines. A little ways further we found a lovely pond and some interesting transportation solutions.






Paris parks must be some of the nicest in the world, and even the tiny ones have their own character. I'm on a quest to see more of them, especially the shining star: the Parc des Buttes Chaumont. Until then, enjoy some pictures of the Park Georges Brassens and a bit of autumn color on the wall of an apartment building near the park.