Where were we??
At the Jardin des Plantes! This extraordinary place across the street from Gare d'Austerlitz really comes alive in the Spring. It houses a rose garden, a botanical garden, the newly refurbished greenhouses and beautiful tree-lined alley. It is also home to the second oldest zoological parc, dating from the 17th century. Although small and rather dinky, the zoo and its humble inhabitants are still of interest to the younger set.
A stately building at the far end of the garden houses the Grande Galerie de l'Evolution.
Inside, it's just magnificent. I'll let the pictures do the talking, but if you ever have a chance to visit this place, please do so. Tip: the Paris Mosque just across the street from the Galerie serves a very good mint tea if you're so inclined.
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| This guy greets you at the door. (Mind you those are not gills, as one parent described them . . . ) |
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The interior looks like it could be the backdrop of "Chicago". Those leather chairs and the muted lighting were perfect for a nap resting weary feet. |
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| If you ever wondered what the procession to Noah's ark might have looked like, here it is. |
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| Actual skeleton of a Sperm Whale. |
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| Animals are everywhere. On floating ice floes, lining the banisters, waiting for you on the stairs, swimming overhead . . .! |
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| Say AAAAAAHHHHHH! Don't worry, no teeth on this guy. |
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| This egg was, I kid you not, the size of nearly 3 ostrich eggs. Unfortunately, no specimen of the bird that laid it had been preserved before it became extinct. | | |
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