St-Germain & Les Invalides - Paris - page 498

ELFI KLUCK / GETTY IMAGES ©
Grand Bassin
All ages love the octagonal Grand Bassin ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ) , a serene ornamental pond
where adults can lounge and kids can play with 1920s toy sailboats (per 30min €3; Apr-
Oct) . Nearby, littlies can take pony rides (rides €3.50; Apr-Oct) or romp around the play-
grounds ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; adult/child €1.20/2.50) - the green half is for kids aged seven
to 12 years, the blue half for under-sevens.
Puppet Shows
You don't have to be a kid or speak French to be delighted by marionette shows, which have
entertained audiences in France since the Middle Ages. The lively puppets perform in the
Jardin du Luxembourg's little Théâtre du Luxembourg ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ;
www.marionnettesduluxembourg.fr ; tickets €4.80; usually 3.30pm Wed, 11am & 3.30pm Sat & Sun,
daily during school holidays; Notre Dame des Champs) . Show times can vary; check the pro-
gram online and arrive half an hour ahead.