I’m so excited to write about our trip to the Rue Mouffetard Market and the Jardin du Luxembourg. After visiting the Musée d’Orsay, we walked around the corner to get off the busy street in front of the museum. We found ourselves in a delightful walk with shops and cafes. After walking for about 15 minutes, we selected a corner and got an Uber to the Rue Mouffetard Market. There are many markets in Paris. We selected this one. Rick Steves also recommends the Rue Cler Market. Here is a list of most of the markets in Paris. We did not take a tour; we experienced the market ourselves through discovery and time.

Once we got there, we walked the entire street to see what they had to offer. We then circled back to select food for our picnic. What we forgot to bring was a good shopping bag, napkins, paper plates, and utensils. Some of the food places offered these items when you ordered, and we found a little convenience store market in the center where we could purchase these items.

We ended up getting a small cheese tray, wine (very reasonable, and the shop owner is lovely), strawberries, sandwiches, a loaf of brown bread with oats, and pastries. One little shop we visited had the best items like soaps, lotions, jewelry, and souvenirs, which was Mon Ideco. She helped us determine which garden or park to go to with our items. If you purchase an item from her store, she will wrap it in the best paper with hearts. If you look at her website linked above, she is all about love, which I LOVE!

In the pictures above, you’ll see little parks in the center of the streets, which would have been fine, but we decided to take an Uber to Luxembourg. We did hem and haw over this because we were a little tired and hungry. The wine shop owner convinced me to go to Luxembourg and exclaimed, “You are in France, of course you take a bottle of wine!” I’m so glad we took his advice! Here is a picture of his shop.

Look at those excellent prices!

There are also many restaurants in the area if you wish to stay local and not picnic.

OH. MY. GOODNESS. THE GARDEN!

Take the time to find your spot. As we celebrated April 1, we wanted a haven with nature and flowers. You are not allowed to be on the grass, but they create walkways and spaces with chairs for you to relax and do your thing! We saw friends gathering, painters, folks reading books and studying, some sleeping and resting, and others, it seems, on a date. In the distance, we could hear children playing, perhaps on a playground in the park.

We set up our picnic and began to soak in the sun and the beautiful scenery.

As we settled in to enjoy our lunch, nature began to take over.

A Transformational Experience in God’s Creation

There’s something truly miraculous about the harmony of nature. I immersed myself in a moment that transcended the everyday—a moment where the ordinary became extraordinary. It began with the sun casting its golden rays over a field of yellow flowers, their petals glowing with life. Midst the yellow, a single red flower stood proudly, a vivid reminder of the beauty found in diversity. This wasn’t just a visual experience; it was a spiritual one.

As my eyes strolled through this divine garden, a new discovery awaited—a magpie bird, its song weaving seamlessly into the melody of children’s laughter and playful conversations nearby. Closing my eyes, I let these sounds wash over me, a symphony of life that reminded me of God’s intricate design. It was then that I felt a profound sense of peace, a whisper from God’s love entering my heart. “Flowers will wither and fade,” He seemed to say, “but My love never will. I have placed this beauty in the world for you to enjoy. Though it is temporary, I will always provide you with glimpses of My eternal love.”

As I reflected, the delicate interplay of nature unfolded around me, from the journey of a tiny seed to a vibrant flower, nurtured by the sun’s warmth and the water’s gentle touch. Butterflies floated gracefully, while bees busily gathered nectar, ensuring the cycle of life continued with quiet purpose. These details weren’t just natural processes—they were manifestations of God’s hand at work, a living reminder of His care for us and the earth He gifted.

This transformational experience was a call to worship, an invitation to celebrate the wonders of creation and the boundless love of the Creator. I am reminded that every flower, every bird, and every drop of rain is a gift—a fleeting moment of beauty that points us to an everlasting love. God makes beauty continuously, in bloom and in buds yet to become. Is this what Monet felt at his home in Giverny when he studied the water lilies and sunflowers? How beautiful to dedicate your life’s work to God’s creations.

So today, I celebrate. I celebrate the splendor of nature and the divine message it carries. I honor the intricate details of God’s creations, and I am filled with gratitude for a love that never fades, a love that has made this world for us to enjoy, cherish, and protect. May we never take these gifts for granted and always find His love in the beauty surrounding us.

At one point, we looked at our Ring to check on the house. Our home was in bloom! It was good to come home to Springtime! Monet was waiting for us! 🙂

My favorite pictures at Luxembourg Garden

As I write this, it is Earth Day on April 22! I celebrate this beautiful Earth God has given us and honor His creations!

Our next post will be our transition to rest after such a relaxing time in the garden, and a dinner Seine boat cruise! I’d love to hear from you! What has been your favorite Paris spot thus far? Have you traveled to France? Tell me about your experiences!