We often imagine the French art of living as cafés, leisurely lunches, bustling markets, beautiful homes, and perfectly arranged tables. But perhaps one of its clearest expressions can be found somewhere much simpler: A garden chair on an ordinary afternoon. For generations, Parisians have come to the Luxembourg Gardens to stroll, read, converse, play, observe, and simply spend time.
During this 2.5-hour creative walking atelier, we'll explore how a royal garden became one of Paris's most beloved public spaces—and what its design and everyday rituals can teach us about the French art of living.
We'll wander through tree-lined allées, formal parterres, fountains, sculptures, green chairs, the sailboat pond, and the quiet corners where Parisian life unfolds. Along the way, you'll work in a custom-designed Luxembourg Gardens pocket creative journal, sketching, collecting colors, observing people and light, and responding to guided creative prompts.
Our afternoon concludes with a Sense of Place Story Collage, where you'll transform what you've noticed into your own visual interpretation of l'art de vivre.
Perhaps you'll leave with more than a journal. Perhaps you'll take home one small French ritual you'd like to make your own.
Follow its transformation from Marie de' Medici's royal garden to one of Paris's cherished public spaces.
Discover geometry, symmetry, perspective, parterres, long sightlines, and the ideas behind French formal garden design.
Notice how people read, talk, stroll, play, sit, gather—and simply enjoy being somewhere beautiful.
Look for changing light, repeating colors, passing moments, and everyday scenes.
Capture the afternoon through approachable sketches, words, observations, and color inside your custom journal.
Turn the experience into a personal Sense of Place Story Collage.
Custom-designed Luxembourg Gardens Pocket Creative Journal
Guided cultural, historical, and creative exploration with Betsy Beier
Drawing and collage materials
Guided observation, sketching, and reflection prompts
Introduction to French formal garden design
Guided Sense of Place Story Collage
Small-group experience and personal creative guidance
Just bring your curiosity and comfortable walking shoes.
In fact, this atelier is especially lovely if you've ever thought:
"I'd love to keep a sketchbook...but I can't really draw."
Or:
"I wish I were more creative."
We're not trying to produce perfect drawings of the Luxembourg Gardens. We're learning to notice them. A green chair. A shadow. Three colors. A fountain line. A person reading. A word that captures the afternoon. Those little observations become your creative material.
All levels are welcome—including complete beginners.
You'll leave with:
Your custom Luxembourg Gardens creative journal
Sketches, words, observations, and a garden-inspired color palette
Your Sense of Place Story Collage
An understanding of the principles behind French formal gardens
A deeper appreciation for the relationship between beauty, public space, and everyday life
New ways to slow down and notice wherever you are
And perhaps one small piece of l'art de vivre to bring home with you
Date: October 10 • 10h-12h30 (Paris Time Zone)
Duration: 2.5 hours
Meeting + Ending Point: Jardin du Luxembourg gate at Rue de Vaugirard & Rue Routrou
Nearest Métro: Odéon · Lines 4 & 10
Walking Distance: ~1.5 miles
Creative Level: All levels welcome
Materials: Included
Places are limited to keep our group personal and interactive.
Bonjour, I'm Betsy.
I'm an artist, author, educator, and creative guide living between Paris and San Francisco.
My Wanderlust Designer ateliers combine art, culture, storytelling, and exploration to help you experience a destination through an artist's eyes—even if you've never considered yourself one.
For more than 35 years, creativity has taught me that seeing differently often begins with something very simple:
Slowing down long enough to notice.
I'll bring the stories, creative prompts, journal, materials, and encouragement. The garden will do the rest.
Take a chair, discover curiosities, notice the people, capture something imperfectly... and experience one of Paris's most beautiful gardens not simply as somewhere to visit—but as a way of seeing and living.
October 10 • 10h-12h30 (Paris Time Zone) • 2.5 Hours
Small group · All creative levels welcome · Materials included • Explore Your World with Creativity™