Jardin des Plantes, Aroma-Zone, Mamie Gateaux

Yesterday Barb said she goes walking in the Jardin des Plantes most mornings (in the 5th arrondissement).

Except for a brief visit 2 years ago I've never been and I live pretty close by. You can take the 67 bus to several entrances and line 7 or 10 Metro.

Utter quiet except for birdsong at 9:15 am

And the footsteps of Paris joggers.

All the museums and zoo are closed today - it's dreaded Tuesday

Fortunately there are plans (maps) everywhere. 'Vous Etes Ici (you are here) helps you identify your location. It's difficult to get lost at the jardin. An overhead view of the Grande Galerie de l'Evolution (closed today).

And looking at the galerie from the broad esplanade of flower beds.

Do not step on the grass please.

I leave just as lines of school children arrive for a nature lesson.

If you would like a different kind of nature lesson, one you can apply to your face and body, head over to AROMA-ZONE 25 rue de l'Ecole Medecine 75006. Bus 63, 86, 87 stop in front Metro station Odeon. I can't tell you how many times I've passed this shop and never entered. Idiot moi.

Not till Solli said she was buying all kinds of elixirs and magic beauty potions did I venture inside.

It seems like every plant in existence has it's own essential oils, butter and/or powder and you can find them at Aroma-Zone. This little girl was sniffing apricot and almond oils.

I felt like the first visit to Trader's Joe. I wanted to ask everyone on the long lines "WHAT ARE YOU BUYING?" Women had baskets full of vials and powders. The prices are sensational too.

All I bought was Solli's hair shampoo called Shikakai (3,90). Mix approximately 3 (?)spoons with hot water, massage and rinse. Solli says 1 package lasts a year (!). They have classes for making your own makeup and kits to make 'prodigious oil' and gawd knows what else. Of course it's all in French.

Only when I got home to I find the 'plan' or map of Aroma-Zone. It's much easier to get lost here than at Jardin des Plantes.
Do not go on a weekend. Jammed solid.
FYI:more pictures inside Aroma-Zone and the parc on Flickr.
Later PBers Carm and Lindsey took me for tea at Mamie Gateaux.
No map required here.