I was a kid in Quartier Latin by Norali
When I checked over the net where places whose I have most vivid memories were, they ended up being in Quartier Latin.As a matter of fact, I experienced many things in the area. One of nicest and exciting discoveries in Paris was La Menagerie des Jardins des Plantes. I remembered my parents and my uncle took me there in an afternoon. It was a real running-off !
It was not my first time in a zoo but it was the first time I could see the Big 5. Also, bears were very impressive. Anyway, my preference goes to reptiles (saurians, not snakes) and bears. I saw some yacks, watussis.. weird. Never liked baboons and monkeys. The ones I hate least are, of course, lemurs. Well, I like lemurs but really hate the big beasts like orang-outangs, chimpanz?s...
Also saw a big fat yellow anaconda from.. Madagascar. Aaah ! Made me think of some lemon yellow plastic design, about everything but an animal. It was so bright yellow like lemon. Then, also remembered throwing coins to the crocodiles there.
I also appreciated strolling around, just spotting here and there flamingoes, ostriches and the many goat-types. My first visit was in mid-80s. In 2000, we returned there again and I saw kangaroos. First "in flesh" encountering with TV stars. :)
After the menagerie, we went to one of the cafes around. I remember I had blueberry cassata there while my Mum and I were waiting for my father and uncle. The guys went checking the car they parked somewhere. Parking in Paris is not easy. Well, it's hell !At first, I hesitated about the name. Either it was Zoo de Vincennes either Menagerie des Jardin des Plantes. Anyways, there have to be animals :). Then checked over the web some pics which would help me to recognize the park I really visited.
I saw some pictures I recognized immediately. Then, saw the location: in Quartier Latin again. Not that surprising. My parents, esp. Mum, loved the area.
Built to replace the Royal menagerie of Versailles in 1794, no wonder it still has an old-fashioned ambience and setting. Maybe this intimate aspect was what made me love it.
The best website I found on La menagerie was the following (in French). Well, at least, it helped me to remember the name accurately. :) Lots of pics there.
http://www.leszoosdanslemonde.com/html/europe/zoo_france/paris/paris_menagerie/paris_menagerie.htm
