Pierre Padeau’s Pond Boats

I have always been mesmerized by Luxembourg Gardens and in particular the old boats that sail the basin. In 1927, Piere Paudeau hand carved the wooden boats and his wife sewed the multicolored sails. They rented them to the children and the rest is history. Many of the boats are original but most of the sails have been reworked and replaced. Now many of the boats have sails that reflect international flags. No trip to the left bank of Paris is complete without watching the boats float over the water. 

Families stop daily to rent pond boats on the honor system.

Nearly a century ago, the scene at Luxembourg Gardens was not all that different.

The colorful sails make each boat unique.

Pierre Padeau petitioned the French Senate to rent model sailing boats at the Jardin de Luxembourg pond.

Like most of life in Paris, this scene feels like art in motion.