The Rue de Richelieu is called the Bond-street of Paris.  Parallel with it, is the Rue Vivienne.  They are both pleasant streets; especially the former, which is much longer, and is rendered more striking by containing some of the finest hotels in Paris.  Hosiers, artificial flower makers, clock-makers, and jewellers, are the principal tradesmen in the Rue de Richelieu; but it has no similarity with Bond-street.  The houses are of stone, and generally very lofty—­while the Academie de Musique[7] and the Bibliotheque du Roi are public buildings of such consequence and capacity (especially the former) that it is absurd to name the street in which they are situated with our own.  The Rue Vivienne is comparatively short; but it is pleasing, from the number of flowers, shrubs, and fruits, brought thither from the public markets for sale.  No doubt the Place Vendome and the Rue de la Paix claim precedence, on the score of magnificence and comfort, to either of these, or to any other streets; but to my taste there is nothing (next to the Boulevards) which is so thoroughly gratifying as the Rue de Richelieu.  Is it because some few hundred thousand printed volumes are deposited therein?  But of all these, the Rue St. Honore, with its faubourg so called, is doubtless the most distinguished and consequential.  It seems to run from west to east entirely through Paris; and is considered, on the score of length, as more than a match for our Oxford street.

It may be so; but if the houses are loftier, the street is much narrower; and where, again, is your foot-pavement—­to protect you from the eternal movements of fiacre, cabriolet, voiture and diligence?  Besides, the undulating line of our Oxford-street presents, to the tasteful observer, a sight—­perfectly unrivalled of its kind—­especially if it be witnessed on a clear night, when its thousand gas-lighted lamps below emulate the starry lustre of the heavens above!  To an inexperienced eye, this has the effect of enchantment.  Add to the houses of Oxford-street but two stories, and the appearance of this street, in the day time, would be equally imposing:  to which add—­what can never be added—­the atmosphere of Paris!

You will remark that, all this time, I have been wholly silent about the Palace de Luxembourg, with its beautiful though flat gardens—­of tulips, jonquils, roses, wall flowers, lilac and orange trees—­its broad and narrow walks—­its terraces and statues.  The facade, in a line with the Rue Vaugirard, has a grand effect—­in every point of view.  But the south front, facing the gardens, is extremely beautiful and magnificent; while across the gardens, and in front,—­some short English mile—­stands the OBSERVATORY.  Yet fail not to visit the interior square of the palace, for it is well worth your notice and admiration.  This building is now the Chambre des Pairs.  Its most celebrated ornament was the famous suite of