Last Updated: January 25, 2021
Price? Free.
Where? The gardens are located in the 6th arrondissement. There are many entrances to the gardens: entrances from rue Guynemer, rue de Vaugirard, place Edmond Rostand and place André Honnorat.
Access? Odéon station (Metro Lines 4 and 10), Notre-Dame-des-Champs station (Metro Line 12) and Luxembourg-Sénat station (RER B).
When? Every day | Hours vary depending on the season.
The Luxembourg gardens (‘Jardin du Luxembourg’ in French) are located on the Left bank of the Seine river, in the 6th arrondissement, on the border between Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin quarter.
The Jardin du Luxembourg is one of the most popular gardens in Paris among tourists, students and locals alike; incontestably, it is also one of the prettiest. If you are planning a trip to Paris, chances are that you’ll stumble upon it!
The Jardin du Luxembourg is mostly famous for its large octagonal pond (the ‘Grand Bassin’) and its Medici fountain. But, there are so many other things to see and do in the Luxembourg gardens. Let’s take a tour together!
A Brief History
The beautiful Luxembourg gardens were created upon the initiative of Queen Marie de Medici, widow of King Henry IV of France and mother of King Louis XIII.
Inspired by the Boboli gardens of the Pitti Palace in Florence (where Marie de Medici grew up), the initial gardens only covered 8 hectares. Marie de Medici first purchased the Hotel du Duc de Luxembourg (today known as the ‘Petit Luxembourg’ ~ Residence of the President of the Senate) and its 8-hectare domain in 1612, before ordering the construction of her new Palace in 1615. Marie de Medici only moved inside the west wing of the Palace in 1625, even though the construction of the Palace wasn’t achieved yet. Unfortunately, the Queen Mother was forced to exile by her son, King Louis XIII, in 1631, and sought refuge in the Spanish Netherlands.
The Luxembourg gardens, since then, have been modified many times. The gardens were enlarged, then reduced, then enlarged again until the final work of Haussmann who gave the Jardin du Luxembourg its present shape. The gardens are the property of the French Senate since 1799.
What to see and what to do?
The Luxembourg Gardens
With its impeccably manicured lawns, colorful parterres, romantic statues, and magnificent tree-lined promenades, the Jardin du Luxembourg is, without doubt, the most beautiful garden in Paris. Covering 23 hectares, it is also one of the largest.
The Luco (nickname given by the locals to the Jardin du Luxembourg) is the perfect place for a break or a picnic; there are plenty of chairs available to sit on and relax. Even on busy days, there is always a peaceful atmosphere in the Luxembourg gardens.
The Jardin du Luxembourg is divided into two parts: a French-style garden (jardin à la française) and an English-style garden.
I highly recommend visiting the Jardin du Luxembourg between May and October when the most beautiful trees and plants are moved outside the ‘Orangerie’ and exposed in the gardens.
The Medici Fountain and the Observatory Fountain
The outstanding Medici fountain is one of the most famous and important features of the Luxembourg gardens, and one of the most romantic spots in Paris. The fountain was built in 1630 and moved to its present location in 1862. The sculpture “Polyphemus Surprising Acis and Galatea” is (in my subjective opinion) the most beautiful sculpture in the gardens.
Located south of the Jardin du Luxembourg (technically situated in the ‘Jardin des Grands Explorateurs’), the Observatory Fountain (‘Fontaine de l’Observatoire’ in French), also known as the ‘Fountain of the Four Parts of the World’, is less known than the Medici fountain, and yet, it is a very impressive fountain. It was built between 1867 and 1874 by architect Gabriel Davioud with the help of renowned sculptors. The main sculpture ‘The Four Parts of the World Holding the Celestial Sphere’, made by Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux, features four women figures, representing the four parts of the world (Europe, Asia, Africa, and America), carrying a celestial globe.
The Statues
There are 106 statues spread throughout the Luxembourg gardens.
Here are some of my favorites:
- “Le Marchand de Masques” by Zacharie Astruc,
- The small replica of the “Statue of Liberty” by Bartholdi,
- “Le Faune dansant” by Eugène-Louis Lequesne,
- The Queens of France and Famous women,
- “La Bocca Della Verita” (the Mouth of Truth) by Jules Blanchard.
The Sénat – Palais du Luxembourg
The Luxembourg Palace was built upon the initiative of Marie de Medici by architect Salomon de Brosse. The construction of the New Palace began in 1615 and was only achieved in 1631.
The Luxembourg Palace was a royal residence before becoming a prison during the French Revolution. Now, it houses the French Senate since 1799.
The Musée du Luxembourg
Located inside the Luxembourg gardens, the Musée du Luxembourg is the oldest public museum in France. It opened in 1750 and since then, regularly hosts temporary art exhibitions. The entrance ticket costs 13€ (9€ for the visitors between 16 and 25 years old, and free under 16 years old).
L’Orangerie
Located in the northwestern part of the gardens, l’Orangerie was built in 1839. It houses many exotic plants and trees. Unfortunately, you cannot visit l’Orangerie as its access is not allowed to the public; however, the most beautiful trees and plants are exposed in the gardens from May to October.
Some of the Orangerie’s oldest trees are between 250 to 300 years old. The Orangerie also hosts temporary art exhibitions in the summer when the trees and plants are moved outside.
Davioud Pavilion and the free horticulture lessons
Built in 1867, the Davioud Pavilion houses a School of Horticulture. Every year, the school offers free horticulture lessons (in French language only).
The Rucher du Jardin du Luxembourg and the Honey Festival
Located near the Davioud Pavilion, the Rucher du Luxembourg is an apiary created in 1856. Every September, the Jardin du Luxembourg hosts its annual Honey festival where you can buy the honey produced during the year.
Handmade wooden sailboats on the Grand bassin
If you head to the gardens in summertime, chances are that you will find kids playing with traditional handmade sailboats on the Grand Bassin. It is possible to rent a boat or you can bring your own.
Play chess, tennis or pétanque
There are many activities to enjoy in the Luxembourg gardens. There are courts where you can play tennis, and courts where you can play “boules” (called “pétanque” in French). There are also tables and chairs where you can play chess. In fact, many chess enthusiasts are meeting regularly in the Jardin du Luxembourg.
Enjoy regular free art exhibitions
You can enjoy temporary free art exhibitions in the Orangerie, in the Davioud Pavilion and even on the gardens’ grids.
Watch a show at the Puppet theater
For children (… and adults as well!). The Puppet theater (called “Théâtre des Marionnettes” in French) is open on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and everyday during school holidays. We highly recommend it.
The Children playground
There is also a children playground inside the garden. It was renovated recently and is very popular among little Parisians. This one isn’t free (contrary to many other children playgrounds in Paris) but if you are visiting with your kids, it might be worth it.
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Great post!