Known in French as "Jardin du Luxembourg", the Luxembourg Gardens Paris are a great place to relax and stroll. Why not sail a model boat, talk to the statues or admire an exposition? The Parisians sure love it.
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INFO & PLANNING TIPS - Luxembourg Gardens Paris
Created in 1612 by Marie de Medici to compliment the Luxembourg Palace, the gardens of Luxembourg are a favorite weekend spot for Parisians and tourists alike. It is a 22 hectare park that can get very crowded when the sun comes out (it has top ranking on trip advisor).
The Luxembourg Gardens Paris are famous for the large pond where you can play with model sailboats as well as for the many statues. For architecture and art lover, the palace is a beautiful building and the Orangerie and Museum offer interesting collections. Discover them in pictures in this article.
TIPS FOR TRAVEL PLANNING ADDICTS
Getting to the Luxembourg Gardens Paris
- Located South of the Seine River in the center of Paris - in the 6th Arrondissement
- The closest station is Luxembourg which you can reach with RER B. However the following metro stations are just a short stroll away: Saint Sulpice (Metro 4), Mabillon (Metro 10), Odeon (Metros 4 and 10), Cluny la Sorbonne (Metro 10)
- You can also easily walk from Notre Dame Cathedral (20 minutes)
Visiting the Luxembourg Gardens
- Each entrance of the park has a map to get you oriented
- The Luxembourg Gardens opening hours depends on the month. Generally in Winter is is opened from 8:15 am to 4:30pm, while in summer is opens from 7:30am to 9pm, and something in between during spring and autumns. Since 2016, it may open later on summer weekends
- You can find public toilets near some entrances
- There is a large children playground and small food stalls
- The park has many chairs for you to rest and enjoy the trees and flower beds
- Near the children playground you can, most of the time, observe Parisians play Pétanque, a cultural game with metal balls.
Fountains at Jardin du Luxembourg
There are several fountains throughout the gardens. Strangely it seems I have not photograph many of them. They must not have been running when I visited.
- Fontaine Médicis, Baroque, from the early 17th century (north east side, near a pond)
- Fontaine de Léda from 1806 (at the back of the Fontaine de Médicis)
- Fontaine Delacroix in honor of the French painter Eugène Delacroix (picture below, in one of the central alleys)
- Fontaine de l'Observatoire, from 1873 by Davioud, Carpaux and Frémiet. The centerpiece of the fountain shows a globe supported by four women, each representing a continent (at the South end)
Statues of the Luxembourg Gardens Paris
The Jardin du Luxembourg also features a lot of statues some hidden behind trees, another just near the path.
The surprise is to find, in those Luxembourg Gardens Paris, a smaller version of the Statue of Liberty! It was created by Auguste-Bartholdi himself.
There are almost seventy statues and monuments around the park; including twenty statues of French Queens and other famous people (mostly French, politicians, scientists, artistic... ). Have fun looking for Chopin and Beethoven for example.
From several spots in the garden, on a clear day you can see the top of the Eiffel Tower (towards the West).
A place to rest or play
The park is full of chairs, long lane with shadows, playgrounds and a large pond. This is why it is one of the best parks in Paris. Parisians love to come here and relax over the weekend.
The circular area around the pond is especially loved. You can see why:
The most famous attractions in the Luxembourg Gardens Paris is to play with model sailboats in front of the palace. Or just stop to watch them and feel like a kid again.
The Luxembourg palace
In the middle of the Park is the building where it all started: the Luxembourg Palace (Palais du Luxembourg in French). Originally it was built between 1615 and 1645 to be the Royal residence of Marie de Medicis. After the revolution it was modified into an administrative building. Today it is the home of the French Senate.
The Orangerie
When facing the palace, take the path on the left. There you will reach what is called the Orangerie, built in 1839. It often host free art exhibitions.
The museum: Museee du Luxembourg
Further after the orangerie is the Luxembourg Museum (in French Musee du Luxembourg). Its exhibitions focus on arts and it opens every day from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm. Check the latest exhibitions to decide if you want to have a look.
The Gazebo at the Luxembourg Gardens Paris
Not far from the pond of the Luxembourg Gardens Paris is a Gazebo. There are often musical or other performances. I was lucky to see traditional dancing in costumes as I was strolling through the park. It really felt like traveling back in time.
Want to see more of Paris?
Discover more things to do and places to see in Oman in my Visit Paris Travel Guide.
What is your favorite city park?
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