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Luxembourg Gardens Paris – traveling back in time

Last updated on May 10, 2016 by Claire / this article contains affiliate links (Info)

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. 

The Luxembourg Gardens Paris France

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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)
How to get to the Luxembourg Gardens Paris Map - Metro stations

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.
Luxembourg Gardens Paris map

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)
Luxembourg Gardens Paris - Delacroix Fountain

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.

Luxembourg Garden Paris - statue 1
Luxembourg Garden Paris - statue 2

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.

Luxembourg Gardens Paris - statue of Liberty

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. 

Luxembourg Garden Paris - statue 5
Luxembourg Gardens Paris - statue 6
Luxembourg Gardens Paris - statue 7

From several spots in the garden, on a clear day you can see the top of the Eiffel Tower (towards the West).

Luxembourg Gardens Paris - statue 8

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.

Luxembourg Garden Paris - locals' spot 1

The circular area around the pond is especially loved. You can see why:

Luxembourg Garden Paris - locals' spot 2

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.

Luxembourg Garden Paris - locals' spot 3
Luxembourg Garden Paris - locals' spot 4

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.

Luxembourg Gardens Paris - Luxembourg Palace 1
Jardin du Luxembourg Paris - Luxembourg Palace 2
Luxembourg Gardens Paris - Luxembourg Palace 3

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.

Luxembourg Garden Paris - orangerie 2
Luxembourg Gardens Paris - orangerie 3
Luxembourg Gardens Paris - orangerie 4

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.

Luxembourg Gardens Paris - museum 1

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.

Luxembourg Garden Paris - gazebo 1
Luxembourg Garden Paris - gazebo 2
Luxembourg Garden Paris - gazebo 3
Luxembourg Garden Paris - gazebo 4
Luxembourg Garden Paris - gazebo 5

Want to see more of Paris?

Discover more things to do and places to see in Oman in my Visit Paris Travel Guide.

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What is your favorite city park?

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I am the Travel Planning Geek behind the ZigZag Travel Guides. My goal is to provide you with clear and practical information to help you plan unforgettable trips! Read more

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