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The Luxembourg Gardens, le Jardin du Luxembourg, reflect back to the casual visitor a real slice of Parisian life. Take the iconic green metal-backed chairs for instance. At any time of the year, Parisians fill the chairs in the Jardin du Luxembourg and crack open a good book, snap a newspaper to attention, sunbathe (I’ve witnessed some pretty handsome topless men!), chat with a friend, have a gourmet picnic, or share a nip of wine.
In the winter, the chairs are lined up with precision against the wall of the Orangerie to catch the winter sun, low in the sky throwing off a bit of heat on a damp day.
Add to the ambience statues that tell a tale, pony rides, pétanque, a stunning palace, a splendid fountain, views of both the Eiffel Tower and the Pantheon and you know you are in one of Paris’s best-loved parks, the Luxembourg Gardens.
As a traveller, I never missed a chance to relax in the Luxembourg Gardens Paris and when I lived for eight months in the 7th arrondissement, I made the short walk there daily. It was the perfect antidote for Paris in confinement.
1. Observe Parisian Life in Le Jardin du Luxembourg
The green chairs tell many a tale. Sit a while and just observe life in the capital of France. You won’t be disappointed. Grab a coffee from one of the kiosks and as Mary Oliver says, “Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.”
Planning Your Paris Trip? Be sure to book in advance for the most popular things to do. Book your one-hour Seine cruise, a timed-entry ticket to the Louvre, and a skip-the-line ticket to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. And don’t forget Versailles and Disneyland!
2. The Palais du Luxembourg Anchors The Luxembourg Gardens
Marie de Medici, Queen of France, became a widow after Henri IV was assassinated in 1610. Not able to bear living in the Louvre Palace, she purchased land on the edge of Paris and started plans for the new palace in 1612. The Palais du Luxembourg was heavily inspired by the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens in Florence where Marie de Medici spent her childhood.
The Luxembourg Palace today is the main anchor building of the Luxembourg Gardens. Don’t be surprised to see guards around the outside as it has been housing the French Senate since 1958.
Where To Stay On The Left Bank:
Hotels: Check out hotels in Saint-Germain here. This small family-run hotel is in the heart of Saint Germain. I stayed in this hotel before moving to Paris and loved its location so close to the Jardin du Luxembourg.
Homestays: This small apartment, full of old-world charm, is perfect for two. In a fabulous location, by the Mabillon metro station, this chic apartment sleeps up to 6 people.
3. The Medici Fountain In The Luxembourg Gardens
One of the most beautiful fountains in Paris is the Marie de Medici Fountain in the Luxembourg Gardens. In the fall of 2021, the newly renovated fountain was revealed in all its restored beauty!
Today, the Marie de Medici Fountain, shaded by lovely plane trees, is the perfect place to find a few quiet moments in Paris. The long basin is lined with urns of flowers, and the sculpture situated at the end is well worth looking at. At the very top is the Medici family coat of arms. Note the masks representing comedy and tragedy and Faunus, the god of the forest. Diana, the goddess of the hunt, is also represented.
The Marie de Medici Fountain: A Little History
There is, of course, a story with the Marie de Medici Fountain. When the Palais du Luxembourg was being built and modelled after the Pitti Palace, so were the garden terraces and fountains. Originally named the Grotto of Luxembourg, the design of the Medici Fountain was influenced by the Buontalenti Fountain found in the Boboli Gardens in Florence.
This splendid fountain in the Luxembourg Gardens fell into disrepair after Marie de Medici died in 1642. She had been exiled from Paris by her own son, King Louis XIII, but that is another story…
With the redesign of Paris under Baron Georges Eugene Haussmann in the 1860s, the Medici fountain was threatened to be destroyed. In the end, it was saved by the architect of the Palais du Luxembourg, Alphonse de Gisors, and moved thirty metres, one stone at a time.
Read More | You are smack dab in the middle of St Germain while at the Jardin du Luxembourg. Here’s my full guide on what to do in Saint Germain des Prés. And, the Luxembourg Gardens borders the 5th arrondissement, the Latin Quarter. Wander towards the Pantheon and discover all the best things to do in the Latin Quarter.
4. Le Jardin du Luxembourg Paris: Her Queens
Very close to the Medici Fountain, you’ll find 20 elegant, white marble statues. This grouping, called the Serie des Reines et Femmes Illustres, features queens and other important women from the history of France. It’s one of my favourite discoveries in the Luxembourg Gardens.
The sculptures were commissioned by Louis-Philippe, King of France from 1830 to 1848 and honour twenty queens, saints, and celebrities who through their lives and work greatly influenced the country. There are quite a few queens such as Sainte Bathilde, Queen of France from 626 – 680 and Queen Mathilde, Duchesse de Normandie, from 1031 – 1083. I enjoy studying their faces and imagining their lives.
My favourite is Sainte Genevieve. I’ve always had a soft spot for Sainte Genevieve, Patron Saint of Paris, who lived from 423 to 512. She inspired the people of Paris with these words in 451, “Get down on your knees and pray. I know it. I see it. The Huns will not come.” She is said to have saved Paris from an imminent attack by Attila the Hun.
Who wouldn’t be impressed by her?
Once you know of Sainte Genevieve, you’ll find her in many spots around Paris. Look for the modern statue (not as elegant as this one) on the Pont de la Tournelle.
Read More | Looking for a unique Paris experience? Why not stop by the Grand Mosque of Paris for a spa, including a steam bath, gommage, and massage? The Hammam at the mosque is terrific. Here is how to plan a visit to the Hammam at the Grand Mosque of Paris.
5. The Musée du Luxembourg
The Musée du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Museum) opened in 1750 and was the first art museum open to the general public. People flocked to Paris to see paintings of the grand Dutch, Italian and French masters.
Although the museum was closed for 40 years and those masterpieces now hang in the Louvre, the Musée du Luxembourg presents two exhibitions a year.
It’s part of a perfect day itinerary on Paris’s left bank – stop by and see an exhibition at the Musée du Luxembourg, enjoy a deluxe hot chocolate at Angelina’s in the front courtyard of the museum, and then head into the Luxembourg Gardens for some relaxation.
Read More | Enjoy small museums? Here are some of my favourite smaller museums in Paris.
6. The Luxembourg Gardens And Le Grand Bassin
You’ll be drawn immediately to the Grand Bassin in le Jardin du Luxembourg. The large, octagonal pond opposite the Palais du Luxembourg, is always active. Sit here and pay attention to Parisian life. The young crowd sail their boats, squealing with delight as they cross the Grand Bassin, and the adults chat, sip rosé, and read (and some chase the littlest of kids so they don’t fall into the fountain!).
This has been a tradition in Paris for over 90 years! The relaxing, the chasing and the sailboats. Hand-made wooden boats, hand-sewn fabric sails and a stick to push them across the Grand Bassin are what you get when you rent a sailboat for €3.50 for 30 minutes.
Read More | The Jardin du Luxembourg is my top pick for a Paris garden but here are other great parks:
Read my guide to the Parc de Bagatelle, a true delight full of peacocks!
In the 19th arrondissment is Parc des Buttes Chaumont, an off-the-beaten-path Paris park.
How about a stroll along a former elevated railway line in Paris? Read about La Coulée Verte aka the Promenade Plantée.
7. Activities In The Luxembourg Gardens In Paris
It’s a hub of activity in le Jardin du Luxembourg Paris. Take part in or observe pony rides, puppet shows, tennis, Tai Chi, running, chess and the famous French game pétanque. On the pétanque court, men (yes, mostly men… I asked someone where the women were) toss the silver ball and then stand about and study and measure where it has landed. It’s great fun. Have you ever played?
Oh – and don’t miss the Band Stand. I have heard several bands play there. Just pull up a green chair and sink into the beauty of daily life in the Luxembourg Gardens.
8. Picnic In Le Jardin du Luxembourg Paris
In the Luxembourg Gardens, there is only one area where you can sit on the grass. Perhaps that is why there are so many green chairs scattered about.
By the trimmed trees, just past the Grand Bassin is the sacred area for picnics. On the weekends, Parisians flock to this lovely part of the Jardin du Luxembourg. Come early to get a coveted spot.
9. The Orangerie And Flowers In The Luxembourg Gardens
Gorgeous seasonal flowers grace the magnificent Jardin du Luxembourg. Paris in the fall sees stunning oranges and yellow blooms while summertime presents a glorious riot of hues. My favourite Pierre de Ronsard roses climb the trellises near the Orangerie.
What about the fact that there are date palm, citrus, and pomegranate trees in large green crates positioned around the Jardin du Luxembourg? They lend such an exotic feel to the gardens. These glorious trees spend the winters in the Orangerie and are placed outside from May to September each year. The sour orange trees are reportedly 250 to 300 years old.
Meanwhile, you might think that the Orangerie is empty. But it’s not. Every year from May to September, the Orangerie at le Jardin du Luxembourg hosts exhibitions of photographers, paintings and sculptures. Every day approximately 1500 people visit the exhibitions.
10. The Statue of Liberty In The Jardin du Luxembourg
This particular Statue of Liberty has only been gracing the Luxembourg Gardens since 2013. It replaced a small-scale model of Liberty Lighting The World that had stood in the garden since 1906. The original bronze statue, which was presented at the Universal Exhibition of 1900 by Auguste Bartholdi, now stands in the grand hallway of sculptures in the Musée d’Orsay.
Right beside the Statue of Liberty is an American oak tree, a gift from the American community in Paris, that is dedicated to the memory of the victims of September 11, 2001.
Read More | The largest Statue of Liberty in Paris is on this island floating on the Seine
11. The Statues In The Jardin du Luxembourg
The Jardin du Luxembourg is dotted with statues throughout. In fact, there are more than 100 statues in the Luxembourg Gardens. Spend some time wandering the gravel alleyways and alcoves and see who you find. Can you find George Sand, Paul Verlaine and Eugène Delacroix? As always, it is a good introduction or education to French history and culture.
12. Find The Beehives In Le Jardin du Luxembourg Paris
On a wet fall day, I finally stumbled upon the beehives (les ruches) in the Jardin du Luxembourg. The wooden hives with their elegant caps line a gated garden facing a lovely 19th-century pavilion. I love that honey is made in the Jardin du Luxembourg. The honey made in the Luxembourg Gardens is for sale every fall. I’m adding that to my list of things to do in the fall in Paris!
Want to train to be a beekeeper? How about in Paris? It’s possible right here in the apiary at the Jardin du Luxembourg. You’ll have to check the schedule with the Société Centrale d’Apiculture.
Practicalities For Visiting The Luxembourg Gardens In Paris
Location: Le Jardin du Luxembourg is located on Paris’s left bank in the 6th arrondissement.
Getting To The Luxembourg Gardens: Métro Stops: Odéon, Mabillon, Saint-Germain-des-Prés. RER Stop: Luxembourg-Senat
The Luxembourg Gardens Price: Free
Entrances To The Luxembourg Gardens: The gates are located on rue de Vaugirard, rue Guynemer, place André Honnorat, place Edmond Rostand
Luxembourg Gardens Hours: The parks in Paris are locked at night. The opening hours of the Jardin du Luxembourg are much shorter in the winter. I remember being shocked last winter being shooed out as the light was falling at 4:15 pm. Check the schedule here for the Luxembourg Gardens hours. The latest it is ever open is until 9:30 pm in June.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Luxembourg Gardens Paris
What To Do Near The Luxembourg Gardens?
The Pantheon, the stunning neoclassical building that is the final resting place for many famous French figures, can be seen from the Luxembourg Gardens and is only an 8- minute walk away.
Saint-Sulpice Church, with its impressive architecture and history, is a 4- minute walk away.
The Cluny Museum, the amazing medieval museum, is only an 8- minute walk away.
Rue Mouffetard, a bustling street filled with food stalls, bakeries, cafés, and boutiques, is a 14-minute walk away.
How Far Is the Eiffel Tower from The Luxembourg Gardens?
The Luxembourg Gardens and the Eiffel Tower are located relatively close to each other. The Luxembourg Gardens is situated in the 6th arrondissement, while the Eiffel Tower is located in the 7th arrondissement.
Walking from the Luxembourg Gardens to the Eiffel Tower will take about 45 minutes.
Alternatively, Bus #82 will take about 30 minutes. The Métro (taking line 10 from Mabillon) will also take about 30 minutes.
Why Is it Called The Luxembourg Gardens?
The Luxembourg Gardens is named after the Luxembourg Palace, which is located within its grounds. The palace was originally built in the early 17th century for Marie de Medici, the widow of King Henry IV of France.
Can You Picnic In The Luxembourg Gardens?
Yes, it is possible to have a picnic at the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris. A picnic at the Luxembourg Gardens can be had using the green metallic chairs. Also, the designated grassy area is a very popular area for a picnic.
Are Dogs Allowed In The Luxembourg Gardens?
Dogs are generally allowed at the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris, but they must be kept on a leash and on the designated paths for dogs.
I hope you find as much joy as I do in le Jardin du Luxembourg.
Until next time,
More Travel Info…
Paris Travel Resources:
All my Paris resources are right here on this page. The guide to all 20 arrondissements is a popular post that will help you plan a fabulous trip.
Paris Villages
Le Marais is one of the oldest areas of Paris. Once marshland, it is full of boutiques, cafés, gorgeous old mansions and museums. Read my full guide to le Marais and also insider Marais tips from a local.
Montmartre feels like a small village. This post on Montmartre leads you to the most popular sites as well as some lesser-known places on the hill.
Ile Saint-Louis is still one of my favourite spots in Paris. On Pont Saint-Louis, you’ll almost always find some street music.
Don’t forget to stroll by the canal under chestnut trees by Canal Saint-Martin and eat at some great restaurants in Canal Saint-Martin.
And Montparnasse. Most people think of the tall black tower looming over the Paris skyline or the train station. This guide on Montparnasse uncovers some marvellous things to discover in the 14th arrondissement.
If you like being by the water, Ile aux Cygnes in the Seine might be for you! The Statue of Liberty, views of the Eiffel Tower and locals walking their dogs!
Gastronomy
If you are looking for food suggestions, read about where to find the best croissants in Paris. And, if you have a sweet tooth like me, check out these best pâtisseries to try. There are also plenty of café suggestions for the Marais area in this post: Tips from a Local.
Solo Traveller
Travelling to Paris alone? This article on navigating Paris alone is full of tips and tricks for the solo traveller.
All Of Paris And France
This page has all my articles on Paris that will help you plan out your trip, including day trips from Paris. I hope you subscribed to my newsletter to get my free download – An Amazing 2-day Itinerary in Paris.
If you are going further afield in France, make sure to check out my page on France.
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Oh Alison,
Reading this article was such a great delight. What a lovely way to start my day! You painted such colourful images that I was almost there.
What a magnificent place, I shall certainly put it on my list.
Thanks.
Mahira
Hi Mahira,
I’m so glad you enjoyed the article. The Jardin du Luxembourg is a treasure and I know you will absolutely love it! xo