Visiting the enchanting Luxembourg Gardens, nestled in the heart of Paris, makes for an unforgettable experience in Paris. There are so many enchanting things to do in the Luxembourg Gardens and it’s one of the best places to experience the essence of Parisian charm.
From the famous Medici fountain to the young children prodding sailboats with a long stick across the octagonal pond. Strolling the tree-lined promenades or searching for the bee hives.
What about the iconic green chairs? 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!), have a gourmet picnic, or share a glass of wine.
A resident of Paris, I’ve explored all the wonderful things to do in the Luxembourg Gardens. For eight months I lived in the 7th arrondissement, and made the short walk there daily. It was the perfect antidote for Paris in confinement.
Allow for plenty of time to enjoy the charming things to do in the Luxembourg Gardens. You’ve landed in one of Paris’s best-loved parks. And it leaves an unforgettable impression.
Here are 12 best things to do in the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris and a series of FAQ’s.
12 Best Things To Do In The Luxembourg Gardens
1. Observe Parisian Life
Of all the inevitable things to do in the Luxembourg Gardens, it’s claim a vacant green chair. You’ll feel so Parisian! Sit a while and observe life in the French capital. 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. Admire The Classical Architecture Of The Luxembourg Palace
Why is there a palace in the Luxembourg Gardens? Marie de Médici, 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 a new palace in 1612. The architectural-style of the Palais du Luxembourg was heavily inspired by the Pitti Palace in Florence where Marie de Medici spent her childhood. The Luxembourg Gardens were designed like the Boboli Gardens of the Pitti Palace.
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. Sit Under The Plane Trees By The Medici Fountain
One of the most beautiful things to do in the Luxembourg Gardens is sit by the Marie de Medici Fountain. 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 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 Luxembourg Palace, 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. Find The Statues Of The French 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 the Queens of France 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. One of my favourite things to do in the Luxembourg Gardens is study their faces and imagine 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. Visit 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 temporary 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.
Opening Hours During Exhibitions: Daily from 10:30 AM to 7 PM; Mondays closes at 10 PM
Location: 19 rue de Vaugirard, 75006 Paris
Getting There: Métro line 4 (Saint Sulpice) and metro line 10 (Mabillon)
Read More | Enjoy small museums? Here are some of my favourite smaller museums in Paris.
6. Sail A Boat On 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. One of the best things to do in the Luxembourg Gardens is 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!).
Sailing boats in the Grand Bassin 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 long 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 arrondissement 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 Paris
Wondering what to do in the Luxembourg Gardens? It’s a hub of activity in le Jardin du Luxembourg Paris! Observe children riding ponies, see a show at the puppet theatre, and watch tennis and Tai Chi. Count the Parisian runners or watch competitors playing chess or 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 so French.
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
One of the essential things to do in the Luxembourg Gardens is have a picnic. Settle into the green metal chairs or head to the designated area where you can sit on the grass.
By the trimmed trees, just past le 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. Marvel At The Flowers
Wondering what to see in the Luxembourg Gardens? The flowers are truly impressive. 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. Search Out The Statue of Liberty
One of the fun things to do in the Luxembourg Gardens is find the Statue of Liberty. This particular Statue of Liberty has only been gracing the Luxembourg Gardens since 2013. It replaced a small-scale model 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. Find All The Statues
One of my favourite things to do in the Luxembourg Gardens is discover new statues! The Jardin du Luxembourg is dotted with statues throughout. There are more than 100 statues in the Luxembourg Gardens. Spend some time wandering the tree-lined promenades and alcoves and see who you find. Can you find George Sand, Paul Verlaine and Eugène Delacroix? It is a good introduction or education to French history and culture.
12. Find The Beehives
On a wet fall day, I stumbled upon the beehives (les ruches) in the Jardin du Luxembourg. The wooden hives with their elegant caps line a gated garden facing the lovely 19th-century Pavillon Davioud. 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.
FAQs: The Luxembourg Gardens Paris
Where are the Luxembourg Gardens located?
The Luxembourg Gardens are located on Paris’s left bank in the 6th arrondissement.
How do I get to the Luxembourg Gardens?
Métro Stops: Odéon, Mabillon, Saint-Germain-des-Prés. RER Stop: Luxembourg-Senat
Are the Luxembourg Gardens free?
Yes! It is free to enter the Luxembourg Gardens.
Where are the entrances to the Luxembourg Gardens?
The gates to the Luxembourg Gardens are located on rue de Vaugirard, rue Guynemer, place André Honnorat, place Edmond Rostand
What are the hours of the Luxembourg Gardens?
The Jardin du Luxembourg changes its opening hours every two weeks timed with sunrise and sunset. Therefore the hours are longer in the summer and shorter in the winter. Check the schedule here for the Luxembourg Gardens hours.
Is it worth visiting the Luxembourg Gardens?
Absolutely! Visiting the Luxembourg Gardens is a must when visiting Paris. Its stunning beauty, rich history and tranquil atmosphere make it a much-loved destination by both locals and tourists alike. There are so many things to do in the Luxembourg Gardens. If you’re seeking a peaceful stroll, beautiful landscaping, or a great place to get a glimpse of Parisian life, the Luxembourg Gardens offer a delightful experience that captures the essence of Parisian charm.
What is there to do near the Luxembourg Gardens?
You’ll find so many things to do near the Luxembourg Gardens.
- You’re right in the lively Saint-Germain des Prés neighbourhood and nearby is the iconic Latin Quarter.
- 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 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 are 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 I picnic in the Luxembourg Gardens?
Yes! One of the best things to do in the Luxembourg Gardens is have a picnic. Use the green metal chairs or the designated grassy area.
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 these 12 things to do in the Luxembourg Gardens as enjoyable as I do. I find the Luxembourg Gardens so incredibly charming that it’s listed in my article on the 45 most romantic places in Paris. Would you agree?
Until next time,
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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