The Luxembourg Gardens are a testament to the beauty of French formal gardens. Spread across 60 acres, Luxembourg Gardens offers both local Parisians and tourists the opportunity to relax in a public space that was the private garden of a Queen. If you are visiting Paris, you really should take time to visit Jardin du Luxembourg.
Reasons to Visit Luxembourg Gardens
Luxembourg Gardens is a must-see landmark in Paris that provides visitors with plenty of recreational activities, stunning views, and opportunities to explore French history.
Here are some of the top reasons to visit the Luxembourg Gardens:
1. Historical Significance
Located on the 6th arrondissement, Luxembourg Gardens were created as a part of Marie de’ Medici’s vision to create a park that paid homage to the Italian Baroque Boboli Garden in Florence.
When Henri IV’s was assassinated in 1610, his wife, Marie de’ Medici left their home in the Louvre and built Luxembourg Palace to pay homage to her childhood home in Florence, Palazzo Pitti.
The palace is now home to the French Senate and the gardens are a combination of Italian, French and English designs.
2. Natural Beauty
The gardens contain numerous pathways lined with trees, beautiful flower borders, and picturesque ponds.
Visitors can take in the breathtaking beauty of this unique garden while strolling along its numerous pathways, much of which is shaded.
Visitors should take time to walk the entire 60 acres to enjoy the unique features like the artificial Grotto with the Medici Fountain.
3. Sculptures & Statues
The garden has 106 statues spread throughout the park that were mostly added in the 19th century.
They feature famous French artists, writers, political & royal figures as well as Greek and Roman deities. You’ll even find a replica of The Statue of Liberty.
4. Recreational Activities
There are plenty of recreational activities available for visitors to enjoy in the Luxembourg Gardens.
Childrens Activities
- Playground (opens at 10am) for children aged 7 to 12 years.
- Puppet theatre on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm
- Rent small wooden boats to float on the duck pond.
5. Cultural Events
The Luxembourg Gardens host a variety of events throughout the year, from outdoor performances to open-air film screenings and concerts.
These events are the perfect way for visitors to enjoy the beauty of the gardens while engaging with local culture.
6. Space to Relax & Unwind
With all the busyness of a big European city, sometimes you just need to relax and unwind. You will find plenty of space to relax and unwind.
Bring a blanket and sit on the grassy open areas or just grab a metal chair and kick your feet up by the pond.
Either way, you’ll get a great opportunity to reconnect with nature in the middle of a bustling city.
7. Musée du Luxembourg
The museum was the first French museum to open to the public.
It is located in the former palace Orangerie, on the edge of the Luxembourg Gardens.
Each year, there are two exhibitions curated with topics that vary with themes like Renaissance in Europe and Female Artists post WWI.
You can purchase tickets online.
8. FREE Guided Tour
If you are visiting at the right time, you can take advantage of a guided tour led by one of the park’s gardeners. These take place on the first Wednesday of the month from April to October.
The tour begins in front of the Observatoire gate giving on to Place André Honnorat at 9:30 am.
How to Get to Luxembourg Gardens
The Metro is the easiest way to access Luxembourg Gardens. You will find stations located at various points around the garden.
Hours
Opens between 7:30am and 8:15am, and closes between 4:30pm and 9:30pm according to season.
Overall, the Luxembourg Gardens are a stunning and historic landmark that provides visitors with plenty of opportunities to relax and have fun. Whether you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of Paris or just want to take in some of its remarkable natural beauty, a visit here is truly a must!