One of the most beautiful parks in Paris is Jardin du Luxembourg. The 55 acres of green space lies between Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter in the 6th arrondissement. The garden is open from sunrise to sunset all year round. It’s where Parisians come to stroll and sit awhile – read, have a picnic or catch up with a friend. Runners, tennis, chess and children come to play. Of all the top things to do in Paris, visiting this pretty park is one of my favourites. Here is everything you need to know, plus the top things to see in Jardin du Luxembourg. (Updated: November 2022)
A Brief History of Jardin du Luxembourg
In 1611 Marie de Medici, the widow of King Henry IV and mother of Louis XIII, purchased this land. She decided to create a palace similar to the Pitti Palace and Boboli gardens from Florence where she spent her youth.
Once built, the palace housed royalty right up until the French Revolution. In 1791, it was declared a National Palace and became the hub of government.
Things to See in Jardin du Luxembourg
Jardin du Luxembourg, or Luxembourg Gardens, is the second largest park in Paris. It is a local’s favourite, and the best part, it’s free to visit. Here is a list of the top things to see and do in this pretty Paris park.
PALAIS DU LUXEMBOURG
The palace, built in 1615-1645, features the Italianate style of architecture. Walk the entire perimeter of this impressive building to admire all of its stunning details. Today it’s home to the French Senate, and you may hear the building referred to as ‘le Sénat’. Touring the interior is not as easy. Visiting hours are limited to days when the Senate is not in session which is mostly Mondays to Fridays. Group tours are available but must receive advanced approval to visit.
THE GARDENS
What makes Jardin du Luxembourg unique is that the gardens combine elements of Italian, French, and English landscape design. It consists of large rectangles of lawn with wide gravel pathways perfect for strolling. The gardens change with the seasons. Tulips are replaced with germaniums which are later replaced with chrysanthemums.
An ancient orchard of 1,000 trees featuring 320 different varieties of apples and 210 varieties of pears can be found in the southern part of the park. There is an Orangery, or L’Orangerie du Jardin du Luxembourg, built in 1830 to protect 300-year-old lemon and orange trees and palms, as well as grenadiers and oleanders from colder weather.
Related reading | If you love gardens, then be sure to check out my guide Find the Prettiest Parks and Hidden Gardens in Paris
FONTAINE de MEDICIS
Tucked away on the east side of the palace is where you’ll find the famous Médicis Fountain. This oblong pool is flanked by tall plane trees creating a lovely canopy over the fountain. It is stunningly beautiful and tranquil. Hidden behind the Medici fountain is a 19th-century wall fountain called Fountaine de Léda. Most people miss this detail.
THE STATUES
Spread throughout Jardin du Luxembourg are 106 statues. The statues feature the past Queens and famous women of France. There are also statues of famous French writers and artists, as well as the classics from Roman and Greek history. A popular statue to seek out is, Liberty Enlightening the World, or commonly known as the Statue of Liberty.
MUSEE DU LUXEMBOURG
Built in 1630, the Musée du Luxembourg is known as the first French museum to open to the public in 1750. In 1818, it transferred its priceless masterpieces to the Louvre and became a museum of contemporary art. Today, it only offers special exhibits at least twice a year. What really draws the long lines is visiting the popular Angelina tea room. Treat yourself to the decadent desserts or hot chocolate they are so famous for. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
THE ICONIC CHAIRS
My absolute favourite thing is seeing those battered green metal garden chairs. The famous French Fermob chairs are generously scattered all over the park. I love how some are upright and lined up perfectly while others may be tipped over or at an odd angle. They give the park a casual yet quintessential Paris chic look. And, they are the perfect chair to indulge in a little people-watching.
BEE HIVES
Near the apple and pear orchards, you will find beehives. Bees in this park have produced honey since 1856. If you are lucky to be in Paris in late September you may be able to attend the two-day Fête du Miel (or honey festival). How wonderful would it be to buy a jar of honey, flavoured with the signature flowers of this beautiful park to take home with you.
Things to Do in Jardin du Luxembourg
The large circular pond, called the Grand Bassin, is in the middle of the park and where you’ll find the small little sailboats where children (and adults) use long sticks to navigate their miniature sails. Rent a toy boat from the nearby kiosk and experience this quintessential Paris tradition.
A popular thing to do for kids is to go to Ludo Jardin, the garden’s playground. This includes activities perfect for toddlers all the way to pre-teens. For only 3 euros, your child will enjoy playing here for hours. Another fun activity is the Marionettes du Luxembourg Théâtre. Watch a 40-minute performance on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Chess enthusiasts meet in the northwest corner of the park to play. Watch rapid-fire games of mere minutes or longer strategic games that can go on for hours. Either way, players always draw a crowd where you’ll hear cheers or groans in unison.
Details to Help With Your Visit to the Luxembourg Gardens
Here are some commonly asked questions, and tips to plan your visit.
- Is Jardin du Luxembourg free? YES!
- What arrondissement is Jardin du Luxembourg? The garden is in the Saint Germain neighbourhood in the 6th arrondissement
- How do I get to Jardin du Luxembourg? Take the Metro, line 4 or 10 to the Odeon stop or line B to the Luxembourg station
- What are the opening hours of Jardin du Luxembourg? The gates open at sunrise and close at sunset all year long
- What time of year is Jardin du Luxembourg worth visiting? The ideal time to visit this park is April to October when the gardens are at their peak
Related reading: wondering what you might do before/after your visit, check out these guides for more inspiration – Best Things to Do in 6th Arrondissement, or Île Saint-Louis in 4th Arrondissement, or Must See Streets Perfect for Strolling
As a holidaymaker…
One of my favourite things about Paris is the city’s parks. They are so beautiful. It’s an indescribable feeling you get as you stroll through them. I admire the slow-down culture Parisians have. It has a seat, relax, take in the view kind of attitude. They appreciate the smallest moments throughout the day – a coffee, a good meal, a chat with a friend. Never rushed, always enjoyed.
Next time you are in Paris go to the beautiful Jardin du Luxembourg and enjoy.
An important note if you are in need of restrooms in the garden is that there are FREE restrooms close to the furthest exit from the palace. We found them after paying to use the more central restrooms.
It was my favourite park in Paris when I was a student in the French capital. Your photos are stunning. They brought back good memories 🙂
So happy to hear it brought back some memories for you!
Wow! This is really amazing. I agree with you that this is beautiful. Will make sure to visit once we have the chance to be back in Paris again. Enjoyed looking at the photos.
Thank you Clairce, happy to know you might visit this park when in Paris.
We have fond memories of time spent in Luxembourg Gardens just enjoying the space and nature. We took advantage of the iconic chairs and just chilled while we watched the people go by. Lots of people we saw brought picnic baskets and that is our plan for a return visit.
Yes, lot of picnics, just not able to do it on the grass like other parks in Paris.
I fully agree that Jardin du Luxembourg is the most beautiful park in Paris. I love this place, gardens, plants, architecture, fountains, statues. Everything is carefully planned and fits perfectly. But I had no idea that there are 106 statues—a very inspiring article.
Thank you for your kind words Agnes, happy to hear that it was inspiring article.
I have strolled through Jardin de Luxembourg on a rainy winter day, and it was beautiful even then. My husband and I searched until we found the replica of the Statue of Liberty. And I have a similar photo I took of the Fontaine Medicis — it wasn’t as pretty as it would have been in the spring or summer, but still very elegant. We never had the chance to explore it extensively as you clearly have, so I enjoyed this post and the opportunity to learn more about the park.
I visit this park every time I’m in Paris- so I’ve seen it in April, May, August, September and now November. It’s a tradition I like to have while in Paris.
An impressive and culturally rich park, indeed! It makes a great place for journalling, reflecting on life, photography, and just taking all this beauty in. I love how it is in the heart of the city so it serves as a time away from downtown Paris.
You’re exactly right Trisha. So many come to this park to have quiet moments. It’s a relaxing place while in the middle of busy Paris.
Arguably one of our favorite places in Paris and we actually got enaged not too far from there!
Would love to visit it again one day when the weather is nicer since it was definitely a tad too cold during our visit.
Nothing beats though sitting at the gardens just enjoying the views and people watching.
How romantic to get engaged in the one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Jardin du Luxembourg is absolutely beautiful! No wonder it’s a favorite Parisioners, and it’s free! I think I will enjoy sitting on those garden chairs while doing people watching. I wonder if they sell the honey from the beehive in the garden at the store somewhere.
They only sell the honey during their 2-day honey fesitval in September.
Jardin du Luxembourg is absolutely beautiful! No wonder it’s a favorite Parisioners, and it’s free! I think I will enjoy sitting on those garden chairs while doing people watching. I wonder if they sell the honey in the store somewhere.
Le Jardin du Luxembourg is one my favorite spots in Paris too. The garden looks charming and elegant at any time of year. While in spring and summer it delights you with colors and green trees, in winter it has a very special appeal. Especially if it snows.
Winter is the only season I haven’t seen this beautiful park, and I can image a dusting of snow would be extra magical.
Living in the states, I’m always amazed by how old everything is in Europe. The fact that it was turned over to the government in the late 1700’s – like most of our buildings aren’t even that old. So amazing. Such a lovely place!
The centuries old buildings adds to the charm and elegance of this city.
The Jardin du Luxembourg is one of my most favorite experiences in Paris. This garden and the grounds are so beautiful! Would visit here again and again. Great overview!
We share that in common, as I return to this park every time I’m in Paris.
I’ve actually been to the Jardin du Luxembourg before, but I wish I would’ve known a bit more history and information before visiting! I can certainly attest that it’s beautiful though :). I will definitely refer back if I ever visit again. Xx Sara
I’m glad you agree, and would welocme a return visit.
This park looks so beautiful! I can imagine what it would look like during the fall, absolutely love it!
I’ve now been in 3 of the seasons, spring, summer and fall. I just need to go in the winter.
Wow your photos are stunning – the Jardin du Luxembourg really does look to be the most beautiful of Paris 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for your kind comment.
Such a lovely post and a great throwback to when I took my son there when he was 12. He sailed the toy boats that you can rent out on the pond and had great fun. I didn’t know much about the history of the gardens before reading this post so it was interesteing to find out, also I wasnt aware of the honey festival – that is something I would love!
What a lovely memory. It’s such a quintessential tradition for children to sail the little sailboats. So happy it brought back some happy memories.
What a beautiful place! I’ve not been to Paris for years but you’ve sparked my interest to return & when I do the Jardin de Luxembourg is definitely on my list!
So happy to hear this inspired you to add it to your future Paris itinerary.
I’ve been to Paris dozens of times and have friends that visit that live there, but I’ve never explored the Jardin du Luxembourg. I mistakenly thought it was just a big city park but was clearly wrong. The fact that it contains 106 statues, as you say, is enough to appeal to my arty side and encourage me in. Was the Liberty statue here a model for the one in NYC? That’s a beautiful photo of the Fontaine de Medicis and last photo of the Museum with the foreground of flowers is so creative.
The Liberty statue was indeed the model and inspiration for the French sculpture who eventually gifted the US with the Statue of Liberty. I’m happy to hear you might visit it when next in Paris.
Paris is a bit like marmite, you either love it or hate it, right? I wasn’t too impressed but I’ve only been once. Having read your post though has made me reconsider Paris for another time. The park is beautiful and learning that it was inspired by Florences’ gardens makes this an instant place of interest to me. Will look it up and also how to get there for another stay in Paris.
Carolin | Solo Travel Story
I definitely fall in the love it camp. And happy to hear this might have inspired you to reconsider it again in the future.
I’ve had the pleasure of sitting in this garden before COVID, sipping a cappuncino as my friend drew in her sketchbook beside me. It’s a lovely memory of mine, I’m so glad I now know a bit more about everything I didn’t notice the first time around!
It is exactly as you described, a place for sitting and appreciating the moment.
Your photos are absolutely stunning, and such an informative post. It’s been a long time since I was last at the Jardin du Luxembourg and you’re making me want to catch the next flight to Paris to explore it again!
I’m happy to hear that this article inspired you to want to book and go! It’s always a place I return to when in Paris.
This is stunning – and right in the heart of Paris! I am not a ‘city person’ so I love to take city breaks for some fresh air, and you’re right, this park is stunning!
For a big city like Paris, there are many, many green spaces. Parisians love to take breaks throughout their day and they all offer a beautiful setting.
I had never really thought of Paris and parks, but this one would go on my list for visiting the city after seeing your gorgeous photos. Its nice to have a bit of calm after a busy city I think
Oh yes, you’re so right, it’s a lovely way to relax in such a busy city.
That park looks beautiful! I cannot believe that I’ve never visited it before.
Oh, it is so lovely, you need to visit Steph, next time you are in Paris.
Aww this post has brought back such lovely memories! I visited in the winter though so I didn’t get the chance to see all these BEAUTIFUL blooms… but it’s a great excuse to go back though right? 😀
Most definitely it is a reason to return. It’s also lovely during the fall, with the leaves change colours and crunch under foot as they fall from the trees. Thanks for your comment.
Lovely photos! I haven’t been to Paris for years, but I remember really enjoying this park. I have a vague feeling that I wandered through eating a delicious pastry which is probably why I don’t have many photos of it.
It’s definitely somewhere that I’ll be going to relax whenever I finally make it back to Paris.
Funny thing is Paris was my last trip before Covid locked us down and I fell in love with these gardens! Even funnier its the one place I almost proposed to my fiance!
I cant wait to go back to Paris and enjoy a coffee in one of those chairs again.
Best place to relax and just people watch.
So glad you love Paris as much as I do Gus. Is there anything better than people watching in Paris? I don’t think so!
I’ve never been to Paris but wow, this park looks beautiful. I could happily spend a day here!
Thanks for your comment Brooklyn. If you ever do go, it’s worth adding it to your itinerary.
Aw I love this park! I’ve been to Paris a few times and I think I have visited every time. So cute to sit on those green chairs and watch the kids with their sailboats. Though can you believe I’ve never actually seen Fountaine de Médicis? I must have missed it! Just another reason to go back 🙂
Thank you for your comment Riana. Yes the Fountaine de Medicis is a bit hidden and tucked away. For good reason, I think.
I agree, I enjoy finding parks on my trips. To take an afternoon off rushing around sightseeing and just enjoying life. It’s great for people watching and when I’m traveling solo I always carry a book with me so this is perfect
Thanks Emma for your comment, so glad you agree! What’s been your favourite park to visit thus far?
Wow, this park is gorgeous! Paris is one of my favorite cities and I’ll certainly stop over here on my next visit.
Jardin du Luxembourg is so beautiful and so full of culture! I would love to spend the afternoon relaxing there and enjoying all the beautiful sights! It sounds so good right now to be able to get out and enjoy nature!
Thank you for your comment Melissa. So glad you liked it!
I’ve been to Paris twice and never been to this park and now I feel like I’m seriously missing out, it looks so beautiful and relaxing.
Next time you go Carly-Jo you will have to check it out.
I was never into France, but your wonderful pictures make me wanna visit it as soon as the pandemic is over!
Hopefully you do get there one day soon Juliet!
You do find the most beautiful and relaxing spots Renee!
The Jardin du Luxembourg looks like a perfect place to relax. Are you allowed to bring a picnic? If so I feel like you could relax for hours in those chairs!!
Yes, definitely a picnic is allowed. Grabbing a baguette and some cheese and you have the perfect day. Thanks for stopping by Josy!
I never made it to this park but will have to make a visit back and put it on top of my list. Your pictures sold me, they are so pretty!
I definitely recommend you checking it out next time you are in Paris.
The Jardin du Luxembourg is a beautiful place to spend time. The beautiful statues, Fontaine Médicis and the spread out chairs reveal the tranquility and spirit of the place.
I love spending time in gardens on my travels too, and the Jardin du Luxembourg is just beautiful. I can’t believe there are so many statues there – 106 of them!
It is a pretty large park, so they are hidden about. Thanks for stopping by Tania.
Missed this garden when we visited Paris in 2018. But yes, those green chairs are sturdy but still artsy!
Yes, I too love those chairs, surprisingly they are comfortable!
This is a great place for a photo shoot or a picnic!
It definitely is!
Ahhhhh Paris! I cant wait this pandemic will come into end. I will definitely visit these parks for sure❤️
Thank you for your comment