Jardin du Luxembourg – the Most Beautiful Park in Paris
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 to 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.
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.
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 that 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 a 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.
FONTAINE MEDICIS
Tucked away on the east side of the palace is where you’ll find the famous Fountaine de Médicis. 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 Foundaine de Léda. Most people miss this detail.
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 their decadent desserts or hot chocolate they are so famous for. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
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 the 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.
RELATED READING | Another lovely place to stroll in Paris is Île Saint-Louis in the 4th arrondissement
RELATED READING | Since you are in the 6th arrondissement visiting Luxembourg Gardens, why not explore the Saint Germain neighbourhood and discover the top things to do here
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 euro, 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 and where you’ll hear cheers or groans in unison.
HOW TO GET TO LUXEMBOURG GARDEN:
Metro – take line 4 or 10 to Odeon stop, or line B to Luxembourg station
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’s have 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.
79 Comments
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Clarice
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.
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you Clairce, happy to know you might visit this park when in Paris.
Linda (LD Holland)
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.
The.Holidaymaker
Yes, lot of picnics, just not able to do it on the grass like other parks in Paris.
Agnes
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.
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you for your kind words Agnes, happy to hear that it was inspiring article.
Tami
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.
The.Holidaymaker
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.
Trisha Velarmino
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.
The.Holidaymaker
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.
Gustavo A Feliciano
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.
The.Holidaymaker
How romantic to get engaged in the one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Umiko
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.
The.Holidaymaker
They only sell the honey during their 2-day honey fesitval in September.
Umiko
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.
Anda
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.
The.Holidaymaker
Winter is the only season I haven’t seen this beautiful park, and I can image a dusting of snow would be extra magical.
Jennifer Prince
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.Holidaymaker
The centuries old buildings adds to the charm and elegance of this city.
kmf
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!
The.Holidaymaker
We share that in common, as I return to this park every time I’m in Paris.
Travel A-Broads
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
The.Holidaymaker
I’m glad you agree, and would welocme a return visit.
JoJo Hall
This park looks so beautiful! I can imagine what it would look like during the fall, absolutely love it!
The.Holidaymaker
I’ve now been in 3 of the seasons, spring, summer and fall. I just need to go in the winter.
Jill
Wow your photos are stunning – the Jardin du Luxembourg really does look to be the most beautiful of Paris 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you for your kind comment.
Angela
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!
The.Holidaymaker
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.
Sue
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!
The.Holidaymaker
So happy to hear this inspired you to add it to your future Paris itinerary.
Barry
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.Holidaymaker
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.
Carolin
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
The.Holidaymaker
I definitely fall in the love it camp. And happy to hear this might have inspired you to reconsider it again in the future.
Alice Mola
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!
The.Holidaymaker
It is exactly as you described, a place for sitting and appreciating the moment.
Katie
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!
The.Holidaymaker
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.
Pam
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!
The.Holidaymaker
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.
Laura
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
The.Holidaymaker
Oh yes, you’re so right, it’s a lovely way to relax in such a busy city.
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Steph
That park looks beautiful! I cannot believe that I’ve never visited it before.
The.Holidaymaker
Oh, it is so lovely, you need to visit Steph, next time you are in Paris.
Justine
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? 😀
The.Holidaymaker
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.
Sarah
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.
Gus Feliciano
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.
The.Holidaymaker
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!
Brooklyn
I’ve never been to Paris but wow, this park looks beautiful. I could happily spend a day here!
The.Holidaymaker
Thanks for your comment Brooklyn. If you ever do go, it’s worth adding it to your itinerary.
Riana Ang-Canning
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 🙂
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you for your comment Riana. Yes the Fountaine de Medicis is a bit hidden and tucked away. For good reason, I think.
Emma
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
The.Holidaymaker
Thanks Emma for your comment, so glad you agree! What’s been your favourite park to visit thus far?
Catherine
Wow, this park is gorgeous! Paris is one of my favorite cities and I’ll certainly stop over here on my next visit.
Melissa
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!
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you for your comment Melissa. So glad you liked it!
Carly-jo Rosselli
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.
The.Holidaymaker
Next time you go Carly-Jo you will have to check it out.
Juliet Dreamhunter
I was never into France, but your wonderful pictures make me wanna visit it as soon as the pandemic is over!
The.Holidaymaker
Hopefully you do get there one day soon Juliet!
Josy a
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!!
The.Holidaymaker
Yes, definitely a picnic is allowed. Grabbing a baguette and some cheese and you have the perfect day. Thanks for stopping by Josy!
WanderlustBeautyDreams
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!
The.Holidaymaker
I definitely recommend you checking it out next time you are in Paris.
Puloma Bhattacharya
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.
Tania Muthusamy
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!
The.Holidaymaker
It is a pretty large park, so they are hidden about. Thanks for stopping by Tania.
Carol Colborn
Missed this garden when we visited Paris in 2018. But yes, those green chairs are sturdy but still artsy!
The.Holidaymaker
Yes, I too love those chairs, surprisingly they are comfortable!
Raquel
This is a great place for a photo shoot or a picnic!
The.Holidaymaker
It definitely is!
saltymorena
Ahhhhh Paris! I cant wait this pandemic will come into end. I will definitely visit these parks for sure❤️
The.Holidaymaker
Thank you for your comment