Jardin du Luxembourg

JARDIN DU LUXEMBOURG

One of the most popular gardens in Paris, it is also the largest public park in the city, covering over 20 hectares.

Magnificently well maintained and organized, it is a pleasant space in any season of the year.

For children there are several options: a carousel, several toys, rental of carts and boats (to play in the central lake), a puppet theater (not open every day) and even pony rides.

A delight to sit in one of their chairs to chat, have a snack,

read a book or just observe the scenery.

The Palais du Luxembourg (background) it is now the seat of the French Senate.

It is common to find several students (mainly from the nearby University of the Sorbonne) having lunch, in the warm months, and studying under the shade of the trees.

The terrain with uneven ground of beaten earth with pebbles is ideal for races and hiking. Those who prefer to rest, read or even meditate on the grass should look for the “Pelouse Autorisée” signs, where you can step on the grass.

The lakes and their colorful ducklings, the famous statues - more than 100, the thousands of trees and divine flowerbeds that are replanted three times a year give the place an impressive beauty.

A delight to sit in one of its chairs to chat, have a snack, read a book or just observe the landscape.

Located in the heart of the city, between the Latin Quarter and the neighborhood of Saint Germain des Prés, the park belongs, since 1879, to the Senate, which is in charge of the management, monitoring and conservation of the place.

It is also a cultural place for several reasons, from its history, through the various works of art displayed outdoors, to the Senat Museum, which organizes excellent exhibitions throughout the year.

Photography exhibitions have been installed regularly on the outdoor railings since 1997 and other types of exhibitions are also mounted inside the garden.

Concerts, parties and events take place regularly on site. In the traditional bandstand, especially in spring and summer, classical concerts and jazz concerts take place, as well as music of all styles.

Chess tables, places for sports activities such as sneakers , basketball ,martial arts, pétanque court (a typical French game, with small metal balls) and countless activities for children: games, pony rides, puppet theater and lakes with colorful boats are just some examples of what the place is, In fact, a trip for the whole family.

The Fontaine Medicis - beautiful - it is a very famous spot in the garden.

The Palais du Luxembourg is today the seat of the French Senate.

Queen Marie de Medici, after the assassination of Henry IV, King of France, no longer wanted to stay in the Louvre; so, looking for a quieter atmosphere, he saw, in this suburb, the opportunity to acquire land for the construction of a home inspired by the palaces of his beloved Florence (she was Italian), remembering the Pitti Palace (where he had spent his childhood) and the Boboli Gardens. He then acquired the property and land from François de Luxembourg (Duke of Louxenburg), hence the name of the garden.

Curiosities:

✔ After the death of Maria de Medici, the place “changed hands” numerous times.

Over the years, the park has been modified a lot and has not always been open to the public.

✔ Perhaps the most controversial change was that of Haussmann, which provoked several protests.

✔ On French Revolution , the palace turned into a prison.

✔ Under the occupation , in the Second World War, the Luxembourg Palace became the headquarters of one of the German air fleets. The garden was closed to the public and served as a parking lot for vehicles and German artillery.