Jardin du Luxembourg

JARDIN DU LUXEMBOURG

One of the most popular gardens in Paris and also the largest public park, having more than 20 hectares.

Preciously well-cared and organized, Jardin du Luxembourg is a ratifying location whichever season it may be.

There are different options for kids: a carousel, various rides, small cars and boat rental muppet plays (not every day) and even pony-riding.

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's common to find several students (mainly the nearby University of Sorbonne) having lunch in the hot months, and studying under the shade of the trees.

The terrain with uneven dirt floor with pebbles is ideal for races and walks. Those who prefer to rest, read or even meditate on the grass should look for the "Pelouse Autorisée" signs, where one can step on the grass.

The lakes with the colorful ducks, the attractive statues, adding to more than 100, an endless number of trees and superb flower-beds, which are replanted 3 times a year and enchant each visitor!

It is a delight to sit on one of the chairs to chat, have a snack, read or only indulge in the glorious landscape.

Situated in the heart of the city, between the Latin Quarter and the Saint Germain des Prés district, 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 site for many reasons, from its history, through the various works of art exhibited in the open air, to the Senat Museum, which organizes excellent exhibitions throughout the year.

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

Concerts, parties and events take place regularly. In the traditional bandstand, especially in the spring and summer, there are classical concerts, jazz concerts, and songs of all styles.

Chess tables, places for sporting activities such as tennis, basketball, martial arts, petanque (typical French game with small metal balls) and numerous activities for children: games, pony rides, puppet theater and ponds with boats colorful are just a few examples of what the place is, in fact, ride for the whole family.

The Fontaine Médicis - beautiful - is a very famous place in the garden.

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

Queen Marie de Medici, after the assassination of Henry IV, king of France, did not want to stay in the Louvre; In this suburb he saw the opportunity to acquire land for the construction of a home inspired by the palaces of his beloved Florence (she was Italian), recalling the Pitti Palace (where he had spent his childhood) and the gardens of Boboli. He then acquired the estate and land of François de Luxembourg (Duke of Louxembourg), hence the name of the garden.

Curiosities:

✔ After the death of Maria de Medici, the place "changed hands" many times.

Over the years, the park was heavily modified and was not always open to the public.

✔ Perhaps the most controversial change was Haussmann's, which provoked several protests.

✔ In the French Revolution, the palace became a prison.

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