Luxembourg Gardens

Overview

The Jardin du Luxembourg is the quintessential, beloved Parisian park. Spanning 23 hectares, it bridges sweeping, formal French geometry with romantic English garden styles, serving as the elegant backyard for the French Senate.

Highlights

• Medici Fountain: A romantic, tree-shaded 17th-century fountain tucked away on the eastern edge of the palace.
• The Grand Bassin: The central octagonal pond where children (and adults) rent and sail vintage wooden toy sailboats.
• The Statues: Over a hundred meticulously placed statues, including a prominent ring of queens and illustrious women of France.

History

Created beginning in 1612 by Marie de' Medici, the widow of King Henry IV, who wanted a palace and garden to remind her of her native Florence. She designed the Medici Fountain to emulate the grottos of the Boboli Gardens.

Visitor Tips

• The Chairs: The iconic, sage-green metal chairs (the 'Sénat' chairs) are free to move around; grab one and read by the fountains.
• Facilities: Excellent amenities including tennis courts, an apiary, and one of the best enclosed children's playgrounds in the city.
• Duration: 1–2 hours for a leisurely stroll.