A trip to Paris would not be complete without visiting the famous Luxembourg Castle and Garden. The calm atmosphere of the place is what makes tourists enjoy their visit.
The Luxembourg Garden or the Jardin de Luxembourg is one of the best gardens in Paris and one of the top attractions in the city.
Since the garden features a palace, a museum, and cool water basins, the 22 acres of greenery make it possible for visitors to enjoy a wide variety of entertaining activities while also taking in the breathtaking view of the garden’s architectural features.
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Jardin de Luxembourg (Luxembourg Garden) Guide
History of the Luxembourg Garden and Palace
The construction of the Luxembourg Garden started during the early 1600s and was officially built in the 17th century. It was designed by Marie de Medici, the widow of King Henry IV, who wanted to have an Italian-style palace built in memory of her childhood in Florence.
On the other hand, the garden had extensive renovations and expansions during the following years, particularly during the 19th century when Napoleon III was in power.
However, after the French Revolution, architect Jean Chalgrin, who was also responsible for the design of the Arc de Triomphe, rebuilt the garden.
The addition of new pathways, an English Garden, and other attractions by Chalgrin helped transform the Luxembourg Garden into one of the most beautiful parks in Paris.
Marie de Medici, the widow of King Henry IV, decided to have her own palace constructed in the city of Paris after her husband’s death. The construction of the Palais de Luxembourg began in the early 1600s.
Marie de Medici had a lifelong dream of owning a property that reminds her of the Palazzo Pitti in Florence. However, the palace requires a significant amount of land to maintain its grandeur.
Marie de Medici decided to purchase the eight hectares of land that was already owned by Francois de Luxembourg, Duc de Piney. On this site lies a mansion. In addition, the land, as well as the buildings that were located in close proximity to Faubourg Saint Germain and the Leonora Galigai dwellings, were also purchased.
The construction of the Palace of Luxembourg started in 1615, after the first purchase of 25 hectares of land. The construction of the new palace was entrusted to the architect Salomon de Brosse, but Marie de Medici was heavily involved in the design process.
During the construction of the Palais Medici (the nickname given by Marie de Medici to the Palais de Luxembourg), the previous residence of the Duc de Piney and Francois de Luxembourg was also reconstructed.
Things to do in the Luxembourg Garden
For those wanting to have an impromptu picnic experience, Luxembourg Garden is the perfect place to go. It is surrounded by flowers and trees, so excessive heat is not likely to be a concern there.
The Luxembourg Garden has a large open lawn where tourists can enjoy walking around with their family and friends. After an exhausting walk, they can take a break on the garden’s metal benches (sitting on the grass is prohibited), where they can also watch the sunsets.
The garden features various statues that provide visitors with a great view and a variety of settings to enhance their overall experience and enjoyment of the area. Playing tennis and petanque are just two of the many enjoyable outdoor activities that are open to both tourists and natives alike.
The Luxembourg Garden is one of the most popular destinations for family vacations with kids because there are so many exciting things for them to do there. There are small wooden sailboats that can be rented. Kids can push the wooden sailboats into the water using a long stick.
This kind of activity has been done ever since the beginning of the twentieth century. In addition, there are also several puppets shows that will surely be loved by kids and even kids at heart.
Aside from the fun activities that can be enjoyed in the garden, there are also educational activities to try.
For instance, the Luxembourg Garden features a lot of beehives where tourists can try beekeeping. In addition, tourists may also explore the garden’s small apiary and learn about the production process of French artisanal honey while trying some of the products.
A few of the most well-liked neighborhoods on the Left Bank of Paris are located near the Jardin du Luxembourg. One of those is the Quartier Latin, which is known for its charming tiny lanes paved with cobblestones that are perfect for travelers to explore. In addition, art galleries and wine bars are available for tourists to visit.
The Saint-Germain-des-Pres boulevard is another popular location in the area, and it is located next to the garden. The boulevard features cafes and boutiques where travelers may relax and shop.
Do not miss the Medici Fountain
One of the most beautiful fountains in Paris is located in the heart of the Luxembourg Gardens, the Medici Fountain. It is a beautiful fountain making it an ideal place for couples. The fountain is surrounded by trees that add to the romantic experience of those visiting there.
It is a place that tourists must not miss. Even though it is a simple place, there are many things to do there, such as strolling around, reading, or even just relaxing while thinking about each other’s aspirations and plans for the future.
Explore Luxembourg Palace
The Renaissance and Classical styles were used in constructing the Palais du Luxembourg’s original architecture before it was converted into a prison during the French Revolution.
The interior is impressive, especially the main staircase in the center of the building. The apartments for the queen were located in the west wing of the palace, while the east wing was set aside for Marie de Medici’s son, the future King Louis XIII.
Marie de Medici also had several sets of paintings commissioned so that the extravagant interior of the Palais de Luxembourg could be completed.
She acquired twenty-four canvases that were painted by Rubens. The paintings were used to decorate the gallery in the west wing, designed in the French style.
On the other hand, the Palace of Luxembourg was transformed into a government facility and is today the location of the French Senate. Victor Hugo is a well-known politician who once sat in the Palais du Luxembourg.
Additional Details About the Jardin de Luxembourg
Address: 75006 Paris, France
Opening Hours: The Jardin de Luxembourg opens between 7.30am and 8.15am, and closes between 4.30pm and 9.30pm
Entrance fee: Entering the garden is free but there is a fee when entering their facilities such as children’s area for $2.5 and $1.5 for adults
How to get to Jardin de Luxembourg
There are several ways to reach Jardin de Luxembourg from any part of the city.
Tourists can take the RER train to Jardin de Luxembourg. Taking the train is the most cost-effective way to get to the garden. Tourists can also take the bus to reach the Luxembourg station.
Some of the bus lines available are lines 21, 27, 58, 24, and 75. Take note that the fare within the city is 1.9 euros. It is a one-way ticket that can be used on the metro, trains, trams, and buses. Those in a hurry, however, can hire a taxi. The fare will depend on the point of origin.
The last option to reach the Luxembourg Castle and Garden is by walking. It is ideal for those who want to stroll around Paris and take pictures of its stunning scenery.
Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.