Jardin du Luxembourg is a large public garden in Paris’s 6th arrondissement, between Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter. Created for Queen Marie de Médicis in the early 17th century, it surrounds the Palais du Luxembourg, now home to the French Senate. Walk between formal French-style flowerbeds and a more freely planted English garden, then look for the Medici Fountain, statues and the central basin. Children can sail miniature boats on the water, while shaded paths and chairs make this a welcome pause between city sights.
A garden made for the Luxembourg Palace
Queen Marie de Médicis commissioned the garden in 1612 to accompany her new residence, the Palais du Luxembourg. She had come from Italy and wanted a palace and grounds that recalled Florence. The garden’s design drew inspiration from the Boboli Gardens, while architect Salomon de la Brosse was entrusted with the palace.
The palace is now the seat of the French Senate, which also owns and maintains the garden. Over time, the grounds expanded and changed. The present layout brings together formal terraces and flowerbeds with more loosely arranged paths and plantings. The palace gives the garden a clear centre, but the grounds are large enough to explore at a leisurely pace.
French formality, English-style paths
The garden’s two styles are easy to notice as you walk. Near the palace, geometrically arranged flowerbeds and terraces follow the order of a French formal garden. Elsewhere, the paths and planting take a freer English-style approach. A large basin and wooded areas mark the transition between the two parts.
Flowerbeds, tree-lined walks and chestnut groves shape the grounds throughout the year. Spring is a particularly colourful time, when daffodils, tulips and hyacinths bloom. The garden also has an orchard, a rose garden and greenhouses, including a collection of orchids. An old apiary is another point of interest: beekeeping is taught there, and honey is sold in autumn.
More than a hundred statues, monuments and fountains are spread across the garden. Look for the Medici Fountain, one of its best-known landmarks, and the smaller Statue of Liberty by Frédéric Bartholdi. The statues of French queens add another reason to pause along the paths. The Palais du Luxembourg is worth a look from the grounds, though it serves as the Senate rather than as a public palace attraction.
The basin and activities for children
The central basin has long been a place for miniature sailboats. Children guide the wooden boats across the water, a tradition associated with the garden for generations. Rentals are listed at €3, and availability can depend on the season and day, so check before building your visit around them.
Families can also find a carousel, pony rides, a playground and puppet performances at the garden theatre. The puppet theatre’s shows date back to 1933. The playground is enclosed, and the range of activities gives children a reason to spend longer here than a short walk might suggest.
For a quieter visit, take a book to one of the garden’s chairs or follow the shaded paths. Joggers use the grounds too, and chess and pétanque areas provide places to linger. The garden is popular on sunny weekends, so a weekday or less settled day may suit anyone seeking a calmer walk.
FAQ
Is Jardin du Luxembourg free to enter?
The garden itself is free to visit.
How long should you spend at Jardin du Luxembourg?
Allow about 1 to 2 hours for a walk and time to see the main features. Families stopping for activities may want longer.
What can children do at Jardin du Luxembourg?
Children can sail miniature boats on the basin, visit the playground, ride the carousel or ponies, and watch puppet performances.
When is the best time to see the flowers?
Spring is a good time to visit for blooming daffodils, tulips and hyacinths.
