Explore the tranquil beauty of Luxembourg Gardens in Paris (6th Arrondissement)
Nestled in the heart of Paris, Luxembourg Garden or “Jardin du Luxembourg” stands as a serene oasis, inviting visitors to escape the crowded city streets and immerse themselves in nature, beauty, and history. The meticulously landscaped grounds span 23 hectares and offer a harmonious blend of formal French and English gardens. There are also over 3000 trees including an orchard with 500 ancient varieties of pear and apple trees.
Luxembourg Gardens is one of my favorite places in Paris. It’s one of the best things about the 6th arrondissement. There are a variety of activities that one can partake in here. I usually include the gardens as part of my early morning runs. At this time of day you will find a lot of other runners in the park. There is a path that goes around the inside edge of the park as well as many other paths that zigzag throughout the interior. During these early morning hours you can see Parisians exercising, alone, in groups or with a trainer, people doing Tai Chi, yoga, or boxing. As the day progresses you will start to see more families and tourists populating the park. There is a puppet theater within the gardens called Théatre des Marionnettes du Jardin du Luxembourg where you can see a live marionette show. It is only open Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and school holidays. You can buy tickets at the theater ticket window 30 minutes prior to the show starting. Tickets are on a first come, first served basis and the theater holds 275 people. Ticket price is 7.50€ for all ages. (Wheelchair accessible). Click here for more information. Children can also ride a pony through the park for 9.50€. Available Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and school holidays. Or If tennis is your thing, all you need is a Paris-Tennis pass, issued free of charge. Just look for the attendant by the courts to obtain one, you will need your passport for ID. You can rent tennis rackets at Tennicity which is not too far from the park. (23 rue du vieux colombier, 75006) Two rackets can be rented for up to 2 weeks at 3€ per day. There are also basketball courts where you can sometimes find a pick up game. You will see other games like pétanque, chess and bridge also being played in the park. You need to bring your own game pieces if you want to utilize these boards. My personal favorite thing to do here is to just wander. Up and down along the tree-lined paths taking in the tapestry of vibrant colors from the flowerbeds. Or just relaxing on one of the iconic green metal chairs that are scattered throughout the park. Many great spots exist to just sit and people watch or have a picnic lunch.
There are over 100 statues in the park as well as several fountains. The most famous is the grand Medici Fountain, a centerpiece of the garden that provides a picturesque backdrop for leisurely strolls, romantic moments or photo opportunities.
The large octagon shaped pond centered in front the palace is known as the Grand Basin. Here, children can rent the little vintage sailboats to play with in the water, a tradition since 1927.
Throughout the year, Luxembourg Garden hosts a variety of cultural events, from art exhibitions to concerts, enriching the experience for visitors of all ages and interests. Click here to find out more.
If you love gardening there are free horticulture classes offered by the gardens conservation staff. Theoretical horticulture courses take place on Tuesday and Thursday mornings in the gardens from the beginning of October to the end of December. Practical classes are held from January to June. For more information on this experience click here. There are a few different food kiosks scattered throughout the park where you can pick up a snack. You’ll also find two brasseries, La Terrasse De Madame, they are open everyday from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM or the slightly more upscale La Table du Luxembourg, click here for reservations.
The Luxembourg Palace sits at the helm of the gardens, adding a touch of regal splendor to the surroundings. The palace and gardens were constructed in 1612 by Queen Marie de Medici, the widow of King Henry IV, and mother of King Louis XIII. She created the palace and grounds to mimic the Pitti Palace of her childhood in Florence, Italy. Today the palace is the home of the French senate. Whether seeking solace amidst nature, looking for inspiration for creative endeavors, or simply enjoying a peaceful afternoon in the heart of Paris, the gardens promise an enchanting escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
The garden is walking distance, 2.5 miles or less, from all of the inner arrondissements. If you’re staying in the outer areas of the 17th through 20th, you can catch the nearest metro line and then transfer to lines 4 or 12.
Jardin du Luxembourg
15 Rue Vaugirard, 75006, Paris, France
Hours vary depending on the season
Click here for all hours
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9 Responses
Beautiful. It’s like an outdoor museum!