Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Gardens), Paris

Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Gardens), Paris (must see)

The Luxembourg Gardens embody everything that is charming, unique, and enchanting about Parisian parks. Its groomed trees, ironed-and-pressed walkways, and sculpted flower beds, not to mention the immaculate emerald lawns, are meant for admiring, not necessarily for lounging. As you wander along the tree- and bench-lined paths, you'll find a peaceful haven from the bustle of the surrounding neighborhoods: the Quartier Latin, St-Germain-des-Prés, and Montparnasse. During the winter months, the garden's austere beauty is captivating, but it truly comes alive in spring, as blooming beds of daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths emerge, and children nudge wooden sailboats across the circular pool. The park's northern boundary is graced by the Palais du Luxembourg, which houses the Sénat (Senate), one of two chambers of the Parliament.

The gardens were originally inspired by Queen Marie de Medici, who longed for the Boboli Gardens of her native Florence. The recently restored Fontaine de Medicis, a favorite spot in summer for contemplative readers, honors her memory. Meanwhile, Les Marionettes du Théâtre du Luxembourg is another timeless attraction, where classic guignols (marionette shows) can be enjoyed on weekend mornings and afternoons, as well as Wednesday afternoons. The park also boasts a merry-go-round, swings, and pony rides. On summer afternoons, the bandstand on the eastern side of the park hosts free concerts.

As you meander through the paths, you might be surprised to come across a familiar sight: one of the original (miniature) casts of the Statue of Liberty was installed in the gardens in 1906. There are over 100 other statues to admire as well. Don't miss the rotating photography exhibits hanging on the perimeter fence near the entrance on Boulevard St-Michel. And if you want to burn off some calories, there's a well-maintained trail around the perimeter that is popular among joggers.

Tip:
To ensure park rules are observed, gendarmes regularly patrol the grounds; guidelines posted on entry gates should be followed.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Paris. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Gardens) on Map

Sight Name: Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Gardens)
Sight Location: Paris, France (See walking tours in Paris)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Paris, France

Create Your Own Walk in Paris

Create Your Own Walk in Paris

Creating your own self-guided walk in Paris is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Souvenirs Shopping Walk

Souvenirs Shopping Walk

Being one of the world's premier shopping destinations, the French capital attracts thousands of shopaholics every year. Even those who hate shopping, enjoy doing it here. Renowned for its luxury and sophistication, Paris is a great place for finding unique and elegant souvenirs to cherish. Here are some must-visit places for souvenir shopping in the City of Light.

Lafayette Galleries...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.0 Km or 3.1 Miles
Paris Introduction Walking Tour II

Paris Introduction Walking Tour II

From the Louvre to the Notre-Dame Cathedral to Place de la Bastille, the evolution of Paris and its history is literally visible on the banks of the river Seine, the linking thread winding its way through the city, as if keeping a watchful eye on its architectural marvels.

This walk is centered around Île de la Cité and Le Marais, which together form the historical core of power in Paris....  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
Montmartre Walking Tour

Montmartre Walking Tour

Originally named “Mons Martis”, meaning the “Mount of Mars”, Montmartre is one of the most famous and visited neighborhoods in Paris. Beyond the Sacré-Coeur, the Moulin Rouge and notable landmarks, the district is also about the atmosphere, the narrow streets, and the artsy culture that has made Paris famous. Once home to artists such as Monet, Picasso and Van Gogh, Montmartre continues...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
St-Germain-des-Pres Walking Tour

St-Germain-des-Pres Walking Tour

This self-guided walk takes you to explore the 6th arrondissement, covering the quarter of St-Germain-des-Prés, the riverside districts and the areas nearby the Luxembourg Garden. It is one of the most expensive districts of Paris, home to posh boutiques, eateries and iconic cafes once favored by philosophers and legendary writers, the likes of Hemingway and Camus. The area is likewise renowned...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Le Marais Walking Tour

Le Marais Walking Tour

The district known to locals as "Le Marais" used to be a bourgeois area in the past and a major center of the Paris Jewish community that still exists today. Here, you will find different bookshops specializing in Jewish books, restaurants with traditional Jewish food and a synagogue. As one of the hippest neighborhoods in the city, it also has no shortage of narrow medieval streets,...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Champs-Elysees Walking Tour

Champs-Elysees Walking Tour

On this self-guided walk you will witness the grandeur of the 8th arrondissement of the French capital – one of its busiest and chic neighborhoods, thanks to the presence of Avenue des Champs-Elysées, Arc de Triomphe, and Place de la Concorde.

Your best plan would be to start with the Triumphal Arch and walk up to its viewing area for great sights down the Champs-Élysées – a lovely...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles

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