Luxembourg Palace and Gardens

The Luxembourg Palace served as the residence of the Royal Family before becoming a prison during the French Revolution.

Today it is the seat of the French Senate. The public is not open, only the gardens. The 22-hectare gardens that surround the palace are known as the Luxembourg Gardens and represent one of the most beautiful parks and gardens in Paris.

It is a highly recommended place to rest in the middle of your tour of Paris.

The Luxembourg Palace in history

It was built between 1615 and 1617 commissioned by Marie de’ Medici, queen consort of France, who, tired of the Louvre, wanted to live in an Italian-style residence that would remind her of her homeland.

It is situated in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, or 6e arrondissement , called Luxembourg. Close to the Latin Quarter . The palace, in addition to becoming a prison during the French Revolution, during World War II served as the headquarters of the German army, who even built a bunker in the garden.

What to see in the Luxembourg Palace and Gardens

These gardens populated with chestnut trees, lime trees, plane trees and other exotic species , are very popular among Parisians, and hundreds of people come every day, weather permitting, to relax, sunbathe, read the newspaper and even play tennis.

Visiting the Luxembourg Gardens is among our recommended activities in Paris with children.

The place has play areas for children and a pond where you can rent small sailing boats , a very popular Parisian tradition during the summer and school holidays.

The play area for children is paid, it costs around €3 for each child and €1 for an adult, it is simple but varied and cared for.

Among many of the activities that take place here are also: beekeeping classes (there are beehives), tennis classes, martial arts and basketball.

There is a café, with very Parisian prices, yes, but which can serve as a shelter for a coffee if it rains or is very cold. Right next to it there is a puppet theater.

Luxembourg Palace and Gardens Nearby Places To Visit

• Cartier foundation
• Pantheon
• Latin Quarter
• Île de la Cite
• Montparnasse Cemetery
• Montparnasse

Prices

Access to the Luxembourg Gardens is free.

Some of the attractions, such as the playground or the carousel, charge admission.

Schedules

Varies depending on the time of year. It opens at 8am and closes at 5pm in January and extends until 9pm in July and August.

Address

Rue de Vaugirard, 15. 75291 Paris, France

How to get

Metro line 12, Notre-Dame-des-Champs station / RER: line B, Luxembourg station