Luxembourg Palace and Gardens

The Palacio del Luxemburgo served as a residence for the Royal Family before becoming a prison during the French Revolution.

Today it is the seat of the French Senate. It is not open to the public, only the gardens are.

The 22-hectare gardens surrounding the palace are known as the Jardines de Luxemburgo and represent one of the most beautiful parks and gardens in Paris.

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

The Luxembourg Palace through history

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

It is located in the 6th Arrondissement of Paris, or 6e arrondissement, known as Luxembourg. Near the Latin Quarter.

The palace, in addition to becoming a prison during the French Revolution, during the Segunda Guerra Mundial served as a barracks for the German army, who even construyeron un bunker en el jardín.

What to See at the Luxembourg Palace and Gardens

These gardens poblados de castaños, tilos, plátanos y otras especies exóticas, are very popular among Parisians, and hundreds of people come every day, whenever the weather allows, to relax, sunbathe, read the newspaper, and even play tennis.

Visitar los Jardines de Luxemburgo is among our recommended activities for Paris with Kids.

The venue features zonas de juegos para niños y un estanque donde alquilar pequeños barquitos de vela, a very popular Parisian tradition during the summer and school holidays.

The zona de juego para niños is paid, costs around €3 per child and €1 per adult, and is simple but varied and well-maintained.

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

There is a café — with very Parisian prices, mind you — but it can serve as a refuge for a coffee if it rains or gets too cold. Right next door there is a teatro de marionetas.

Nearby Attractions

• Fondation Cartier
• Panthéon
• Latin Quarter
• Île de la Cité
• Montparnasse Cemetery
• Montparnasse

Prices

• Admission to the Luxembourg Gardens is free.
• Some attractions, such as the playground and the carousel, charge an entry fee.

Hours

• Varies depending on the time of year.
• Opens at 8am and closes at 5pm in January, gradually extending to 9pm in July and August.

Address

• Rue de Vaugirard, 15. 75291 Paris, France

Getting There

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