Luxembourg Gardens definitely ranks as a highlight of our recent visit to Paris. We missed this elegant, relaxing place on earlier trips, and I’m so pleased we included it in the itinerary this season. If you go early in the day you’ll find yourself among joggers and roller bladers and local families. Here are my top 5 reasons you will want to spend time in this park if you are in or near Paris.
There’s a Palace
The centerpiece of the gardens is a real palace. Luxembourg Gardens and the palace date back to 1612. They were designed for Princess Marie de Medici, who became Queen of France. Nazis occupied the residence during WWII, and the French resistance fought nearby. The palace is now used by the French Senate.
Toy Boats Sail in the Pond
Children can sail colorful wooden toy boats in the lake. On weekends, families rent the boats for a half hour and push them with long poles across the lake. The young ones run around the lake chasing the boats and laughing. It’s simply charming.
The Paris Chairs Sit Scattered Throughout
The iconic green chairs of Paris sit scattered here and there, ready to enjoy. We ate take-away sandwiches made with fresh bread while we sat on chairs in front of the lake. On a sunny day. With children sailing their toy boats. And the palace as a backdrop. Life doesn’t get much better.
Sculptures Decorate the Landscape
Luxembourg Gardens hosts more than 100 sculptures. You will even find a small-scale replica of the American Statue of Liberty. Somehow the friendly French folks took one look at us and knew we are American and should wind around the paths to see this. As their directions were in French, we had to follow their waving arm signals and almost gave up. But rounding a bend under the trees, voila! Lady Liberty herself.
Gardens Bloom with Color
Last but not least, Luxembourg Gardens offers lovely gardens. Flowers, tall trees, and carefully groomed lawns fill the area.
Luxembourg Gardens is open daily and is free.
How about you? Have you found a garden area you especially enjoyed?
P.S. The Eiffel Tower is faintly visible in one photo, and the Pantheon is in another photo. Can you spot these Paris landmarks?
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11 Comments
Those gardens are beautiful. I am not surprised that there is a Statue of Liberty there since the French gave us the statue.
The palace is gorgeous. I would expect the palace to be surrounded by beautiful gardens and your photos are lovely.
Oh wow what a beautiful place. I would love to see the inside of the palace. the gardens are gorgeous and how neat you can sail boats in the water like that.
From looking at your photos, I imagine there are many more than 5 reasons to visit there!
Beautiful.
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How gorgeous!!! I love the little boats on the water!!
It looks familiar – and it looks like Luxembourg! Beautiful buildings. A boy’s dream to play with a real boat in the water:):) Also love the details of the sculptures being displayed! All and all a wonderful post. Thank you so much sharing them with ALL SEASONS:) Have a beautiful week!
What a fabulous place! My only trip to Paris was so short that I didn’t have time to stop by places like this. I would love to visit one day. I can’t resist palaces and gardens. #WordlessWednesday
Oh, my, I would love to wander about there and see the sights. What fabulous, old-world architecture.
I’ve only ever viewed them from above via hotel room, but your photos make me want to actually make a point of seeing it in person! So lovely! 🙂
It is a wonderful park and I remember my children having a lot of fun at the pond with the little boats.I have not been there for some time now – thank you for taking us along.
You captured the gardens so well!! So much better than I did. I wish I would have taken better photos.
Lisa @ LTTL