Luxembourg Gardens definitely ranks as a highlight of a visit to Paris. If you go early in the day you’ll find yourself among joggers and rollerbladers and local families. If you visit only one of the beautiful gardens in Paris, I would put this at the top of the list.
Here are five reasons you will want to spend time in this park if you are in Paris.
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There’s a Palace in Luxembourg Gardens
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.
If you are in Paris long enough for a day trip, take the train out to Monet’s residence, Giverny, to peruse the gardens and the famous lily pond. In the US, my favorite garden is New York’s Central Park during springtime.
One excellent way to explore Paris is with a walking tour. I highly recommend Take Walks Paris!
Where to stay in Paris
Paris offers hundreds of hotels. It’s sometimes overwhelming to start looking for a place to stay. Here are a few suggestions for lovely hotels near some of the sites mentioned. With the excellent Paris Metro system, you will be able to arrive wherever you like with just a little planning.
Near the Invalides: The Hotel de Varenne is exquisitely decorated and includes an inviting patio. You can walk from here to the Invalides as well as the Rodin Museum. (7th arrondissement)
Book your stay at the elegant Hotel de Varenne around the corner from the Rodin Museum.
Near the Pantheon: Hotel des Grand Hommes and (right next door) the Hotel les Dames du Pantheon. Both of these elegant hotels are across the street from the Pantheon. From my balcony room at the Grand Hommes I watched the sun rise on the iconic Pantheon. (5th arrondissement)
Book your stay at the Hotel des Grand Hommes and enjoy a view of the stately Pantheon out your window.
A Latin Quarter gem: Hotel Serotel Lutece is a lovely hotel in the heart of the Latin Quarter. You can also walk from here to the Pantheon, Notre Dame, and Sainte-Chapelle. Not only is this a comfortable, attractive hotel, but I also found the staff here to be extra helpful with directions and information. (5th arrondissement)
Book your stay in the cozy Hotel Serotel Lutece in a walkable neighborhood near metro stations, shops, and restaurants.
Central to wherever you want to go: Hotel Moliere, themed on the French poet, is a delightful hotel near the Louvre. It is surprisingly affordable for this pricey area. You can walk or take the Metro to any sites you would like to visit. (1st arrondissement)
Book your stay at Hotel Moliere near the Louvre and the lovely Tuileries Garden.
Consider a side trip to the D-Day Beaches and Normandy
History comes alive when you visit the D-Day Beaches in Normandy. Just a two-hour train ride or drive from Paris, the Normandy beaches offer battle sites and museums. Pay respects at the many somber cemeteries. Stay in charming Bayeux. Normandy makes a great side trip if you are going to Paris.
Book the elegant Hotel Churchill in Bayeux, the perfect base for exploring the D-Day Beaches.
Places to visit include Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, and Gold, Juno, and Sword Beaches. If you have time, include all 5 D-Day Beaches in your itinerary for an amazing overview of June 6, 1944 and Operation Overlord.
Book your train tickets with Rail Europe for easy and reliable service.
Rail Europe partners with more than 230 train services such as SCNF, DB, and Swiss train lines. So, you can always find the transportation you need for your trip.
Renting a car? I can recommend renting with Auto Europe.
FOR MORE OF PARIS, HEAD TO THESE POSTS!
Tips for Your First Trip to Paris
Climbing Up Into the Eiffel Tower
Exploring the Rodin Museum
Paris Gardens to Enjoy
The D’Orsay Museum in Paris
A Walk in the Latin Quarter
Ageless Beauty at Sainte-Chapelle
Paris WWII Sites for History Lovers
A Few Hours in Paris
The Invalides – Where Paris History Comes Alive
Reasons to Visit the Eiffel Tower
The Conciergerie – Marie Antoinette’s Prison
Take a walking tour to discover more of Paris!
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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.
Thanks for sharing at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2016/11/a-dream-of-lifetime.html
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