The Luxembourg Garden colloquially referred also as the Jardin du Sénat (Own by the French Senate Assembly), is located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, France. Today the Luxembourg Garden covers 23 hectares with the Luxembourg Palace (56.8 acres in all), it means 1/10th of the 6th arrondissement (215 ha). Opening hours 7.30 a.m. to 9.30 a.m. in summer and 8.10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in winter. Gates are Rue de Médicis and Rue de Vaugirard - 75006 Paris.
Origin of the Luxembourg Garden
The creation of the garden began in 1612 when Marie de' Medici, the widow of King Henry IV (assassinated in 1610), constructed the Luxembourg Palace as her new residence. She decided to build a palace in imitation of the Pitti Palace and a garden inspired by the Boboli Gardens, both from her native Florence. She purchased the land with the Hôtel du Luxembourg (today called the Petit Luxembourg) and the land and began construction of the new Palais du Luxembourg, where today's senators sit. The name Luxembourg comes from François-Henri de Montmorency-Bouteville, duc de Piney-Luxembourg who was the owner of the land before Marie de' Medici.
The Luxembourg Garden, one of the most beautiful garden in the world ?
The Luxembourg Garden is known for its lawns, tree-lined promenades, tennis courts, flowerbeds, model sailboats on its octagonal Grand Bassin, as well as picturesque Medici Fountain (on the rue de Médicis side), built in 1620. The garden contains just over a hundred statues, monuments, and fountains, scattered throughout the grounds. Surrounding the central green space are twenty figures of French queens and illustrious women standing on pedestals. They were commissioned by Louis-Philippe in 1848. The park became the home of a large population of statues and even in the 1880s and 1890s, a Bartholdi scale model of his Liberty Enlightening the World (commonly known as the Statue of Liberty).
In 2022, according to a ranking by the English-language website HouseFresh, which aggregated the opinions of tens of thousands of tourists, it was named the most beautiful garden in Europe and the third most beautiful garden in the world, behind Singapore's Gardens by the Bay and Marrakech's Majorelle Garden.
What can be found in the Luxembourg Garden
The gardens, which cover 25 hectares of land, are split into French gardens and English gardens. Between the two, lies a geometric forest and a large pond. There is also an orchard with a variety of old and forgotten apples, an apiary for you to learn about bee-keeping and greenhouses with a collection of breathtaking orchids and a rose garden. The gardens feature manicured lawns, flowerbeds, and tree-lined promenades that change beautifully with the seasons.
The garden has 106 statues of French queens, writers, and mythological figures spread throughout the park, the monumental Medici fountain, the Orangerie and the Pavillon Davioud. The Medici Fountain, a romantic and peaceful spot, is a must-see.
There are many activities and facilities for children such as puppet show (Guignol theater), rides and slides. Adults, whether they are Parisians or tourists, can play chess, tennis, and bridge or remote control boats, or watch a lively game of petanque (French bocce).
Luxembourg Garden is also a fantastic spot for a picnic or coffee break, with plenty of seating and shaded areas. Bring some fresh baguette, cheese, and wine, and enjoy a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle. And you'll see people relaxing in the famous green metal chairs, enjoying the sun.
Cultural program
The cultural programme is characterized by free photography exhibitions on the garden railings and by concerts in the bandstand and also temporary exhibitions in the Luxembourg Museum on the west of the Luxembourg Palace (See site https://museeduluxembourg.fr/fr/agenda).
Also nearby, less than 200 m, from Boulevard Saint-Michel and in the Latin Quarter, you'll find, the Pantheon, and the Sorbonne—making it easy to include in a day of exploring the Luxembourg Garden.
Best Time to Visit Luxembourg Gardens
☀️ Spring & Summer (April – September)
- The gardens are in full bloom, and the atmosphere is lively with musicians, picnics, and kids sailing boats.
- Early mornings (before 10 AM) or late afternoons (after 5 PM) are less crowded, especially in peak summer.
🍂 Autumn (October – November)
- Beautiful fall foliage with golden leaves covering the paths—perfect for photos!
- The crowds thin out, making it a peaceful escape.
❄️ Winter (December – March)
- Fewer flowers, but still charming, with a quieter and more intimate feel.
- A good time for a peaceful stroll, and nearby cafés are cozy in the cold.
Best Cafés & Places to Eat Nearby
☕ Cafés for Coffee & Pastries:
- Café de Flore (📍7 min walk) – One of Paris’s most famous literary cafés, great for people-watching.
- Les Deux Magots (📍8 min walk) – Historic café where Hemingway & Sartre used to hang out.
- La Maison du Jardin (📍3 min walk) – A small, cozy café with delicious French dishes.
🥐 Bakeries for a Quick Snack:
- Bread & Roses (📍5 min walk) – Great croissants and quiches for a takeaway picnic.
- Pierre Hermé (📍10 min walk) – Famous for macarons and pastries if you have a sweet tooth.
🍽 Restaurants for a Relaxed Meal:
- Le Comptoir du Relais (📍7 min walk) – A classic French bistro with fantastic food.
- L’Avant Comptoir (📍8 min walk) – A casual spot with delicious tapas and wine.
- Au Petit Suisse (📍2 min walk) – Charming, cozy, and right next to the gardens.
Best shopping streets: Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 200 m away, north side
- Boulevard Saint-Germain – Classic designer brands (Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent).
- Rue du Bac & Rue de Sèvres – Chic boutiques & home decor (800 m).
- Rue Saint-André des Arts – Indie designers & vintage stores (300 m).
Other shopping addresses: for information only!
High-end fashion, leather goods, and accessories
For high-end fashion, leather goods, and accessories, head to Boulevard Saint-Germain & Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré:
- Chanel (📍31 Rue Cambon) – Iconic tweed jackets, handbags, and shoes.
- Dior (📍25 Rue Royale) – Timeless elegance and haute couture pieces.
- Hermès (📍17 Rue de Sèvres) – Luxurious scarves, bags, and home goods.
- Louis Vuitton (📍6 Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés) – Classic leather goods and trunks.
- Celine (📍16 Rue Vivienne) – Chic minimalism, handbags, and accessories.
- Cartier (📍154 Boulevard Saint-Germain) – Elegant jewelry and watches.
💎 Tip: Le Bon Marché (📍24 Rue de Sèvres) carries many of these designers in one place and has tax-free shopping options for tourists.
Indie & Trendy Dessigners 🖤
For unique Parisian brands and emerging designers, check out:
- Sézane (📍1 Rue Saint-Fiacre) – Stylish, sustainable Parisian fashion with effortless elegance.
- Isabel Marant (📍1 Rue Jacob) – Perfect for boho-chic and cool-girl Parisian style.
- Ba&sh (📍22 Rue des Francs-Bourgeois) – Feminine, modern, and trendy.
- Sandro (📍168 Boulevard Saint-Germain) – Sleek, edgy Parisian pieces.
- Maje (📍11 Rue des Saints-Pères) – Chic, wearable luxury for everyday looks.
- Rouje (📍11 Rue Bachaumont) – Founded by Jeanne Damas, known for vintage-inspired Parisian style.
🛍 Hidden Gem: Officine Universelle Buly (📍6 Rue Bonaparte) – A 19th-century-inspired apothecary with amazing perfumes, candles, and beauty products.
Vintage & Pre-loved Treasures
If you love vintage fashion, second-hand luxury, and unique thrift finds, visit:
- Thanx God I’m a V.I.P. (📍12 Rue de Lancry) – High-end vintage Chanel, YSL, and Dior.
- Kilo Shop (📍69 Rue de la Verrerie) – Buy vintage fashion by weight! Great for casual thrift finds.
- Chinemachine (📍100 Rue des Martyrs) – Hand-picked designer second-hand gems.
- Gabrielle Geppert (📍31 Galerie Montpensier, Palais Royal) – Incredible pre-loved luxury handbags and accessories.
Home, Beauty & Accessories
For luxury home goods, candles, and unique beauty finds, check out:
- Astier de Villatte (📍173 Rue Saint-Honoré) – Handmade ceramics and candles.
- Diptyque (📍34 Boulevard Saint-Germain) – Best scented candles in Paris.
- Byredo (📍199 Rue Saint-Honoré) – Trendy fragrances and beauty essentials.
- Montblanc (📍152 Boulevard Saint-Germain) – Luxury pens and leather goods.
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