Speaking of must-visit attractions in Paris, the Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg) is definitely one of the top choices! Located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, this garden is famous for its elegant and classical French landscape design, making it one of the most beautiful parks in France. In this Luxembourg Gardens guide, Kinnso's editor will introduce you to must-visit spots, recommended itineraries nearby, and transportation information, allowing you to easily plan a romantic trip to Paris!
Traffic information
Luxembourg Gardens is located near the center of Paris and has excellent transportation links. You can take Metro line 4 to Odéon station, or RER B line to Luxembourg Station. By bus, you can take lines 58, 84, or 89 to Luxembourg Station. Opening hours are daily from 7:30 am to half an hour before sunset.
Luxembourg Gardens History
Luxembourg Gardens was created in 1612 by order of French regent Marie de Medici, who wanted to commemorate her hometown of Florence, Italy's Pitti Palace. The park covers about 25 hectares and is primarily based on the Italian Renaissance style, incorporating French geometric garden designs, exuding an elegant and romantic atmosphere.
Garden attractions introduction
Luxembourg Palace
Located to the north of the park, the Luxembourg Palace, built by Marie de' Medici, is now the seat of the French Senate. The palace exterior adopts an elegant Renaissance architectural style, with a striking red and white roof. The fountain and flower beds in front of the palace add a touch of grace.
Medici Fountain
The Medici Fountain, built in 1630, is one of the most famous attractions in the park. The semicircular stone fountain features a statue of the Discus Thrower by Polykleitos at its center. The decorative colonnade and intricate reliefs behind it seem to transport visitors back to Renaissance Italy. With a gentle breeze and the setting sun, the shaded paths surrounding the fountain add a touch of poetry.
Luxembourg Garden Clock Tower
The clock tower standing on the south side of the park is a famous Instagram check-in hotspot. 30 meters high, the clock tower has a beautifully inlaid colored face at its peak, looking particularly elegant. Standing beneath the clock tower and gazing upwards feels like being in a fairy tale world. Take a moment to linger here and feel the charm of time passing.
Fountain of the Observatory
Located at the southernmost part of the park, the Celestial Fountain was built in commemoration of Italian sculptor Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux. It is surrounded by statues representing the four continents, and in the center stands a magnificent fountain with jets of water spurting from the mouths of the statues, symbolizing the inexhaustible vitality of the earth. From any angle, one can admire the grand scale of the fountain.
Luxembourg Gardens green space
The park has vast green spaces, making it a popular spot for Parisians to relax and unwind. In early summer, the plane trees and maples cast dappled shade; in autumn, golden leaves cover the paths, creating a mesmerizing scene. You can enjoy a picnic here, read a book, or simply watch people go by, experiencing the slow pace of life in Paris. The park also features tennis courts, a playground for children, a puppet theater, and chess tables, making it suitable for families to visit together.
Attractions around Luxembourg Gardens.
Saint-Sulpice Church
Saint-Sulpice Church is located northwest of Luxembourg Gardens, built in the 17th century, and is one of the largest churches in Paris. The church is renowned for its magnificent classical architecture, exquisite pipe organ, and a replica of Da Vinci's painting "The Virgin of the Rocks". "The Da Vinci Code" was also filmed here, attracting numerous fans to pay homage.
Temple of the First Sages or Pantheon
The Xianxian Temple (also known as the Temple of Ten Thousand Gods), located on the east side of Luxembourg Gardens, was originally St. Genevieve's Church, later rebuilt as a mausoleum to commemorate outstanding French figures. Its majestic Roman-style dome is an important landmark in the Paris skyline. Inside, it houses the tombs of great French figures such as Voltaire, Rousseau, Hugo, and Madame Curie, creating a solemn and reverent atmosphere. Climbing to the top of the dome also offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Paris.
Left Bank of the Seine River
Luxembourg Gardens are located south of the Seine River's left bank and have been Paris's center of literature and art since the Middle Ages. Walking along the left bank streets, you'll find independent bookstores, art galleries, antique shops, as well as famous literary haunts like Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots. Why not savor a strong coffee here and experience the rich artistic atmosphere?
