Palais du Luxembourg
A magnificent former royal residence surrounded by a beloved Parisian garden, offering a serene escape and a glimpse into French history.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Palais du Luxembourg
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent former royal residence surrounded by a beloved Parisian garden, offering a serene escape and a glimpse into French history.
"Luxembourg gardens feel much more 'lived-in', because it is surrounded by residential neighborhoods. It's an interesting 'slice of life' experience."
🎯 Relax in the Gardens
Bring a blanket or use the portable chairs to find your favorite spot and enjoy the atmosphere . :parkwithtrees:
🎟️ Check for Tour Access
Palais tours are rare, but look for events like Journées du Patrimoine for a chance inside . :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Jardin du Luxembourg
Surrounding the Palais
A vast, beautiful public park perfect for relaxation, picnics, and people-watching. Free entry!

Palais du Luxembourg Exterior
Centerpiece of the gardens
An architectural gem, this former royal residence now houses the French Senate. Admire its grandeur from the outside.
Medici Fountain
Jardin du Luxembourg
A magnificent Baroque fountain, a serene spot commissioned by Maria De Medici. Perfect for a tranquil moment.

Statues and Sculptures
Throughout the gardens
Discover around 100 statues of famous figures and mythical heroes scattered throughout the park.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Avoid Crowds
Accessing the Palais and Gardens
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Relax in the Gardens
Bring a blanket or use the portable chairs to find your favorite spot and enjoy the atmosphere. :parkwithtrees:
🎟️ Check for Tour Access
Palais tours are rare, but look for events like Journées du Patrimoine for a chance inside. :ticket:
🚶♀️ More Relaxed than Tuileries
Luxembourg Gardens offer a more 'lived-in' and less congested experience than the Tuileries. :walking:
🍎 Picnic & Play
Great for kids with play areas and plenty of seating. Grab food from kiosks or bring your own! :apple:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Relax in the Gardens
Bring a blanket or use the portable chairs to find your favorite spot and enjoy the atmosphere. :parkwithtrees:
🎟️ Check for Tour Access
Palais tours are rare, but look for events like Journées du Patrimoine for a chance inside. :ticket:
🚶♀️ More Relaxed than Tuileries
Luxembourg Gardens offer a more 'lived-in' and less congested experience than the Tuileries. :walking:
🍎 Picnic & Play
Great for kids with play areas and plenty of seating. Grab food from kiosks or bring your own! :apple:
📸 Capture Parisian Vibes
The gardens and palace offer beautiful backdrops for photos, especially in autumn. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Jardin du Luxembourg as a beautiful, spacious, and relaxing public park, offering a more authentic Parisian experience than other gardens. While the Palais du Luxembourg itself is largely inaccessible, its exterior and the surrounding gardens are a major draw for their atmosphere, amenities, and historical charm.
"Had an amazing tour of the Sénat inside the Palais du Luxembourg during the recent Jour de Patrimoine. Have often visited the Jardin du Luxembourg, but seeing it from inside the Palais was a unique experience!"
Rod “Fromthe6tothe6th”
"A great spot to relax after some shopping in St-Germaine. Plenty of places to sit around the gardens, places for the kids to play, and a few options to purchase food and drink.
It is full of interesting attractions. The palace and gardens were commissioned by Maria De Medici after her husband King Henry IV was assassinated. There’s around 100 statues of famous figure and mythical heroes dotted throughout. It became a place that drew great minds who used the space as a reprieve from busy Paris and famously included Hemingway."
Josh Rowdon
"Lovely spacious public park, free entry and better than the botanical gardens for play access and seating spaces. Beautiful trees and surrounds. Also food and drink kiosks, bring a blanket or use one of the hundred of portable chairs to find your favourite view."
Jason Bradley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Palais du Luxembourg is located within the Jardin du Luxembourg. You can reach the gardens via several Metro lines (e.g., Odéon, Cluny-La Sorbonne, Notre-Dame-des-Champs) or RER lines (Luxembourg station). Many visitors also enjoy walking through the charming Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood to reach it.
While there isn't direct parking at the Palais, several public parking garages are available in the surrounding Saint-Germain-des-Prés area. However, using public transport is highly recommended due to potential traffic and parking costs.
The Palais du Luxembourg primarily serves as the meeting place for the French Senate and is not generally open for public visits. However, guided tours are sometimes available, especially during special events like the Journées du Patrimoine.
Exploring on foot is ideal to soak in the Parisian atmosphere. The gardens themselves are extensive, and the surrounding Saint-Germain-des-Prés district offers charming streets, boutiques, and cafes to discover.
Yes, you can find Vélib' bike stations nearby, offering a convenient way to cycle through the gardens or explore further into Paris. It's a popular option for enjoying the city's scenery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Jardin du Luxembourg is completely free! You can wander through its beautiful grounds, relax on the chairs, and enjoy the atmosphere without any admission fee.
Visiting the exterior of the Palais and the surrounding gardens is free. If you're lucky enough to find a guided tour of the Palais interior, there might be a fee, but these are rare opportunities.
The gardens have seasonal opening and closing times, generally opening around 7:30 AM or 8:15 AM and closing at dusk, around 4:30 PM in winter to 9:30 PM in summer. It's best to check the official website for the most current hours.
Public tours of the Palais du Luxembourg are very limited. Keep an eye on official announcements for events like the Journées du Patrimoine, which occasionally offer access to the interior.
Yes, the Palais and its gardens sometimes host events. For instance, the 'Fête à Paris' festival has been held in the Jardin du Luxembourg, and cultural dinners have taken place at the Palais.
📸 📸 Photography
The Palais itself offers a grand backdrop, especially from the garden paths. The Medici Fountain, the central basin with sailboats, and the tree-lined avenues are also highly photogenic.
Yes, photography is generally allowed in the public areas of the Jardin du Luxembourg. It's a popular spot for capturing Parisian life and beautiful scenery.
Photography inside the Palais du Luxembourg is typically restricted to guided tours, and even then, there may be limitations. Always check with your guide for specific rules.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful soft light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the vibrant atmosphere and people-watching opportunities are also great subjects.
Drone usage is generally prohibited in public parks in Paris, including the Jardin du Luxembourg, for safety and privacy reasons.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
You can relax on the iconic green chairs, watch children sail model boats in the central basin, admire the Medici Fountain, explore the statues, and enjoy the beautiful floral displays.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic place for children with playgrounds, pony rides (seasonal), puppet shows, and the famous basin for sailing toy boats.
Yes, there are hundreds of iconic green chairs scattered throughout the gardens, many of which are free to use. You can also bring a blanket to sit on the grass in designated areas.
It's known for its relaxed and 'lived-in' atmosphere, popular with locals and tourists alike. It's a place to read, chat, people-watch, or simply enjoy the Parisian ambiance.
You can walk around the exterior of the Palais du Luxembourg and admire its architecture from the surrounding gardens. Access to the interior is limited.
🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining
Yes, there are kiosks within the gardens selling snacks, ice cream, and drinks. For a more substantial meal, numerous cafes and restaurants are located just outside the garden gates in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area.
Picnics are welcome in the Jardin du Luxembourg. It's a popular activity to bring your own food and enjoy a meal on one of the many chairs or a blanket.
The area around the Palais, particularly Saint-Germain-des-Prés, is renowned for its excellent cafes, brasseries, and restaurants, offering a wide range of French cuisine.
Dining options vary in price. You can find more affordable options at cafes and bakeries, while upscale restaurants will naturally be more expensive. The kiosks within the garden offer budget-friendly snacks.
Yes, the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area is quite diverse, and you'll find many restaurants offering vegetarian and vegan dishes. It's always a good idea to check menus or ask staff.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into the Palais du Luxembourg's History
Today, while the Palais itself is largely inaccessible to the public, its historical significance is palpable. The Jardin du Luxembourg that envelops it remains a vibrant testament to its origins, a place where Parisians and visitors alike can stroll through grounds that once belonged to royalty. The palace's imposing architecture continues to be a focal point, drawing admiration from all who visit the gardens.
Experiencing the Jardin du Luxembourg: More Than Just a Park
Beyond the main attractions like the Medici Fountain and the numerous statues of historical figures and mythical heroes, the gardens offer diverse activities. You might stumble upon a puppet show, witness a game of pétanque, or simply enjoy the meticulously maintained flowerbeds and tree-lined promenades. It's a place that truly caters to all ages, making it a beloved spot for both locals and tourists seeking a quintessential Parisian experience.
Photography Tips for Palais du Luxembourg and Gardens
Key photographic subjects include the Medici Fountain, with its intricate sculptures and cascading water, and the central Grand Bassin, particularly when dotted with colorful model sailboats. Don't forget to explore the numerous statues scattered throughout the park, each telling its own story. While photography is generally permitted in the gardens, remember that access to the Palais interior is restricted, and any photography within would be subject to tour guidelines.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit