Palais du Luxembourg, Paris - Image 1
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Palais du Luxembourg

4.7
·4k reviews·Paris, France

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Palais du Luxembourg, Paris - Image 1

Palais du Luxembourg

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.7
(4k reviews)

"Luxembourg gardens feel much more 'lived-in', because it is surrounded by residential neighborhoods. It's an interesting 'slice of life' experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Jardin du Luxembourg

Jardin du Luxembourg

Surrounding the Palais

A vast, beautiful public park perfect for relaxation, picnics, and people-watching. Free entry!

Palais du Luxembourg Exterior

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

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

Statues and Sculptures

Throughout the gardens

Discover around 100 statues of famous figures and mythical heroes scattered throughout the park.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Avoid Crowds

While the Jardin du Luxembourg is free to enter, the Palais itself is primarily accessible via guided tours, especially during special events like Journées du Patrimoine. For a more relaxed experience in the gardens, aim for weekdays outside of peak tourist season. Reddit users suggest Luxembourg gardens feel more 'lived-in' and less congested than the Tuileries, offering a more authentic Parisian vibe.Reddit

Accessing the Palais and Gardens

The stunning Palais du Luxembourg, home to the French Senate, is not a typical tourist attraction with open access. Most visitors enjoy the expansive and beautiful Jardin du Luxembourg surrounding it. While tours of the Palais are rare, keep an eye out for events like Journées du Patrimoine for a unique inside look.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Spring and Autumn
Why
Beautiful foliage and pleasant weather
Crowd
Medium
When
During special events
Why
Rare access to Palais interior
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

2 vestes sur une valse #paris #tornade #fyp #jardinduluxembourg #tornado
@i_vainui
169.9K likes • 1.8M views

🎯 Relax in the Gardens

Bring a blanket or use the portable chairs to find your favorite spot and enjoy the atmosphere.Reddit :parkwithtrees:

🎟️ Check for Tour Access

Palais tours are rare, but look for events like Journées du Patrimoine for a chance inside.Reddit :ticket:

The festival La Fête à Paris will be at the Jardin du Luxembourg this Saturday and Sunday ✨ #paris #jardinduluxembourg
@raphael_metivet
125.8K likes • 984K views
🇱🇺 Den neie Groussherzog weist sech mat senger Famill um Balcon vum Palais. 🇫🇷 La Famille grand-ducale fait apparition au balcon du palais. 🇬🇧 New Grand Ducal Couple greets public from Palace balcony. #rtllëtzebuerg #rtlluxembourg #rtlinfos #rtltoday #allmomentRTL #RTLcity #Luxembourg #Lëtzebuerg #Trounwiessel @courgrandducale
rtl.letzebuerg
12.8K likes • 330.7K views

🚶‍♀️ More Relaxed than Tuileries

Luxembourg Gardens offer a more 'lived-in' and less congested experience than the Tuileries.Reddit :walking:

🍎 Picnic & Play

Great for kids with play areas and plenty of seating. Grab food from kiosks or bring your own! :apple:

- Dîner des Arts et de la Culture, au Palais du Luxembourg - Ce dîner de gala et de charité a décerné différents prix, notamment aux immenses Oxmo Puccino et Gérard Darmon qui étaient présents, à deux anciennes Miss France aussi belles qu’inspirantes… et à ma petite personne, à mon plus grand étonnement 🥲😭😭. J’ai été très touchée de recevoir le « Prix du Mérite et de l’Engagement »… en particulier...
agatheauproux
22.5K likes • 1.3M views

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.Reddit :parkwithtrees:

🎟️ Check for Tour Access

Palais tours are rare, but look for events like Journées du Patrimoine for a chance inside.Reddit :ticket:

🚶‍♀️ More Relaxed than Tuileries

Luxembourg Gardens offer a more 'lived-in' and less congested experience than the Tuileries.Reddit :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.TikTok :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(4k reviews)

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

Beautiful and spacious gardens
Relaxed, 'lived-in' atmosphere
Free entry and amenities

What People Dislike

Limited access to Palais interior

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.TikTok

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.Reddit

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.TikTok

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.TikTok

🎫 🎫 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.Reddit

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.Reddit

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.Reddit

Yes, the Palais and its gardens sometimes host events. For instance, the 'Fête à Paris' festival has been held in the Jardin du Luxembourg,TikTok and cultural dinners have taken place at the Palais.Instagram

📸 📸 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.TikTokInstagram

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.TikTok

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.TikTok

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.TikTokReddit

Absolutely! It's a fantastic place for children with playgrounds, pony rides (seasonal), puppet shows, and the famous basin for sailing toy boats.Reddit

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.Reddit

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.TikTokReddit

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.Reddit

🍽️ 🍎 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.Reddit

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.Reddit

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

The Jardin du Luxembourg is a paradise for families! It offers dedicated playgrounds, seasonal pony rides, and the incredibly popular model sailboat basin where children can rent and sail their own boats.Reddit The open spaces are perfect for running around, and the abundance of green chairs means parents can relax while keeping an eye on the little ones. You'll also find kiosks for snacks and ice cream, making it easy to spend a whole afternoon here.Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

The Jardin du Luxembourg is a fantastic free attraction, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers. Entry to the gardens is free, and you can spend hours enjoying the scenery, people-watching, and relaxing on the iconic green chairs without spending a dime.Reddit Pack a picnic from a local boulangerie or market to save on food costs, or grab an affordable snack from one of the garden kiosks.Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the Jardin du Luxembourg offers a wealth of visual opportunities. Capture the grandeur of the Palais du Luxembourg from various angles within the gardens.Instagram The Medici Fountain is a stunning subject, especially with its intricate sculptures and water features. The central basin with sailboats provides a classic Parisian scene, and the tree-lined avenues offer beautiful leading lines. Visiting during golden hour will enhance your shots with soft, flattering light.TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into the Palais du Luxembourg's History

The Palais du Luxembourg boasts a rich history, originally commissioned by Maria De Medici in the early 17th century as her Parisian residence. Inspired by her childhood home, the Pitti Palace in Florence, the palace and its surrounding gardens were designed to be a grand statement. After serving various royal and governmental purposes, it eventually became the seat of the French Senate in the late 19th century.

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.Reddit

Experiencing the Jardin du Luxembourg: More Than Just a Park

The Jardin du Luxembourg is far more than just a green space; it's a living, breathing part of Parisian life. Visitors rave about its relaxed and 'lived-in' feel, a welcome contrast to the more formal Tuileries Garden.Reddit The iconic green chairs are a must-use, offering the perfect perch for reading, people-watching, or simply soaking in the atmosphere. Children delight in the central basin, where they can sail model boats, a tradition that adds to the garden's charm.TikTokReddit

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.TikTok 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.TikTok

Photography Tips for Palais du Luxembourg and Gardens

Capturing the essence of the Palais du Luxembourg and its Jardin du Luxembourg requires a keen eye for its architectural grandeur and natural beauty. The Palais itself provides a magnificent backdrop, especially when framed by the garden's mature trees. For the best light, aim for the golden hours – early morning or late afternoon – when the sun casts a warm glow, softening the stone and enhancing the vibrant colors of the gardens.TikTok

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.TikTok 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.Instagram