The Lovely Luxembourg Gardens

Paris is a glorious city. The public gardens are gorgeous, and one of my favorites is the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris Yes, I also completely enjoy endless wonderful restaurants, museums housing the world’s treasures, shopping ’till the cows come home (it’s a Cowgirl saying, y’all….). But as entertaining as all those opportunities are, there is something magical about simply slowing down, and soaking up one of Paris’ many public gardens. Today, take a stroll with me in the lovely Luxembourg Gardens.

Luxembourg Gardens Paris

Let’s begin as I always do, with a little bit of history. In 1611, the Franco-Italian Queen Marie de’ Medici wanted to create a formal garden in the image of Florence’s Boboli Gardens and Pitti Palace. Covering a considerable mass of land on the edge of Paris’ Latin Quarter, the Luxembourg Gardens Paris is best known for its geometric French-style garden on one side, and a less formal English-style garden on another.

Following the Queen’s death, the palace and gardens were neglected and fell into disrepair, and were neglected. It was only after the French Revolution of 1789 that interest in revitalizing the grounds grew.

The central terrace and pond is bordered by flowers, shrubbery, and world-famous statues of French queens and other notable women. Anchoring the garden is the Luxembourg Palace, once Marie de’ Medici’s residence, and now the home of the French Senate.

There’s also a wonderful museum in the former Palace, which offers over 40 special exhibits each year. The first Impressionist exhibition to be held in a national museum took place here, thanks to the Caillebotte bequest, comprising works by Pissarro, Manet, Cézanne, Sisley, Monet, Renoir, etc. This collection is now in the Musée d’Orsay.

In the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris, visitors can also stroll among 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.

If you visiting Paris with children, there are many activities and facilities for children such as puppets, rides and slides. Adults, whether they are Parisians or tourists, can play chess, tennis, and bridge or remote control boats.

My favorite spot in the garden is the Medici Fountain. This lovely vignette was was built in about 1630 by Marie de’ Medici, the widow of King Henry IV of France and regent of King Louis XIII of France. It was moved to its present location and extensively rebuilt in 1864-66.

Summer days are long in Paris, and my husband and I have enjoyed lovely picnic dinners in the park, our feast made up of pastries, cheeses, tarts, and other wonderful foods, plentiful in specialty shops throughout Paris.

We have also visited the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris during the Winter, and it was equally as lovely. The beds are filled with mums and pansies.

Mainly, I love the calm and quiet offered in this gorgeous garden. It’s large enough, at 54 acres, to block out much of the city noise. So sitting on a bench and resting your tired feet truly is a calming experience!

The Lovely Luxembourg Gardens, indeed!

For other wonderful tips for your next trip to Paris, check out my Curated Restaurant Guide. Over 25 recommendations, each one personally vetted by me! Click HERE.