Luxembourg Garden

 

Here are five amazing things you can do around the Luxembourg Garden

1.) Paris Left Bank Walking Tour

The Bar Du MarchéIf you join this free tour organized by locals, you will understand the spirit of the Left Bank, and even more: the Left Bank way of life! If you’re lucky, you will even spot some bobos on the way, bringing their children to play at the Luxembourg Garden.

2.) Have Lunch at Le Rostand

Le Rostand(6 place Edmond Rostand 75006 PARIS): this typical ‘brasserie’ with its terrace overlooking the Luxembourg garden serves French specialties. Rain or shine, you will always have a good time in this place thanks to the caring waiters and the classic atmosphere.

3.) Visit the St Sulpice Church

Église Saint-SulpiceAfter many years of renovation work, this masterpiece of the 17th century architecture has now reopened to the public to the greatest pleasure of locals! Go in and enjoy this awe-inspiring church!

4.) Have Lunch at Les Deux Magots

Les Deux Magots(6 place Saint-Germain-des-Prés 75006 PARIS): Facing the church of St-Germain des Prés, this traditional café, emblematic of the first half of the 19th century is definitely a Parisian institution! Go there and enjoy the typically French brunch: freshly squeezed orange juice, viennoiseries, baguette, Échiré butter… Picasso, Hemingway, Sartre & Beauvoir were regulars!

5.) Party at Georges

Chez Georges(11 rue des Canettes 75006 PARIS): A wine bar on the ground floor, and if you go down the stairs you discover one of the most famous St-Germain-des-Prés cellars. There you can dance to Yiddish music, hits of the 80’s or variété française for free, until two in the morning! The atmosphere is indescribable… but be warned it is very hot in there!

Insider’s tips:

  • Jog there on Sunday morning, an awesome way to meet with locals and feel Parisian.
  • To occupy your kids, bring them to the playground or the pond where they will be able to play with miniature boats.

Facts About Luxembourg Garden

The Luxembourg Garden, was built upon request of the Queen of France Marie de Médicis. She first purchased a domain of 8 hectares in 1612 and continued to extend it until 1631. However, when the actual Guynemer street – running alongside the garden – was built & the Luxembourg Garden lost ten hectares, and many others with Haussmann’s town planning in the 19th century. Nowadays the Luxembourg Garden spreads on more or less 25 hectares and is the archetype of “Jardins à la française”. It is open all year long. Parisians like to go there because it is the biggest garden on the Left Bank… where green spaces are rare!

You will never get bored in the Luxembourg Garden because there are so many things to do regardless of your age! Toddlers will enjoy the playground and sandboxes; children will love riding ponies; parents will watch them while sunbathing in the sun or having a coffee at one of the numerous terraces; sports people will jog or play tennis and everyone will have the opportunity to play chess!

Luxembourg Garden

The Luxembourg Garden is a student HQ during the week as soon as there is the slightest sunray! Indeed, numerous universities – the Sorbonne university, SciencesPo and high schools are in the neighbourhood. It is thus very common to see students there, simply having lunch, resting on the grass or visiting an exhibition.

Tara

Guide

How to get there

By Metro:
Station Odéon:
Line 4, Dark Fuchsia

By Bus:
Lines 21, 27, 38, 58, 82, 84, 85 and 89

By Rer:
Stop at Luxembourg (line C)

  • 13 million visitors a year 99%
  • Incredibly detailed 80%
  • Contains hidden mysteries 70%

Opening Hours

Approximately from sunrise to sunset. But to be sure you will find the doors wide open, do not hesitate to check the garden’s website!

Near By

the-Paris-pantheon

1.) Pantheon:
This monument which you can see from the Luxembourg Garden is now a secular mausoleum intended to host the mortal remains of ‘National Heroes’. Visit it to admire the grandeur of the architecture and the grandeur of French history!

2.) Odéon Theatre:
On this major Parisian stage, great actors from all over the world come to perform! It is also one of the only theatres where you will be able to enjoy plays in the original version, with subtitles.

3.) Invalides:
A military hospital built upon request of the SunKing, it now hosts the Museum of the Army and Napoleon Ist’s grave. Its golden dome is one of the best-known Landmarks in Paris, and you should see it with your own eyes if you are sightseeing in Paris!

Why it’s worth visiting

  • It is one of the two main “jardins à la française” in Paris, a place where you’ll admire French rationality.
  • To try the three kinds of public chairs.