What Are Luxembourg Gardens?
Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg), also known as Jardin de Senta (meaning Senate Garden) is the garden located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris in France. The garden covers almost 60 acres (23 hectares), and is one of the largest public parks in Paris. It is known for its beautiful lawns, promenades, and Medici fountain.
Luxembourg Gardens History
The garden was first created in 1612 by queen Marie de’ Medici, who was the widow of King Henry IV. Since then, they have been home to a number of important historical events. The garden was intended to be the queen’s new residence. Jardin de Senta is known for its beautiful gardens, tree-lined promenades, amazing flowerbeds, facilities like a tennis court and picturesque Fontain (Medici Fountain) that was built 8 years later. The name of the garden was inspired by the name of the hill in which the garden is situated.
Medici Fountain
Medici Fountain is a monumental fountain commissioned by Marie de Medici to Tommaso Francini. The fountain was built in about 1630, and moved to its current location in 1864-66. It is made of marble and bronze, and features a statue of Neptune surrounded by sea nymphs. The fountain is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and is one of the most iconic features of the Jardin du Luxembourg.
Luxembourg Palace
Luxembourg Palace is also located within the garden. It was designed by Solomon de Brosse for Maria and its construction lasted for 20 years, since 1610. The palace’s design was inspired by the Pitti Palace in Florence. The queen spent her early days there, and requested that the palace is modeled on the one in Florence. Eventually the palace was built in a French style with some Italian elements like decorations and pillars. Since the late 18th century, the Palace has been the seat of the French Senate.
Statues
The garden includes numerous statues, monuments and fountains. There are more than one hundred of them scattered throughout the place. They include figures of French royalty and respected women such as: Anne of France, Bertha of Burgundy, Blanche of Castille, Duchess of Normandy or Louise of Savoy. The number of such statues is impressive, and it makes Luxembourg Gardens one of the most visited tourist attractions in Paris.
Luxembourg Gardens are full of fascinating sculptures, each with their own story to tell. Other sculptures depict famous poets or composers such as Charles Baudelaire, Georges Sand or Jules Massenet.
Statue of Liberty
It may be surprising at first, but Parisians also have their Statue of Liberty. The copy of the original statue is located within the Garden and is about 11 meters tall. The original statue was indeed a gift from France to the United States and was also created by a French sculptor, Frédéric Bartholdi.
Luxembourg Gardens Location
Luxembourg Gardens are located on the left bank of the Seine, in the 6th arrondissement of Paris. The exact address is 75006 Paris, France, and it is surrounded by the Rue de Vaugirard street, Rue Guynemer street and Bd Saint Michel.
Attractions for Children
The garden is a great place for a family outing as there are plenty of attractions for children. The large fenced-in playground is a perfect place for young kids to explore and play. The puppet theatre is also a hit with kids, and the vintage carousel is sure to be a favorite. Free musical performances in the gazebo are a great way to enjoy the park, and the small café restaurant is a great place to grab a bite.
Luxembourg Gardens and Attractions Nearby
In a close proximity to the Luxembourg Gardens, several other important Parisian attractions can be found. The location of the garden in the heart of Paris makes it easy to access other important points of attractions. Nearby you can find top Parisian attractions such as Arc de Triomphe, which is a monument commemorating the soldiers who fought during the Napoleonic Wars, as well as Palais Garnier, which is a beautiful opera house.
Luxembourg Gardens: Opening Hours
The Luxembourg Gardens are open daily from around 8:00am until dusk, with different sections of the gardens closing at different times. Admission to the gardens is free, making it a popular spot for both tourists and locals alike. The admission to the museum on the site, however, is paid. Throughout the year, the gardens host various events as well.
Why Are Luxembourg Gardens Worth Visiting?
Jardin du Luxembourg is one of the most beloved parks in Paris, and it’s easy to see why. The gardens offer a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. With their beautifully manicured lawns, stately trees, and picturesque fountain, the gardens have a rare feeling of peace and elegance. Visitors can stroll along the winding paths, relax on the benches, or even row a boat on the Grand Basin.
In addition to its natural beauty, Luxembourg Gardens are also home to a number of sculptures and monuments. This place is not only a beautiful park, but also an important part of French history, so make sure to visit it if you’re planning a trip to Paris!
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