Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TOP SIGHT
JARDIN DU LUXEMBOURG
This inner-city oasis of formal terraces, chestnut groves and lush lawns has a
special place in Parisians' hearts. Napoléon dedicated the 23 gracefully laid-
out hectares of the Luxembourg Gardens to the children of Paris, and many
residents spent their childhood prodding little wooden sailboats with long
sticks on the octagonal pond, watching puppet shows, and riding the carou-
sel or ponies.
All those activities are still here today, as well as modern play equipment, tennis and oth-
er sporting and games venues.
The Jardin du Luxembourg's history stretches further back than Napoléon. The gardens
are a backdrop to the Palais du Luxembourg, built in the 1620s for Marie de Médici, Henri
IV's consort, to assuage her longing for the Pitti Palace in Florence. The Palais is now home
to the French Senate, which, in addition to parliamentary-assembly activities like voting on
legislation, is charged with promoting the palace and its gardens.
Numerous overhauls over the centuries have given the Jardin du Luxembourg a blend of
traditional French- and English-style gardens that is unique in Paris.
