Address:
Boulevard Saint-Michel
Cost:
Adult: Free
Child: Free
Senior: Free
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Overview
 Spread out over approximately 2,500 acres, the Jardin du Luxembourg (Garden of Luxembourg) is a favored refuge among Parisians. The tranquil grounds are situated on the Left Bank and are scattered with a variety of classical statues, fountains and flowers. The fleet of statues,
a marble row of queens and illustrious women surround the gleaming pond,
creates a mystic scene within the colorful, manicured grounds of the garden. Also near the pond, at the head of the garden, is the Palaise du Luxembourg,
built in the early 17th century under Queen Marie de Medicis. The Queen commissioned Salomon de Brosse to construct the palace and
have it resemble the Queen’s Pitti Palace in Florence. Brosse obliged.
Adjacent to the Jardin du Luxembourg is the historic student district, Le Quartier Latin (Latin Quarter).
Also located in this neighborhood is Sorbonne University, often referred to as
the Harvard of Paris. In the same vicinity is Odéon Theater, scene of the 1968 student riots that temporarily shook French society.
The Jardin du Luxembourg remains a perfect setting for recreation, relaxation, romance or just about anything else one can think of. Visitors to the garden often find themselves in tennis matches, chess or bridge games, courting potential lovers, reading, or just chatting by the pond. The garden features several attractions geared toward children, including pony rides, a
merry-go-round and a puppet theater. There is also a beekeeping school with an aviary containing around twenty hives.---Words
and photos by Michael Rando
Metro: Odéon
RER: Luxembourg
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