Last Updated on September 10, 2023 by April Verge
Looking for fun things to do in the Luxembourg gardens Paris? Then you’re in the right place!
Let’s be careful when using the term “best garden in Paris,” although if you were to choose one based just on visual appeal, the Luxembourg Gardens Paris would probably come out on top. It features ponds, statues, fountains, tree-lined promenades, and an abundance of flowers in each season—everything a good garden ought to have.
Additionally, it possesses that certain something. The man-made grotto or the palace from the 17th century may be the culprit. A little bit of whimsy, such as a game of pétanque, an antique carousel, or a dozen miniature boats drifting across a duck pond, is also welcome.
I’ll provide my argument—albeit a contentious one—for why this garden is the most gorgeous one in Paris. In order to help you make the most of your trip to the Jardin du Luxembourg, even if you discover that another garden in Paris is more your style, I’ll also provide some useful advice.
Wander the gardens
What beautiful gardens are in Luxembourg! The only thing you must do at the Luxembourg Gardens is wander around them and take in their beauty, of course! With its geometric lines and patterns with flowers, grass, and a pond, the center of the park, in front of the Luxembourg castle, may be regarded as a “French style” garden!
This area of the park is overlooked by the Luxembourg palace, which adds to the lovely scene. My favorite part of the park is the rest of it. With trees and meandering walkways, it more closely resembles “English style”. More than 100 statues, a pavillon named the Pavillon Davioud, a fountain named the Médicis fountain, and even bee colonies can be found throughout the park. Try to come in the morning since the Médicis fountain is highly popular and frequently photographed by tourists.
See the statues
More than 100 statues from the 19th century to the present are scattered around the grounds. You never know whose statue you could run across, so take your time and bring a notebook. For instance, the statue of Marie de’ Medici or the Statue of Liberty (seen in the picture below) are in the gardens!
Actually, there are five sculptures scattered across Paris, some of which are housed in museums. Along with sculptures of famous European authors and painters, there are also statues of characters from Roman and Greek mythology, like Narcissus, Theseus, and the Minotaur. Some monuments are exquisitely manicured with changing flowers and vegetation, making them well worth the search!
Enjoy many children-oriented activities
After a long day at work, Parisians like to visit there, or they send their kids there after school to play at one of the playgrounds. Children’s activities abound, including puppet performances, slides, carousels, and pony rides! When people ask me where they should take their kids in Paris, it is always one of the first gardens I think of!
Renting sailboats for kids to use to sail around the main fountain is a popular kids’ pastime. Make sure you get there early to get one since they often sell out quickly. For thirty minutes of sailing, they cost five euros to rent.
Enjoy the Greenhouses
In the gardens, where you may spend some time in nature, there is another surprise. Like the rest of the Luxembourg gardens, the greenhouses are cared for by the French senate.
The orchid collection stands out among the many other kinds of plants that are on show in the greenhouses. Over 13,000 orchid plants are planted in the garden. Even a pear and apple orchard may be seen in the southwest corner. These greenhouses host activities and exhibits on European Heritage Days, when Parisians are granted entry to rare sites that are not often available.
For instance, local types of pears and apples are among the fruits from the garden and orchard that are on show. Enjoy the flowers, bugs, and plants that you may find here; it’s like being in the country right in the center of Paris!
Sit and relax
The tranquility of your surroundings is one of the finest aspects about visiting gardens in France. The Luxembourg Gardens provide a peaceful retreat from the busy streets of Paris. After a long day, I suggest resting in one of Paris’s famous green park chairs while listening to a Parisian soundtrack, bringing out your favorite book, and reading. The parks are fantastic places to unwind and people watch as well. Each day, thousands of locals and visitors pass through the Luxembourg park gates!
Be warned that, unlike the Tuileries and Monceau parks in Paris, most of the park’s lawns are off-limits to strolling and sunbathing, with the exception of a section of the southern lawn, which is frequently crowded in the spring and summer. For an excellent place, arrive early!
Play, tour, and picnic
Adults can play chess, tennis, bridge, or remote control boats, among other games.
From April through October, the first Wednesday of each month is often when guided tours with one of the park’s gardeners are offered. At 9:30 a.m., tours gather in front of the Observatoire (observatory) entrance.
There is a huge grass on the garden’s south side that would be ideal if you’re visiting during the warmer months and would want to unwind at the gardens with crusty baguettes, cheese, fruit, and perhaps a little rosé.
Insider Tip: Pick up picnic provisions at a nearby farmer’s market, such as Marché Raspail, to enjoy in the gardens.
Head to the Luxembourg Museum
A portion of the Luxembourg Palace houses the Luxembourg Museum. These days, it hosts temporary exhibits, the majority of them are devoted to paintings. It costs around ten euros to enter. But trust me, it’s worthwhile! Typically, you’ll receive a wonderful overview of a certain topic, a particular historical character, or a body of work by a single artist. From 11 am to 7 pm, it is open. Simply look up the exhibitions that will be taking place when you are in Paris!
Play Pétanque!
One of the most popular things to do in the Luxembourg Gardens is to play pétanque. Pétanque is a form of boules, a French game similar to lawn bowling. The game is played with metal balls and a small wooden target ball, called a cochonnet. Players take turns throwing their balls at the cochonnet, trying to get as close as possible. The player with the closest ball to the cochonnet at the end of the game is the winner.
Pétanque is a fun and easy game to play, and it’s a great way to spend time with friends or family. If you’re looking for something to do in the Luxembourg Gardens, playing pétanque is a great option.
Visit the Apiary near Pavillon Davioud
One of the Luxembourg Gardens’ hidden gems that few visitors are aware of is a little apiary close to the opulent Pavillon Davioud. A horticultural school is located in this pavillon, and every year in September, a festival called Fete du Miel takes place there where you may sample and buy honey.
The structure itself is listed as a historical monument in Paris and also hosts performances and exhibits. At the Ecole Rucher (Bee school) in this site, beekeepers and would-be keepers receive training as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening and closing hours?
Opens At 7:30 And 8:15 And Closes Between 16:30 And 21:30 Depending On The Season.
What are the closest metros to Luxembourg Gardens?
Odeon (lines 4 and 10), Mabillon (10), Saint-Germain-des-Prés (4)
What is the address?
Rue de Médicis – Rue de Vaugirard – 75006 Paris
