The Luxembourg Gardens in Paris is a beautiful city park located in the 6th arrondissement. One of the most beautiful and largest city parks in Paris and absolutely not to be missed during your visit. Enjoy the beautiful pond in one of the typical green chairs or you can also have a nice picnic with a glass of wine and some French cheese. Or relax at the beautiful Medici fountain. You can take a lovely walk through the garden and the Jardin du Luxembourg is certainly recommended if you are in Paris with children (rent sailboats, playground, etc.).
Jardin du Luxembourg is freely accessible (no tickets needed) and one of the top 10 attractions in Paris. Looking for a little peace in busy Paris? Then Jardin du Luxembourg is the perfect place. In this article you will learn everything about visiting Jardin du Luxembourg: opening hours, boat hours, etc… Have fun walking in the Luxembourg Gardens, one of the best places to visit in Paris.
• Fun to do: Tickets Cruise on the Seine by Bateaux Mouches (1h) →
• Nice combo: Tickets Louvre Museum + Eiffel Tower 2nd Floor or Summit →
1. Luxembourg Gardens in Paris: several activities, famous chairs, playground & sailboat hours
Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris is located in the 6th arrondissement and one of the most beautiful parks in Paris. Famous writers, poets, musicians and philosophers such as Baudelaire, Chopin and Sartre were regular visitors to the park. Jardin du Luxembourg is still a popular place for tourists and students of the Sorbonne.
There is always something to do and there are many activities for young and old. There is a playground for children, a marionette theater, jeu de boules, tennis courts, wooden model sailing boats that you can rent (in the summer), etc … You can also eat or drink something on the cozy terraces.
• Discover the sailing boats and playground:
– Luxembourg gardens boats hours (opening hours for the sailboats)
The boats or ‘Les Voiliers du Luxembourg’ are open 7 days a week from 11 to 6pm in summer (from June to August), as well as during Spring and some school holidays. It costs about six euros for thirty minutes.
– Ludo Jardin Playground
The Ludo Jardin is the name of the (newly renovated) children’s playground in the heart of the Luxembourg garden in the centre of the 6th arrondissement. The perfect place and play area for children to have fun, discover and learn. Here you will find slides, a blackboard, climbing frames, a zip line, tunnels and other games.It’s €3 per child and €1 per adult and kids have to be watched over by their parents. There is also a clean restroom. Playground openings hours: every day from 10am, closes about 1 hour before sunset.
• Fun to do: Tickets Luxembourg Garden Self-Guided Audio Tour →
2. Palais du Luxembourg: the palace of the French Senate
The Palais du Luxembourg, to the north of Jardin du Luxembourg, is a palace where the French senate still resides today. The palace was commissioned by Maria de’ Medici. During the French Revolution, the palace served as a prison.
Visiting hours to the Palace are limited to days when the Senate is not in session and group tours must receive advanced approval to visit.
But a walking tour through the Jardin du Luxembourg is also an excellent way to get acquainted with the site and admire the palace’s beautiful exterior.
3. Discover the beautiful Médici Fountain and Fontaine de l’Observatoire
La Fontaine Médicis, located at the eastern end of Jardin du Luxembourg. It was also built around 1630 by Marie de’ Medici. The Médici Fountain is one of the most beautiful fountains in Paris and perhaps one of the most romantic places. The fountain was recently completely restored. A nice place to read a good book in the shade or just dream away.
On the south side of the Jardin du Luxembourg, the Fontaine de l’Observatoire shines, an imposing and dynamic fountain that’s hard to miss. Created in the 19th century by sculptor Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux, the fountain depicts four female figures holding up a globe, a symbol of the continents and the interconnectedness of the world. Dolphins and horses playfully spout water all around, creating a lively atmosphere. Located near the Paris Observatory, from which it takes its name, this fountain offers a wonderful photo opportunity and a lovely spot on a sunny afternoon.
4. Opening hours of Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris
Opening hours change regularly. It is therefore best to check the website of Jardin du Luxembourg before you visit.
Jardin du Luxembourg is located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, located between Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Latin Quarter. Easy to reach by public transport from Paris. Access is free, only the children’s playground has to be paid for.
The Luxembourg Gardens in Paris are the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun. A nice afternoon walk or a cozy summer picnic. Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris has something for everyone (definitely the sailing boats and playground for kids are fun). And don’t forget to buy tickets for the self-guided audio tour. Nice to know: Jardin du Luxembourg is often referred to as ‘Luco’ by the Parisians.
FAQ about exploring the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris
1. What exactly are the Luxembourg Gardens?
The Luxembourg Gardens (or Jardin du Luxembourg) are one of Paris’s most beloved green spaces, a beautiful mix of manicured French elegance, tree-lined promenades, hidden statues, fountains, and a relaxed local vibe. It’s the perfect place to take a break from the city buzz.
2. Where are they located?
The gardens are in the 6th arrondissement, right between Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter. The closest metro station is Luxembourg (RER B) or Odéon (Line 4).
3. What can you do there?
Plenty! Stroll through flower beds, admire the statues (there are over 100), enjoy a picnic, rent a model sailboat on the pond, or just kick back in one of the iconic green chairs and people-watch. There are also tennis courts, puppet shows, and a charming carousel for kids.
4. Is there an entrance fee?
Nope, it’s completely free to enter. Some activities like pony rides or the model boats may have a small fee, but the gardens themselves are open to everyone.
5. What’s the story behind the gardens?
The gardens were created in 1612 by Queen Marie de’ Medici, inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence. The elegant Luxembourg Palace still sits at the heart of the park, today it houses the French Senate.
6. Are the Luxembourg Gardens good for kids?
Absolutely. There’s a fantastic playground (one of the best in Paris), a puppet theater (Guignol), pony rides, and of course the vintage carousel and model sailboats, a true Parisian childhood classic.
7. Can I bring food and have a picnic?
Yes! It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to relax with snacks or lunch. Just remember: stick to the grassy areas where sitting is allowed, not all lawns are open for lounging.
8. Are the gardens open year-round?
Yes, the gardens are open every day, from early morning until around sunset. Hours vary slightly by season. They’re beautiful in spring bloom, shady in summer, golden in autumn, and even peaceful in winter.
9. Is there art or culture to see?
Definitely! The gardens are full of statues, including one of Liberty, and there’s also the Musée du Luxembourg on the north side, a small but lovely museum with rotating exhibitions.
10. Is it a touristy spot or more for locals?
A perfect mix of both. You’ll see families, joggers, chess players, students, and tourists all enjoying the space. It’s peaceful, picturesque, and wonderfully Parisian.
Bonus tip: after your visit, grab a coffee or pastry at a nearby café, Rue de Fleurus or Rue Bonaparte have great options, and enjoy the very Parisian feeling of doing absolutely nothing.
