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Park
Luxembourg Gardens
Paris's most beautiful park with a palace, fountains, sculptures, and free entry. A favorite spot for Parisians.
District:6th ArrondissementMetro:Odéon / Luxembourg (RER B)Time:1–3 hoursPrice:FreeOfficial site:https://www.senat.fr/visite/jardin/
Crowd indicator
Mini-calculator based on crowd levels by day and time.
When to go?
Mini-calculator based on crowd levels by day and time.
Best time at Mon — 10:00
This day is usually calmer than average. This slot has a higher chance of a comfortable visit: fewer people and calmer pace. Weather is currently not ideal: overcast ☁️.
30–50% · Quiet60–80% · Moderate90–100% · Crowded
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Day after tomorrow
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Luxembourg Gardens
The Luxembourg Gardens are one of Paris's most beautiful parks, created in 1612 by order of Marie de Medici. The park houses the Luxembourg Palace (now the French Senate), fountains, over 100 sculptures, and even an apiary.
What to See
- Luxembourg Palace — Senate building, open for tours on heritage days
- Medici Fountain — romantic 17th-century grotto
- Octagonal basin — children sail model boats
- Over 100 statues, including a miniature Statue of Liberty
- Tennis courts, chess tables, pony rides for children
Tips
- Free entry
- Open dawn to dusk (closing time varies by season)
- Perfect for picnics — chairs are placed throughout the garden
- In autumn — stunning golden alleys
Opening hoursDaily dawn to dusk (07:30–21:30 summer, 08:15–17:00 winter)
BookingWalk-in is fine
Best timeMorning or golden autumn
What to know beforehand
The Medici Fountain (northeast corner) is the most romantic spot in the garden, shaded by chestnut trees. The Grand Bassin (large pond) in front of the palace is the center of activity: children sail boats, visitors relax in chairs. The palace (Senate) is closed to visitors except Heritage Days (September).
106 statues in the garden include queens of France (surrounding the Grand Bassin). Chess tables are on the west side. The Luxembourg Apiary (Rucher du Luxembourg) is an unusual attraction.
How to get there
Nearest stationOdéon / Luxembourg (RER B)
AddressRue de Médicis, 75006 Paris
How to find the entrance
1
Approach routeStart from Odéon / Luxembourg (RER B). Leave enough time for the final walk to the actual entrance.2
Follow the signsDo not rely on the outer façade alone: the practical route often starts inside and runs through the main halls.The Luxembourg Gardens are in the 6th arrondissement, between Boulevard Saint-Michel and Boulevard Saint-Germain. Nearest metro: Luxembourg (RER B), Odéon (lines 4, 10), Saint-Sulpice (line 4). Multiple entrances around the perimeter — choose the one closest to your route.
Rue de Médicis entrance leads to the Medici Fountain. Rue de Vaugirard entrance leads to the palace (Senate). Check closing times on signs at the entrance — the garden closes at sunset (guards blow whistles).
What to consider before visiting
Prohibited: walking on lawns (strictly enforced, fines), cycling (only children in designated area), walking dogs (dogs not allowed), ball games outside designated areas. Smoking is banned on playgrounds. Alcohol is tolerated but rowdy groups are removed.
The garden closes strictly on schedule — a whistle sounds 15 minutes before, then guards patrol. Scooters and rollerblades are prohibited.
Location and what's nearby
The Luxembourg Gardens are in the heart of the Left Bank (6th arrondissement). To the north: Boulevard Saint-Germain (cafés, bookshops, Saint-Sulpice church). To the east: Latin Quarter, Panthéon, Sorbonne. To the west: Le Petit Journal café (jazz). 10 minutes away: Musée de Cluny (medieval art), Fontaine Saint-Michel.
15 minutes: Notre-Dame. The area is ideal for walking: narrow streets, second-hand bookshops, crêperies.
Tickets & tours
Garden Entry
- Price: free
- Open daily from dawn to dusk
- Closing time varies by season (5:00 PM winter — 9:30 PM summer)
Children's Activities
- Toy sailboats on the pond: €5 for 30 minutes
- Children's carousel: €3.50 per ride
- Pony rides: €4
- Playground: €2.50 (children), adults free
Tennis Courts
- Price: €8–12 per hour
- Booking via paris.fr or app
Exhibitions at the Orangerie and Musée du Luxembourg
- Price: €8–14 depending on the exhibition
- Musée du Luxembourg has a separate entrance (Rue de Vaugirard)
Pricing and how to choose
Price
Free
- free
Closing time varies by season (5
- 00 PM winter — 9:30 PM summer)
Toy sailboats on the pond
- €5 for 30 minutes
Children's carousel
- €3.50 per ride
Playground
- €2.50 (children), adults free
Price
- €8–12 per hour
Price
- €8–14 depending on the exhibition
The garden is completely free — one of the best free attractions in Paris. Children's activities are affordable: boats €5, carousel €3.50, playground €2.50. Tennis €8–12/hour — book in advance. Musée du Luxembourg nearby: €8–14 per exhibition.
No cafés inside the garden — nearest are on Rue de Médicis and Rue de Vaugirard. Bring your own snacks — picnicking in the chairs by the pond is ideal. Green chairs are free to use.
Sunset slots and quieter hours
Best time: weekday mornings (8:00–10:00 AM) for a peaceful walk. Lunchtime (12:00–2:00 PM) brings locals for lunch, creating atmosphere. Weekend afternoons are lively with families. Spring (April–May) is the most beautiful with flowers in bloom. Autumn (October) has golden foliage.
Summer is crowded but the garden is large (23 hectares). Winter is also lovely: fewer people and elegant minimalist beauty.
Reliability & freshness
AuthorAksel Paris Team
FAQ
Is Luxembourg Gardens free?
Yes, entry is completely free.
Can I have a picnic?
Yes, metal chairs are placed throughout — you can sit on lawns in designated areas.