LUXEMBOURG GARDENS

One of the most famous public parks on the left bank. A good place to relax, read a book or walk around.  

The park was originally owned by the duke of Luxembourg. Thanks to Queen Marie de Medicis  (a descendant of the famous Italian family ), the widow of King Henri IV who decided to create this beautiful place beginning in 1612 as her new residence. In 1794, during the French Revolution, the palace served as a prison. Nowadays the building houses the French Senate.

In the middle of the park there is a large octagonal pond (Grand Bassin).

Around the pond are nice lawns, paths, and beautiful flower beds, statues and also the romantic Baroque style Medici fountain which shows the Greek mythological figure of Polyphemus who observes the lovers Acis and Galatea. There are three other fountains in the park, which are much less known :  the Fontaine de Léda ( just in the back of the Fontaine Médicis), a fountain to honor the French painter Eugène Delacroix (west side of the palace) and  the Fontaine de l’Observatoire (the southern end of the park).

Hours

Opens between 7.30am and 8.15am, and closes between 4.30pm and 9.30pm according to season.

How to find the Luxembourg Gardens

It is a 12 minute walk from Hotel Marignan : you pass by Cluny Museum, turn left on Boulevard Saint Michel and continue walking straight.

Hotel Marignan advice

If you are staying in a family room with your little ones, do not miss a chance to sail a toy boat on the pond or enjoy a children’s puppet show and the playgrounds at the Luxembourg Gardens. 

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