The green heart of the Left Bank, the Jardin du Luxembourg is the most beloved park in Paris — and the quintessential place to experience Parisian life at its most relaxed. With its elegant blend of formal French and English landscaping, its famous green chairs, and its grand palace, it’s where locals come to stroll, read, play, and simply soak up the sun. For many visitors it’s the perfect spot to slow down and feel like a Parisian for an afternoon.
The Gardens and the Palace
The gardens surround the Luxembourg Palace, built in the 1600s for Marie de’ Medici and now home to the French Senate. In front of it lies the iconic central basin, a large octagonal pond, framed by formal terraces, statues, and immaculate flowerbeds. Beyond, the grounds open into shadier, more informal areas, orchards, and tree-lined avenues, offering a lovely variety of moods to explore.
The Famous Green Chairs
One of the simplest pleasures of the Luxembourg Gardens is grabbing one of its iconic movable green metal chairs and settling in by the pond. Parisians use them to read, chat, sunbathe, or watch the world go by, and you’re free to do the same. Drag a chair to the water’s edge, tilt your face to the sun, and enjoy one of the city’s great free pleasures.
Things to See and Do
The gardens are full of charm and activity. Children — and adults — sail traditional toy boats on the central pond, and there are tennis courts, chess tables, a bandstand, beehives, and a beautiful old carousel. Don’t miss the romantic Medici Fountain, tucked away in a leafy grove, and keep an eye out for the many statues, including a small-scale model of the Statue of Liberty.
A Spot for Every Season
The Luxembourg Gardens are lovely year-round. Spring and summer bring vibrant flowerbeds and sunbathers, while autumn paints the trees gold. Bring a picnic, a book, or simply yourself, and join the Parisians in one of their favorite rituals. It’s an ideal place to rest between sightseeing in the nearby Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain.
Planning Your Visit
The gardens are free and open daily until dusk (gate times change with the seasons). The nearest stations are Luxembourg (RER) and Notre-Dame-des-Champs, with Odéon and Saint-Sulpice also close by. There’s no charge to enjoy the grounds. Combine a visit with the nearby Panthéon, the Latin Quarter, or Saint-Germain-des-Prés for a perfect Left Bank day.
More Paris guides: explore the full Paris Travel Guides series.
