A trip to Paris isn’t complete without visiting at least a few of its gardens, and the Jardin du Luxembourg is my favorite. In a city where space is at a premium and most apartments are fairly compact, Paris’ gardens serve as communal living rooms, places for residents and tourists alike to relax and socialize.

An integral part of the Parisian landscape for hundreds of years, the Jardin du Luxembourg offers a welcome respite from busy Paris. Locals gather on the now-ionic green metal chairs for a picnic, playtime with the kids, or a chat with friends before apero. Marie de Medici commissioned the Luxembourg Palace in 1612, and its accompanying gardens now cover nearly 57 acres of Paris’ Left Bank. 

Green metal chairs and landscaping in the Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris.
Relaxing in the iconic green metal chairs.

How much time should you dedicate to the Jardin du Luxembourg? I recommend a whole afternoon if you can spare it, but at least a couple of hours. First, wander up and down the stalls of the all-organic Marche Raspail just a few blocks away and build a picnic with some meats, cheeses, local fruits, and a fresh baguette (the market is open Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday). If you find yourself in need of picnic supplies on another day of the week, Le Grand Epicerie gourmet food store is just a little further. 

After you’ve built your perfect picnic, stroll through the garden’s quiet, tree-lined paths, taking in the impressive sculpture and fountain displays (there are just over one hundred sculptures spread throughout the garden). If you’re traveling with children, don’t miss the vintage carousel and kid’s playground, and be sure to take the opportunity to sail a toy boat across the Grand Bassin (I’ve yet to travel to Paris with my kids, but I’ve been tempted to sail a boat across the basin myself). 

No matter how brief your stay in Paris, you’ll enjoy yourself more and soak in the true magic of the city if you slow down a bit and take a stroll through one of Paris’ parks. Looking for more of my French Favorites? Read about why I think Musee d’Orsay is the museum to visit if you only have time for one, and where I like to go for a free view of the Eiffel Tower. Bisous! 

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