The
Palais du Luxembourg is not open to visitors, buts its grounds are
a major draw to visitors and locals alike.
During the Second World War it was used by the German Luftwaffe (Air
Force) as their headquarters. Today, it is home to the Senat (upper
house of the French parliament) and its garden (Jardin du Luxembourg)
is a Paris favourite.
There are often temporary art exhibitions in the Orangery area, next
to the main pond.
Plenty of metal chairs are scattered around the palace grounds, more
than enough for everyone even at the busiest of times. An army of
gardeners keep the grounds in pristine condition.
Within the grounds there are plenty of trees if you want shade. Restaurants,
big and small, tennis courts, fountains, boating lake, even a children's
theatre and bee hives. Many activities are geared to children.
Despite all of this activity it is quite easy to find a quiet corner
if you need it. Most take a chair and watch the world go by |
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The
position of Luxembourg is much the most important reason for its popularity.
Situated just at the south-west corner of the Latin Quarter, near
Odeon and the Sorbonne. For visitors its a nice place to take a break
from the shops and sights nearby.
The area is also a commercial area and locals find it a peaceful haven.
Outside the park gates are a whole galaxy of places you can buy snacks
/ picnic food to enjoy in the gardens. |
Getting
There:
The Palace du Luxembourg is just south of the Odeon Theatre and Boulevard
St Germain running west-east, a main shopping area. Running on its
eastern border the Boulevard St Michel is a main artery which runs
south north up to Notre Dame and Chatelet.
Most visitors will walk one of these streets at some time during their
visit
By public transport, get the Metro
to Odeon (line 4 or 10) or even closer the RER
to Luxembourg.
Most people will not be making a special trip but using the gardens
as a nice interlude to their visit to the Latin Quarter / St Germain. |
The
Paris Open Top Double Decker Bus Tours operated by L'OpenTour are
a common sight in Paris at all the major visitor attractions.
The formula is the same as many similar operations operating world-wide.
A ticket which entitles you to unlimited rides on the buses which
run along several routes passing all major Paris visitor attractions.
More
Details - Ticket Purchase
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