LifestyleParisian Experience OmnyviewApril 07, 2017Le jardin du luxembourgGarden, Paris, Flowers, Statues, 6th Arrondissement

Paris - Jardin du Luxembourg

LifestyleParisian Experience OmnyviewApril 07, 2017Le jardin du luxembourgGarden, Paris, Flowers, Statues, 6th Arrondissement

Paris Springtime Frolic

By Parisian Experience

It is spring time in Paris, and for us it is one of the best times to take in the beauty and charm of the City of Light. Now that the flowers are in bloom, the weather is warm, and day-light is longer, it is time to get out of hibernation and enjoy all spring in Paris has to offer. One of many wonderful places to explore, surrounded by verdure away from the concrete streets of Paris is Jardin du Luxembourg.

Located at the heart of Paris in the 6th arrondissement on "La Rive Gauche" of the Seine river, Jardin du Luxembourg is a must-visit, a place to participate in springtime appreciation like a true Parisian.

Few Historical Facts

Jardin du Luxembourg is the brain-child of Queen Marie de Médicis - wife of King Henry IV of France. The land where the garden sits was acquired around 1614 by Queen Marie de Médicis, her aspiration was to bring the Florentine Boboli gardens to life at the heart of Paris. The palace was the residence of the royals until 1791, when it became a national palace, and in 1879 became the home of the Senate to this date.

How to Enjoy the Garden

If you have a penchant for being outdoors, then there is something for children and adults alike to enjoy at the gardens. One activity we highly recommend for visitors is a picnic in Paris! And one of the best places in Paris to bring this to life is at the Jardin du Luxembourg.

Picnics are very much part of the fabric of the Parisian lifestyle, and it is one of the best ways to enjoy beautiful weather with friends and family. Winters are very gray in Paris, so sunlight and warmth elicits the desire in Parisians to be outside frolicking in the sunlight, and you too should join the fun.

So how does one have a picnic like a local? First and foremost, remember a blanket to lounge on, you need to be comfortable at your perfect perch on the grass at the gardens.

⚠️Tip: There are only certain areas in the garden where sitting on the grass is allowed, so do pay attention to the signs.

Second, have bag where you can comfortably fit all your picnic items into i.e., books, games, food, drinks, and disposable tableware that you many need to complete this experience.

Third, stop by a boulangerie in the vicinity of where you are staying to pick up pastries and baguette; some grocery stores have a boulangerie, this will make your local grocer your one-stop-shop especially if it is a big one. Visit a local épicerie for some charcuterie, cheese, fruits, finger foods to share, and don't forget to get some non-alcoholic and/or alcoholic drinks. In France you can find both non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks at the épicerie, just remember that many épiceries around town may be closed on Sunday. Plan accordingly, if you want to have a Sunday afternoon picnic, prepare ahead of time. In Paris especially on weekends and holidays, picnics can last hours when you are in great company, so relax and unwind, after all you are in Paris.

⚠️Tip: Keep your belongings in plain sight and at arms length at all times, especially your smart phones. As in many big cities, there are pick-pockets who prey on unsuspecting tourists.

Parisians and visitors alike enjoy picnics at Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris

If having a picnic is not up to your taste, then we suggest a nice stroll around the 25 hectare (61.7 acres) property, where you will see sculptures, flowers, or you can sit on one of the many green chairs strewn around the park. For artlovers, there is a museum with diverse artworks by many great art masters is located by the entrance at Rue Vaugirard; it is open on Mondays to Thursdays from 10:30am to 6pm, and on Fridays to Sundays 10:30am to 7pm.

Clockwise from top left: Marius on the Carthage ruins , David, conqueror of Goliath, clock on senate palace,  a small replica of the statue of Liberty. Center: The four parts of the world holding celestrial sphere — **Clockwise from top left**: Marius on the Carthage ruins , David, conqueror of Goliath, clock on senate palace, a small replica of the statue of Liberty. **Cente**r: The four parts of the world holding celestrial sphere

If you are visiting Paris with children, the garden is perfect with its vast open spaces filled with fun activities for the children including pony rides, merry-go-round, sailboats on the big ponds, a marionette theater, tennis courts and so much more. At the end of your adventure at Jardin du Luxemborg you will most certainly be famished, if you did not bring a snack to nibble on, we recommend you stop at Angelina café located right next to the museum. The café offers artfully designed scrumptous desserts and beverages. Until next time, bonne balade et laissez les bon temps rouler! - Enjoy your stroll and let the good times roll!