INSIDE: Discover why we recommend a visit to the Jardin du Luxembourg gardens for kids.
The Jardin du Luxembourg Gardens in Paris is home to the Luxembourg Palace.
We love these beautiful Paris gardens for the gorgeous Parisian surrounds.
It’s almost possible to think you are NOT in the centre of Paris when you stroll these elegant garden pathways, take up residence on one of the garden chairs in the sun with views toward the pond, and feel the SPACE.
If you are looking for a local experience, make your way straight here.
There’s TONNES of fun to be had at the Jardin du Luxembourg gardens for kids.
Take a look below at the top 10 things to do in Paris at the Luxembourg gardens.
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Jardin du Luxembourg Gardens for KIDS
Correct at time of publication on Roam the Gnome. Please check with venue for updates. We apologise in advance if there have been any changes we are unaware of. All prices in EURO, unless otherwise stated
The Luxembourg Gardens are named in honour of the hill where the gardens are located.
These are the best gardens in Paris because there’s so much to do too.
Visiting Paris with family? Book this Paris Family City Tour, with Seine river cruise
10 Things to do in Paris with Kids at Jardin Du Luxembourg Gardens
Here’s our top 10 fun things to do in Paris at the Jardin du Luxembourg park, in no particular order.
Pick and choose your favourites!
Hot Paris tip: Take the kids on a coach tour at night to see all the famous Paris monuments all lit up!
No.1: Play on the NEW Paris Playground – Jardin du Luxembourg playground, “Ludo Jardin”
My boys and Roam the Gnome agree.
This fenced playground in Paris is one of the best we’ve found in Paris.
The Jardin de Luxembourg playground is a HUGE fenced playground with space for climbing, swinging, and play.
Be prepared to spend a few hours.
BYO book, drinks and snacks.
Kids can also play hide and seek in amongst the trees when you leave.
The tree forest over near the playground is the perfect spot for a little hide ‘n seek.
Who can resist trying to stand up straight and tall like a tree, as their brothers and sisters try to spot them?
ANOTHER COOL PLAYGROUND IN PARIS: Terrain d’Aventures Playground is the best playground in Paris for 7-12 year olds (there’s a toddler playground too)
Image credit: Guilhem Vellut via Flickr CC BY-2.0
No.2: Best Kids Activity in Jardin Luxembourg? Float a Boat on the Pond
For years, children (and adults) have been prodding wooden sailboats with long sticks on the octagonal pond.
Join in the fun for an authentic Paris day out with kids.
Hire a toy boat from the little kiosk nearby.
(Available during warmer months only.)
No.3: Gaze at the Paris Luxembourg Gardens Palace
This incredible palace on the Left Bank of the Seine was originally built as the royal residence of Marie de’ Medici, mother of Louis XIII of France.
It’s now owned by the French Senate, and is used for the French Senate meetings.
No.4: Watch a Marionette Show at the Puppet Theatre
Every week, there are multiple opportunities to enjoy a simple marionette puppet show.
The theatre opens its’ doors 30 minutes before show time.
Be there or be square.
Puppet theatre operates:
- Wednesdays 2pm
- Saturdays 2pm
- Sundays 2pm
- Everyday from 4pm during the school holidays.
Check updated times and shows here.
Image credit: Steven & Courtney Johnson via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0
No.5: Ride a Pony
In the warmer months, you can find Pony Ride operators ready to take the little ones for a ride around the promenade for under 5,00 Euro.
Riding ponies in Paris?
Priceless!
No.6: Watch the fish in the ornate Fontaine des Médici
East of the palace, you’ll also find the Medici fountain (fish pond) built in 1630.
This artificial grotto and fountain was built by Tommaso Francini, brought to France by Marie de Medici, the widow of Henry IV, as part of her endeavour to build a new palace and park.
Fontaine de Leda
Hidden behind it, the wall fountain, Fontaine de Leda, built in 1807.
It’s worth a squizz to see this age-old Parisian monument.
Spot the tennis courts in the trees!
No.7: Play Tennis – there’s SIX courts.
Or:
- go for a run
- kick a ball in a game of soccer, or
- shoot hoops.
You can also play a game of chess, or bridge if you don’t feel like running around, and prefer a more sedentary exercise of the mind.
It’s all there at the Luxembourg Gardens.
Join in a game with the Parisian locals.
No.8: Go on a Sculpture Walk in Luxembourg with Kids
There are more than one hundred statues and monuments in Jardin du Luxembourg gardens.
106 statues in fact.
Queens of France
The statues feature the Queens and famous women of France, lined along the terraces, and they all stand on high pedestals.
They include:
There’s also monuments and statues of the well known writers and artists of Paris and Europe, and odes to Roman and Greek history including:
- Liberty Enlightening the World, commonly known as the Statue of Liberty, first model, by Frédéric Bartholdi, 1870
- Narcissus, 1869, and Arion assis sur un dauphin, 1870, both by Ernest-Eugène Hiolle
- Theseus and the Minotaur, by Etienne-Jules Ramey, 1826
- Hercules Diverting the River Alpheus, 1900, and L’Effort, 1902, both by Pierre Roche
It’s a history lesson and art immersion in one.
Image credit: Van Gogh painting
No.9: Visit the Apple Orchard
Inside the Luxembourg Gardens, down in the southern part of the garden, you can find an English style garde.
Home to an orchard of ancient and forgotten varieties of apples and pears, there’s also apple and pear trees lining the wide pathways throughout the gardens.
There’s up to 320 varieties of apples and 210 varieties of pears from more than 1000 trees.
The pears from the miniature orchard are given to the Senate.
Any leftover fruit is donated to local charity food organisations who provide food for the homeless and other charities.
Image credit: La Terrasse de Madame
No.10: Enjoy lunch at Le Jardin du Luxembourg Gardens with Kids
While there’s a number of restaurants in the garden, the most people-watching friendly one is the La Terrasse de Madame cafe near the Fontaine Medicis.
Go by early to beat the crowds and enjoy a delicious coffee and a pastry treat.
THE INSIDE SCOOP: The Best Gardens in Paris
Correct at time of publication. Please check with venue for updates. We apologise in advance if there have been any changes we are unaware of. All prices in EURO, unless otherwise stated.
Address: The Jardin de Luxembourg Gardens are located on Rue de Médicis – Rue de Vaugirard, 75006 Paris
Telephone: +33 (0) 1 42 64 33 99
Website: Click here
Jardin des Luxembourg Gardens Hours
- Open daily, all year round.
- Open 7am to 1 hour before sunset in summer
- Open 8am to 1 hour before sunset in winter
Luxembourg Gardens Entry fee: Entrance fee is nil. It’s FREE to enter!
How to get to Luxembourg Gardens
By Metro: Metro line 4 or 10 to Odeon station or line B to Luxembourg station.
By RER: RER – Luxembourg
By Bus: 21, 27, 38, 58, 82, 83, 84, 85, 89
Map of Jardin du Luxembourg Gardens
Map of Luxembourg Gardens Paris PDF
Click here for the Luxembourg Gardens Map PDF (French only)
Best Paris Hotel near Luxembourg Gardens?
We stayed at the Novotel Paris les Halles and we highly recommend it. Read our review.
The Luxembourg Gardens are only a 20 minute stroll from this Paris hotel.
The Louvre museum is on the way if you want to do an self-guided audio tour at the Louvre in the morning, and head to the gardens after lunch.
(Hot tip: Read our Ultimate Guide to the Louvre museum for kids.)
The Eiffel Tower is just 30 minutes from the Novotel hotel on the RER too.
(We booked a Skip the Line tour of the Eiffel Tower with Get your Guide, so when we got there the kids and I didn’t have to queue)
If you are visiting Paris with children, book a stay at the Novotel Paris les Halles.
Check latest prices for Novotel Paris les Halles here.
Toadstool Rating – Jardin du Luxembourg Gardens
These famous gardens in Paris should be called Paris Central Park!
It’s the best garden in Paris for enjoying a little peace and quiet, away from the busy streets.
Looking for MORE SUPER DOOPER FUN things to do with Kids in Paris?
Click the links in blue below.
Sandra
Friday 28th of February 2020
What about the Luxembourg Carousel? Why was that not listed?
Amber
Friday 28th of February 2020
HI Sandra We didn't see it. Happy to add it. Have you got any pics you could share with me please?