Luxembourg Gardens Offer Paris Oasis

One of the top things to do in Paris, the Jardin du Luxembourg are an ideal oasis for a break from the bustle of the city. Located near St.-Germain-des-Pres, Boulevard Saint-Michel, and Boulevard de Montparnasse, the Luxembourg Gardens provide the perfect spot for relaxation after exploring the city’s trendy neighborhoods.

At nearly 60 acres, the popular park was built in 1624 for Marie de’ Medici. Since then, its beauty has been the backdrop for painters including Renoir, Matisse, Sargent and Whistler. The park was also the inspiration for Vincent van Gogh’s “Terrace of the Luxembourg Gardens” (in 1886). Sit on a nearby bench, admire the Baroque fountain anchoring a long pond filled with goldfish, or sip on a cappuccino in an open-air café and watch fashionable Parisian stroll by.

Stop by the nearby Musee de Luxembourg, built in 1615. This was France’s first public gallery and now hosts temporary exhibits throughout the year. The Musee de Luxembourg is open every day until 7:30 p.m., except Monday and Fridays when it extends its hours until 10pm.

There are many places to stay around the Luxembourg Gardens that accommodate various price ranges. The Villa Madam, a chic boutique hotel, is a short drive from the gardens. The Hotel Odeon Saint-Germain is a luxurious art-filled hotel near Saint Sulpice, a large church that has murals by Eugene Delacroix.

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