Paris Weekend Break

Palais du Luxembourg

The Palais du Luxembourg is situated only a short distance away from the Pantheon de Paris and it has had a long and sometimes checkered history. This attractive palace is mainly famous because of its beautiful gardens.

The gardens and park are typically Parisian, with tree-lined walkways and large green lawns. These gardens are amongst the most popular with the city's local residents.

A succession of members of the French royal family have lived in and resided at the Palais du Luxembourg – but it has also seen some more austere and less grateful guests.

During the French revolution the Palais du Luxembourg served as a prison and in World War II the Palais acted as the headquarters for the German Luftwaffe, one of several unhappy times in the building's history.

Since 1850 the Palais has been home to the Senate of the French parliament. Unfortunately this limits its opening to the public and it can only be visited on Sundays when the senate is absent.

Interesting times in the Palais du Luxembourg's history

In 1612 the original Paris mansion was purchased from the duke of Luxembourg and promptly torn down. In its place was built the palace that we see today.

Later, in the 19th century, Baron Haussmann intended to drive a boulevard (main road) through the park. The scheme was violently opposed by over 12,000 noisy Parisians and the plan was drastically scaled back so as to have less of an impact on the park and its gardens.

What to see at the Palais du Luxembourg

The palace du Luxembourg estate is primarily famous for of its beautiful gardens and attractive park areas. It is also "handily" located a short distance away from the Pantheon de Paris. The building also has an appeal, but most agree that it is the horticulture on a bright Parisian day that brings in the many visitors.