Secrets and Sensations at Jardin du Luxembourg
An unusual guided walk at "Luco" Schedule and book onlineWalking visit
For all ages
Secure online booking
Tour in French
Book online or on request
Guided visit at the Luco
Available on demand ! Guaranteed
departure from 4 registered persons.
Departure time : on demand
Price : 12€ per person
Duration : approx. 2 hrs
Shall we take a stroll around Le Luco?
So, what’s Le Luco?
It’s what the Parisians have nicknamed Jardin du Luxembourg. The locals seem to know the sprawling 8ha haven of peace and opulence like the back of their hand, but what do visitors to the 6th arrondissement park really know about Le Luco? Do they know its secrets?
Let’s reveal them on this Jardin du Luxembourg guided tour taking us from paths to hedgerows, flowerbeds to fountains, anecdotes and historical events with happy endings or dark dealings, secrets and sensations…
Step by step schedule:
- walking itinerary outdoor, in the Jardin du Luxembourg.
Useful information:
- Departure : Meeting point provided after booking
- No transport : walking tour !
Not included :
- Purchases, tips and personal expenses
About your visit in the Jardin du Luxembourg
Why is it called Luxembourg?
You may be wondering why the palace and its grounds are called Luxembourg? It comes from the first landowner back in the 17th century: François-Henri de Montmorency-Bouteville, Duke of Piney-Luxembourg. Marie de’ Medici bought the 8ha property off him to build a new royal residence. The queen, regent and mother of little Louis XIII was fed up with the Louvre and had Salomon de Brosse build an opulent palace on what was the outskirts of Paris.
The Palais du Luxembourg, home to the French senate
The palace was home to the royal family for almost 200 years, the revolutionaries turned it into a prison in 1793, then it became the Senate’s property in 1800 and housed its headquarters. As a seat of legislative power it can’t accommodate executive power i.e. the police due to the separation of powers! So how does it work? Ask our guide… It’s a very unusual concept that’s one of this Parisian landmark’s many curiosities.
Thirsty about more ?
An international memorial site
A prison during the French Revolution; hospital then court next to an execution wall for Paris Commune rebels in 1871; German air force HQ during the Occupation… the Palais du Luxembourg and its grounds are still a powerful memorial site and meeting point.
The Medici Fountain, the romantic rendez-vous point
Marie de’ Medici commissioned the Florentine engineer Tommaso Francini to build the Medici Fountain. The Queen had fond memories of the nymphs and Boboli Gardens in Florence so she wanted a new fountain that conjured another world. The sculpture by Auguste Ottin depicts Polyphemus surprising the nymph Galatea in the arms of Acis the shepherd. It’s certainly dreamy! It’s one of the most romantic spots in Paris and has inspired the greatest writers, composers and poets including Victor Hugo, Chopin and Musset.
A real horticultural conservatory
Jardin du Luxembourg is a celebration of plants! It’s like an outdoor botanical encyclopaedia in central Paris. The horticulture school and hives bring you knowledge, peace and quiet. Stroll among orchards, orchids, outstanding trees and more as you soak up the garden’s history and botanical heritage. Why are there so many plant species and fruit in particular? Join our guide to find out and become real experts in fruiticulture!
The white wooden elephant and playground
Jardin du Luxembourg is also a place for carefree child’s play. The park has officially been for children’s sports and leisure from 1830 and is teeming with old attractions that are still in working order. They include the Paume Long court (racket sport) and wooden carousel built in 1879 to designs by Charles Garnier, the architect behind the Opéra de Paris: the oldest merry-go-round in Paris! Horses, deer, giraffes, elephants and gondolas spin around as children spear as many rings as possible with their sticks.
There’s nothing better than taking time out to think on the iconic chairs in Jardin du Luxembourg so you can ponder the age-old secrets and emotions. The layout may have changed since 1923 but they’re as famous as the Wallace Fountain!
Take a seat on the famous chairs and mull over all the tales, secrets and sensations your passionate guide has shared with you.
• Travel, culture and french language •
Our latest articles
Visit France during the Paris Olympics in 2024
“Combine muscle and mind!” said Pierre de Coubertin. Paris and the whole of France are pulling...
Carnivals in Provence
Let’s head to the South of France to find out more about three iconic events in Provence: Nice...
New Year in France: traditional celebrations or something special?
Every culture and every country around the world has its own way of celebrating New Year’s Eve....