The Luxembourg Gardens (or Jardin du Luxembourg) is one of my favourite spots in the city. It’s such a great place to take kids for some outdoor playtime and the perfect place in Paris to spend a few enjoyable hours. Located on the Left Bank in the 6th arrondissement near Sorbonne University, the Jardin du Luxembourg has a timeless beauty and is popular with both visitors and Parisians alike.
This park offers much for families: relaxing, playground fun, French carousel rides, and puppet shows at the Théâtre des Marionnettes. At its centre, the Grand Bassin, a large pond, invites children to push miniature sailboats with long sticks. In the meantime, parents can relax in the iconic green metal chairs, watching the kids while taking in the scenery.
A brief history of Luxembourg Gardens
The Jardin du Luxembourg traces its origins back to the early 17th century. It was commissioned by Marie de Médicis, the widow of King Henry IV, who sought to recreate the charm of the Boboli Gardens from her Florentine childhood. In 1612, she acquired land just outside Paris to build the Palais du Luxembourg and its gardens, offering her a retreat from court life and a way to honor her Italian roots.
Originally designed as a royal garden, the Jardin du Luxembourg evolved over time. It played a role during the French Revolution and became a public park in the 19th century, offering Parisians a green escape. Today, it is managed by the French Senate, which is housed in the Palais du Luxembourg.
The Palais du Luxembourg itself, located at the northern end of the gardens, is an impressive landmark that is hard to miss when visiting. Its grand facade and prominent position make it a central feature of the park, offering a striking backdrop to the open lawns, tree-lined promenades, and vibrant flowerbeds.
The Palace du Luxembourg is usually closed to the public. However, it opens once a year during the Journées de la Patrimoine. This annual September event allows free public access to many historic Parisian monuments, including the Senate.
Fun things to do with kids at Luxembourg Gardens
1. Rent a wooden sailboat at the Grand Basin
A must-do at the park is renting a small wooden sailboat at the Grand Basin, which is an octagonal pond in the middle of the park. Kids will love pushing these colourful boats across the pond with a stick, watching them drift under the shadow of the Palais du Luxembourg. It’s simple but magical, and a tradition that’s been around for generations.
The rental costs around €6 for 30 minutes and is available every day from 11am to 6pm during the summer months (June to August), as well as during Easter and October school holidays. Outside of these times, it is available from 1pm to 6pm on weekdays and from 11am to 6pm on weekends and public holidays. The rental kiosk is closed for approximately three months in winter.
2. Playground fun
Head to the Ludo Jardin Playground to experience one of the best playgrounds in the centre of Paris. The playground charges a small entry fee (€3 for children and €1 for adults), which helps keep it from being too busy. Parents can unwind on the benches bordering the playground, knowing their kids can play safely without wandering off. The playground is open daily from 10am to 4.30pm.
3. Watch a puppet show (Théâtre des Marionnettes)
Kids visiting the Luxembourg Gardens will be delighted by the traditional Guignol puppet theatre. The shows are in French, but the humor and action are universal, so it’s fun for everyone. It’s a great way to introduce children to a bit of classic Parisian entertainment.
The Marionette Theatre is located right next door to the playground. It’s open on Wednesdays, weekends, public holidays and Paris school holidays. Each show, recommended for children aged three and up, lasts about 40 minutes. The ticket costs €7.30 per show (adult or child).
4. Ride the carousel
Next to the playground, there’s an adorable, old-fashioned carousel. It’s one of the oldest in Paris, and kids can even try to catch rings with sticks as they ride around. It’s a simple pleasure, but one that kids love.
5. Go searching for statues and fountains
The park is filled with over 100 statues, which makes for a fun scavenger hunt! Look for statues of famous French queens and notable women who significantly impacted French history, including Marie de Médicis herself. Also, don’t miss New York’s Statue of Liberty replica tucked away on the western side of the garden. This replica is just one of several found throughout Paris.
A walk by the Fontaine Médicis is also a must—it’s a peaceful spot with a beautiful fountain surrounded by greenery. It’s a popular spot for Paris-based photographers, and the fountain provides a stunning backdrop for a family photo.
Nearby kid-friendly restaurants and cafes
- Mademoiselle Angelina (19 Rue de Vaugirard) at the entrance near the Musée du Luxembourg, for all the treats Angelina are known for and especially the hot chocolate. You don’t need to buy a ticket to the museum to access it.
- Treize au Jardin (5 Rue de Médicis) is perfect for brunch, tea/coffee and cake. It has plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and Southern American comfort food options.
- Le Pont Traversé (62 Rue de Vaugirard) is a charming coffee shop that also serves delicious hot food, pastries and cakes.
- Breizh Café (1 Rue de L’Odéon) for Breton-style galettes and crêpes with all kinds of fillings.
- Restaurant Loulou Paris (90 Boulevard Saint-Germain), for traditional Australian comfort food and outdoor seating.
Have you visited the Luxembourg Gardens with kids? Share your favourite spots in the comment section below. Join me on Instagram and get more inspiration for things to do in Paris.
If you’re looking for a Paris itinerary with kids that combines the Luxembourg Gardens with other Paris attractions on the same day, then check out this suggested itinerary here.
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