If you’ve been to Paris, chances are you’ve visited the Jardin du Luxembourg.
But did you know it’s actually a private park?
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That’s right. Even though it’s inundated with people on any given day, it is actually the property of the Sénat, or the French senate, which meets at the palace situated at one corner of the park, on rue Vaugirard.
When I was studying at the Institut Catholique de Paris (highly recommended for improving or learning French), I would walk through this park daily. It’s beautifully laid out with nooks and crannies where you can sit, read, talk with a friend, exercise, meditate, or have a picnic (see the photo above - in spring/summer you cannot find an empty spot on the grass).
Some fun facts about The Jardin du Luxembourg:
6.2 million people visited in 2022
It houses 102 statues, including former queens other notable figures
(like my dear Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris)
The area was acquired by Marie de Medicis in the 17th century after her husband, Henry IV, died. She built a home for herself on the property because she wanted to move out of her other residence — which was The Louvre, people! — and live somewhere that suited her better.
More info (in French, sorry!): History of Jardin du Luxembourg