The Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris

Pay a visit to the Jardin du Luxembourg, right by the hotel. The “Luco”, as Parisians like to call it, was inspired by the Boboli Gardens in Florence and was created by order of Queen Marie de' Medici. Located on the border of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter, it’s a haven of peace of 25 hectares in the heart of Paris, perfect for whiling away the hours alone, with a loved one or with family. It’s also the perfect spot for a brisk jog near the hotel.

The Jardin du Luxembourg has always been a great attraction. Patrons love its shaded spots in summer, along with the harmony of the lines and perspectives. Overall, the park is fashioned in a French style, except for the side along the Rue Guynemer and the Rue Auguste-Comte which feature the winding paths of English-style gardens. At the end of the long pond and lied with trees, the Medici Fountain is one of Paris’ most romantic spots. Restored in the 18th and 19th centuries, it has seen numerous transformations and was also moved brick by brick in 1860 to save it from Baron Haussmann’s re-building of Paris. The activities and instillations in the park for children are endless, with puppet shows, roundabouts, slides and toy boats. Adults, both locals and tourists, can meanwhile play chess, tennis or bridge. The cultural programme is marked by free photography exhibitions on the park railings and by concerts under the bandstand.

The Musée du Luxembourg, located close to the French Senate housed in the Palais du Luxembourg and just 5 minutes from the hotel, was the first museum open to the public in 1750. In 1818, it became the first contemporary art museum. Its history is tied to that of the Palais du Luxembourg where it was once held, and the Senate, which is what made the museum go into its current building in 1884. Since 2000, the Musée du Luxembourg re-established its historical links with the Senate, who now help run it. It hosts large exhibitions (Pissarro, Rubens, Le Tintoret etc.) twice a year.