By Graziella L. Photos by Laurent P. Posted Mar 4, 2023, 3:04 PM
The Jardin du Luxembourg, considered by tourists as “the most beautiful garden in Europe”, located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, hides a few little secrets, only known to local regulars. Ready to discover them?
If you are looking for a spot to sunbathe and admire the flowers when spring arrives, head to Luxembourg Garden, in the 6th arrondissement of Paris. Particularly appreciated by Parisians and the inhabitants of the district, tourists also love it since it has been designated as the “most beautiful garden in Europe“, just that! But do you know its history and the anecdotes that punctuate its beautiful lawns? We tell you everything!
The small nickname of the Luxembourg Garden
Have you ever heard of the Luke ? No ? This is relatively normal, because this small name is rather used by the inhabitants of the 6th, who have their habits and declare in a conversation “land near the Luco“. Now you will know that it is the diminutive of this famous Parisian garden, inspired by the Gallo-Roman roots of Paris. According to historians, it would be theabbreviation of Lucotitiusthe old name of the faubourg of Lutèce where is the current garden. Moreover, this name comes from the Gaulish Lucotetiameaning “swamp“, very close to “Lutetia” which formerly designated the capital.
The Senate Garden
When you walk around the Luco, therefore, you don’t stroll through just any Parisian garden. The latter is an exception to the rule, because it does not belong to the city, but to the Senate, upper house of the French Parliament! It is therefore the latter who governs the Jardin du Luxembourg, one of the only private parksand what happens there, the police of the prefecture cannot therefore intervene as easily as in the rest of the green spaces of the capital.
A hidden cave
In the middle of summer, the Medici cave is no longer so hidden, since everyone comes to enjoy the shade of the tall trees and the coolness of the fountain. But if you have the chance, don’t forget to come and see the Medici Fountaina real wonder that dates back to 1630. Commissioned by the Queen Marie de Medicithe fountain is now adorned by a statue of Polyphemus surprising Galatea in the arms of Aciswork of the sculptor Auguste Ottin. A particularly romantic place!
And a last one for fun, you can meet the oldest there merry-go-round of the capital, inaugurated in 1879 by Charles Garnier, the famous architect to whom we owe the sublime Paris Opera.
The Jardin du Luxembourg, an exotic setting in the heart of Paris
The Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris is a park very popular with both Parisians who call it “le luco” and tourists. A bucolic and very lively garden that delights those who have chosen to stroll there, especially with the arrival of fine weather! [Lire la suite]
The Jardin du Luxembourg, an exotic setting in the heart of Paris