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Luxembourg Palace
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The Luxembourg Palace, seat of the French Senate.

In Paris, one of the most famous metropolises in Europe, we find incredible palaces and magnificent gardens. However, there is one that deserves a special mention, and that is the Luxembourg Palace. This former castle is the seat of the French Senate, and its gardens are one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city.

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Palaces of Paris

A Florentine Palace for the Queen of France

In the 17th century, France was one of the most powerful monarchies in the region, ruled by the king, Henry IV, and his wife, Queen Marie de’ Medici. The regent came from an influential Italian family of great wealth and great prestige.

 

Maria de’ Medici soon separated herself from the French court, with whom she never had a good relationship. To achieve this, he left the Louvre Palace, seat of the court, and moved to the Luxembourg Palace.

 

This palace, built in the style of Florentine castles, was commissioned by the queen herself, who financed its design and construction. Upon completion, this immense three-story palace with endless gardens became the residence of the queen and Prince Louis XIII, her son.

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What is the Luxembourg Palace like?

Currently, the Luxembourg Palace is still an impressive structure, inside it it is possible to find different works of art, as well as wonderful halls and endless corridors.

 

However, the original design of the palace had to be modified numerous times, so not much remains of that first castle that Marie de’ Medici envisioned. This is because the place not only underwent various renovations, but was also used as a prison during the French Revolution, and as a barracks during World War II.

 

These changes greatly deteriorated the structure, but fortunately, it was able to be rebuilt. In addition, the Luxembourg Palace became a meeting place for Parisians, as its spacious gardens were transformed into a park open to the public.

 

Likewise, it is in the palace gardens where we can find some remnants of the old castle of the French queen. In addition, one of the local fountains is known as the Maria Medici Fountain.

 

However, other additions to the gardens were built, such as artificial lakes and spacious paths, which made it one of the favorite spaces for city dwellers looking for an oasis of relaxation. Similarly, near the main palace, there is now a smaller one, called Petit Luxemburg, home to the presidents of the French senate.

Tourism impact of the Luxembourg Palace

It is one of the most emblematic places in Paris, very visited because it is also located within the Luxembourg Gardens. The history of the building arouses much interest as well as its decorated interiors. Currently the Luxembourg Palace is the seat of the French Senate and guided tours are organized.

An important flow of people visit the Luxembourg Museum located in the former Orangery of the Luxembourg Palace. From this place it is customary to tour the entire area comprising the Luxembourg Palace, the Luxembourg Museum and the Luxembourg Gardens.

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How to go to the Luxembourg Palace?

The palace is located on the Boulevard de Saint Michel, between the streets of Vaugirad and Guynemer. To get there, you can go on foot or by taking the metro, since lines 4 and 10 of the Parisian underground pass near the Luxembourg.


Likewise, the entrance to the gardens is free, and these are open to anyone who wants to visit them. However, it is important to mention that the opening hours of the Luxembourg can vary according to the season, so it is recommended that you check the time that the gardens will open.


Lastly, we must remember that the Luxembourg Palace is one of the essential stops in Paris, and that yes or yes it has to be on your itinerary.

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