Palais du Luxembourg

The Basics

The Palais du Luxembourg has taken on numerous guises throughout its history. Originally created as a royal palace, it served as a prison during the French Revolution, housed senators appointed by Napoleon, and was occupied during World War II. Today, it houses the French Senate; as a result, you’ll often hear the building referred as “the Sénat.” Built in the Italianate style, and inspired by Florence’s Pitti Palace, the Palais du Luxembourg is also flanked by the Jardin du Luxembourg, a manicured public park that’s among the most popular in the city.

Generally, visiting hours are limited to days when the Senate is not in session (typically Mondays and Fridays) and group tours must receive advanced approval to visit. Otherwise, walking tours through the Jardin du Luxembourg are an excellent way to get acquainted with the site and admire the palace’s impressive exterior.

Things to Know Before You Go

• For organized group tours of the palace, the Senate recommends requesting a reservation roughly three months in advance.

• The Senate’s debates, typically held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, are open to the public, but visitors must obtain an invitation from a senator.

• The Jardin du Luxembourg, modeled on Florence’s Boboli Gardens, contains numerous fountains, statues, greenhouses, and other attractions.

How to Get There

Take Métro lines 4 or 10 to the Odéon, Mabillon, or Saint-Sulpice stations, which are all located just a short stroll away. The RER B additionally stops at the Luxembourg station. Alternatively, buses 58, 84, 89, and 96 stop nearby. The site can also be accessed on foot, by Velib’, or by car.

When to Get There

During the third weekend of September, the Senate opens its doors to visitors during European Heritage Days. Otherwise, while the Palais du Luxembourg can be tricky for visitors to access, the Jardin du Luxembourg appeals to flâneurs year round.

The Musée du Luxembourg

Located just steps from the Palais du Luxembourg, the eponymous museum is also a worthy stop. Originally located within the palace walls, it moved to its current location (in the palace’s orangery) in the 19th century. Today, it hosts a changing roster of temporary exhibitions.

What is the Luxembourg Palace (Palais du Luxembourg) famous for?

Luxembourg Palace (Palais du Luxembourg) is famous for being one of central Paris’ key monuments. First established as a royal residence, the landmark was later transformed into an art museum by Louis XVIII. Today, Luxembourg Palace (Palais du Luxembourg) is home to the French Senate.

How old is the Luxembourg Palace (Palais du Luxembourg) in Paris?

Construction on Luxembourg Palace (Palais du Luxembourg) started in 1612 and was completed in 1625. It was expanded in 1800 on the orders of Napoleon, and the Musée du Luxembourg was installed in two of its wings. It expanded again in 1879 when the museum was moved to make room for the Senate.

Who built the Luxembourg Palace (Palais du Luxembourg)?

Luxembourg Palace (Palais du Luxembourg) was first designed and built by architect Salomon de Brosse on behalf of Queen Marie de Médici, the mother of King Louis XIII. It was significantly altered in 1800 by architect Jean Chalgrin and was remodeled again in the mid-19th century by Alphonse de Gisors.

Can you visit the Luxembourg Palace (Palais du Luxembourg)?

Yes, you can visit Luxembourg Palace (Palais du Luxembourg)—but because it houses France’s Senate, visiting hours are restricted. Generally, the landmark is open to the public for European Heritage Days during the third week of September. Some tours take place on Mondays and Fridays when the Senate isn’t in session.

What can I see inside the Luxembourg Palace (Palais du Luxembourg)?

If you’re lucky enough to head inside the Luxembourg Palace (Palais du Luxembourg), you’ll see where the French Senate meets. You can also discover a range of opulent rooms and features, from the Messengers of State Room and the Conference Hall to the Library and grand staircase. And don’t miss the adjacent Musée du Luxembourg.

How do I get to the Luxembourg Palace (Palais du Luxembourg) using public transport?

It’s easy to get to the Luxembourg Palace (Palais du Luxembourg) using public transport. You can catch Métro lines 4 or 10 to Odéon station, or take the RER B commuter train to Luxembourg station; both are a 5-minute walk from the palace. Bus lines 58, 84, and 89 also stop outside of the palace.

Ways to explore

While guided tours of the Palais du Luxembourg are occasionally offered, the Senate building is typically off-limits to visitors. Instead, admire its magnificent Italianate façade, visit an art exhibition at the neighboring Luxembourg Museum, and then explore the surrounding Jardin du Luxembourg, home to the Medici Fountain and the Little Statue of Liberty.

Sightseeing tours of Paris also often stop at the Palais du Luxembourg, and it’s sometimes included on walking tours of the neighboring Saint-Germain-des-Prés district and Latin Quarter.

Accessibility

The gardens and museum are accessible for wheelchairs.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, reusable water bottle, wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen

What to wear

Flat, comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing

Not allowed

The Palais du Luxembourg is closed to the public for most of the year; group visits require approval from a senator.

Amenities

Public restrooms, drinking fountains

Address

The Palais du Luxembourg is located in the 6th arrondissement and is easy to reach by public transport from anywhere in central Paris.

Driving

Driving in the 6th arrondissement means contending with heavy traffic and expensive parking fees—it’s usually cheaper and faster to take the metro.

Public transportation

Take the metro line 10 to Mabillon or line 4 to Saint-Sulpice, both a short walk from the palace, or ride the RER line C to Luxembourg and walk five minutes through the Jardin du Luxembourg. Buses 58, 82, 84, and 89 also stop nearby.

Best times to visit

Anytime is a good time to admire the Palais du Luxembourg, but for fewer crowds, arrive before 10am.

Best days to visit

The Senate is typically in session Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and these are often the quietest days to enjoy the surrounding park.

Best months to visit

While there’s no best time to see the palace, spring and fall are the most idyllic times to stroll around the gardens. With a bit of luck, your visit will coincide with one of the temporary art exhibitions at the Luxembourg Museum.

Special events

The Palais du Luxembourg opens its doors to visitors for one weekend only during the annual European Heritage Days in September, offering free guided tours.