Palais du Luxembourg

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.