The Luxembourg Gardens are the ideal place to take a stroll, relax in the sun or let the kids play. This large park in the heart of Paris, at the foot of the Senate, is remarkable for more than one reason. But what interests us today is the little legal curiosity that means police officers aren't allowed to do as they please in this garden.
The Jardin du Luxembourg, an exotic setting in the heart of Paris
The Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris is a popular park with Parisians, who call it "le luco", and tourists alike. A bucolic and lively garden, it's a delight for those who choose to stroll here, especially with the arrival of fine weather! [Read more]
As the Actu Paris website reminds us, the Luxembourg Gardens were built in 1612, at the request of Marie de Médicis, Queen of France and wife of Henri IV. Located in the 6th arrondissement, it borders the Palais du Luxembourg, which today houses the Senate, the upper house of the French Parliament. In fact, the garden is administered by the Senate. It is the Senate that has authority over the site, and police officers from the Prefecture can only intervene at its request.
The Luxembourg Garden is a private park , under the authority of the Senate, which is responsible for enforcing its rules. This is an unprecedented situation in Paris, which has 490 municipal parks, gardens and squares.
As a result, the security guards you see at the Luxembourg are members of the Senate staff, sworn in by the Procureur de la République. They are responsible for security,public order and the tranquility of the gardens. They can assist visitors and are responsible for maintaining the conversation of this immense 23-hectare estate.
In Paris, only seven gardens are not managed by the city: the Palais-Royal garden, the Tuileries and Louvre gardens, the Hôtel des Invalides garden, the Jardin des Plantes, the Parc de la Villette and the Jardin d'Acclimatation.
The Jardin du Luxembourg, an exotic setting in the heart of Paris
