Description
Built in 1625 by Salomon de Brosse for Queen Marie of Médicis, the Palais du Luxembourg was a residence for the Royal Family before it was turned into a prison during the French Revolution. In 1800, Napoléon Bonaparte employed Chalgrin to transform the palace and the first senators took office in 1804. Initially, there were 80 senators collectively called the “Sénat Conservateur” and their purpose was to approve the Emperor’s decisions. After the fall of Napoléon in 1814, the Senate was replaced by the “Chambre des Pairs”. A few years later, space for the 271 people involved in the “Chambre des Pairs” was becoming an issue. Therefore in 1836, King Louis Phillippe employed architect Alphonse de Gisors to enlarge the palace to its current structure. During the Second World War, the palace was occupied, before being liberated in 1944. In 1958, Charles de Gaulle created the 5th Republic and the Senate that we know today. 321 senators gather in the Palais du Luxembourg in “commissions” to analyse written laws, with 6 permanent “commissions” who collect information from ministers, trade unions and a large number of both French and foreign experts.
The President of the Senate is the second most important figure in the country after the President of the Republic. The library contains some 450,000 books.
The President of the Senate is the second most important figure in the country after the President of the Republic. The library contains some 450,000 books.
Architectural style
- Rocaille
Collections
- Peinture
- Sculpture
Epoque des collections
- Baroque (XVIe - XVIIe)
Garden
Luxembourg Garden.
Services
Services and facilities of the establishment
- Gift shop
- Bookshop
Prices and times
Entrance fees and modalities
Group tour
Groups (maximum 30 people) must obtain approval from a senator.Free
Free tour for the European Heritage Days during the 3rd week of September.
Closing times
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, SundayOpening times
Palais du Luxembourg tours are organised on Mondays and Fridays, provided that the Senate is not in session, for a maximum of 40 people. Open for the European Heritage Days during the 3rd weekend of September.
Contact
Voir la carte
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Subway - Saint-Sulpice
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RER - Luxembourg
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Bus - 58, 84, 89
Disability
Offer adapted to disabled visitors
-
Physical
Accessibility information
- Physical disability: accessible lifts and visits, with adapted toilets on the ground and 1st floors.
Extend your search
Monument in the same district: Musée d'Orsay - Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Monument in the same arrondissement: 6th arrondissement
Monument in Paris and in the Paris Region: Monument
