Luxembourg Gardens created in 1612 by Marie de’ Medici are famous for their beautiful fountains, tree-lined promenades, and sculptures. If you are in Paris, visiting Luxembourg Gardens is a MUST!

Luxembourg Gardens and Luxembourg Palace, Paris

Quick Facts about Luxembourg Gardens

• Luxembourg Gardens are situated on the left bank of the River Seine in Paris.
• The gardens cover 23 hectares.
• Luxembourg Palace was built in the 17th century to be the royal residence of Marie de’ Medici, who was the Queen of France as the second wife of King Henry IV of France.
• Marie de’ Medici commissioned to build a Luxembourg palace to imitate the Pitti Palace in Florence.
• The Luxembourg Gardens were created for the Luxembourg Palace.
• These days, the gardens are owned by the French Senate.

Luxembourg Palace, Paris

Where are Luxembourg Gardens located?

• Luxembourg Gardens are situated on the left bank of the River Seine, in the 6th arrondissement of Paris.
• Other nearby landmarks are Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, Pantheon, Odeon Theater, and Cluny Museum – National Museum of the Middle Ages.

How big are Luxembourg Gardens?

Luxembourg Gardens cover the area of 23 hectares.

Luxembourg Palace, Paris

Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris

Luxembourg Palace

Luxembourg Palace was built in the 17th century to be the royal residence of Marie de’ Medici, who was the Queen of France as the second wife of King Henry IV of France.
Marie de’ Medici commissioned to build a Luxembourg palace to imitate the Pitti Palace in Florence.

Luxembourg Palace, Paris

Luxembourg Palace, Paris

Luxembourg Palace, Paris

Tree-Lined Promenades

The Luxembourg Gardens represent a beautiful open-air green space and provide a great alternative to many crowded and touristy areas of Paris.
It’s wonderful to enjoy the shade provided by beautiful trees, especially during the hot summer days. The garden is immaculately groomed, and even the trees are beautifully shaped.

Tree-lined promenade, Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris

Tree-lined promenade, Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris

The Medici Fountain

The Medici Fountain was originally designed by Tommaso Francini, a fountain maker from Florence.
The fountain was ruined in the 18th century. However, in 1811, Napoleon Bonaparte ordered the fountain to be restored, which was done by Jean Chalgrin, the architect of the Arc de Triomphe.

the Fontaine de Medicis, Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris

the Fontaine de Medicis, Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris

Statues in the Luxembourg Gardens

There are numerous statues throughout the gardens. The notable group of marble statues is “The Queens of France and Famous Women” (or Reines de France et Femmes illustres in French). These 20 sculptures surround a large pond and the central green space in front of the Luxembourg Palace.

Other sculptures and monuments include Statue of L’Acteur Grec, Monument to Jean-Antoine Watteau, etc.

Below are the photos of just some of the sculptures that can be found throughout the gardens.

Statue of L’Acteur Grec

Statue of L’Acteur Grec, Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris

Statue of Berthe Ou Bertrade

Statue of Berthe Ou Bertrade, Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris

Statue of Clemence Isaure

Statue of Clemence Isaure, Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris

Statue of Jeanne D’Albret

Statue of Jeanne D’Albret, Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris

Statue of La Rein Mathilde

Statue of La Rein Mathilde, Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris

Statue of Marie Stuart

Statue of Marie Stuart, Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris

Statue of Sainte Genevieve

Statue of Sainte Genevieve, Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris

The Anne d’Autriche Statue

the Anne d’Autriche statue in Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris

Monument Aux Étudiants Résistants

Monument Aux Étudiants Résistants, Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris

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Pont Alexandre III is the most stunning bridge over the Seine River in Paris.   Famous for its gilded Fames sculptures, the nymph reliefs, and the overall intricate design, this is THE BRIDGE to see in Paris!

Pont Alexandre III – Bridge over the Seine, France

Quick Facts about Pont Alexandre III

• Pont Alexandre III has a total length of 160 meters and a width of 40 meters.
• The bridge connects the Champs-Élysées with the Invalides buildings and the Eiffel Tower.
• The bridge was named after Tsar Alexander III (the Emperor of Russia from 1881 until 1894).

Gilded Fames sculptures

Gilded Fames sculptures on Pont Alexandre III Bridge, Paris

Nymphs of the Neva relief

Nymphs of the Neva relief – Pont Alexandre III – Bridge over the Seine, France

Nymphs of the Neva relief – Pont Alexandre III – Bridge over the Seine, France

Socles crowned by gilded Fames sculptures

Socles crowned by gilded Fames sculptures – Pont Alexandre III – Bridge over the Seine, France

Socles crowned by gilded Fames sculptures – Pont Alexandre III – Bridge over the Seine, France

Socles crowned by gilded Fames sculptures – Pont Alexandre III – Bridge over the Seine, France

View of the bridge over the Seine River

Pont Alexandre III – Bridge over the Seine, France

Pont Alexandre III – Bridge over the Seine, France

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Paris is one of the world’s major cultural centers famous for its museums and stunning architecture. Discover the 20 Most Famous and Beautiful Landmarks of Paris!

Les Invalides, Paris

Paris is home to many recognizable buildings and structures including the Eiffel Tower, the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris, the Louvre museum, Musée d’Orsay, the Arc de Triomphe, the Basilica of Sacré-Coeur on the hill of Montmartre, and others.  It’s the city that is to be explored on foot or by a river cruise to absorb all the architectural beauty.

Paris has a reputation as the “City of Art”. In fact, the historical district along the Seine in the center of Paris is designated as a UNESCO Heritage Site. Discover the 20 Most Famous and Beautiful Landmarks in Paris!

1. Eiffel Tower

At 324 meters tall, the Eiffel Tower is the highest structure in Paris.  The Eiffel Tower was constructed for the Paris Universal Exposition of 1889.

Eiffel Tower, Paris

2. The Louvre Museum

The Louvre is one of the most visited art museums in the world.

Louvre Museum, Paris

3. Musée d’Orsay

The Musée d’Orsay is world-famous for its collections of French Impressionist art.

Musée d’Orsay, Paris

4. Notre Dame de Paris

Notre Dame de Paris, View from the Seine, Paris – photo taken in 2016

5. Les Invalides

Les Invalides, Paris

6. Pont Alexandre III

Pont Alexandre III is one of the most intricately designed bridges in Paris.   With a total length of 160 meters and a width of 40 meters, this bridge connects the Champs-Élysées with the Invalides buildings and the Eiffel Tower.   The bridge was named after Tsar Alexander III (the Emperor of Russia from 1881 until 1894).

Pont Alexandre III, Paris

7. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris (or Sacré-Cœur Basilica) is located at the summit of the butte Montmartre, Paris.

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, Paris, France

8. Place de la Concorde

Place de la Concorde, Paris, France

9. The Obelisk of Luxor

The Obelisk of Luxor is located at the Place de la Concorde, Paris, France.

The Obelisk of Luxor, Place de la Concorde, Paris, France

10. The Champ de Mars

The Champ de Mars is a large public green park near the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. It’s a great area for relaxing and walking. The greenspace grounds are tremendous and perfect for enjoying the view of the Eiffel Tower.

Champ de Mars, Paris.

11. Arc de Triomphe

Arc de Triomphe is located at the Place Charles de Gaulle at the western end of the Champs-Élysées (an avenue between the Place de la Concorde and the Place Charles de Gaulle). The Arc has a truly remarkable location: it’s situated at the center of twelve radiating avenues.

The arc commemorates the soldiers of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. The height of the arc is 50 meters.

12. Luxembourg Palace

Luxembourg Palace was built in the 17th century to be the royal residence of Marie de’ Medici, who was the Queen of France as the second wife of King Henry IV of France.

Luxembourg Palace, Paris

13. Église Saint-Sulpice

Église Saint-Sulpice is a Roman Catholic church in Paris. The church was constructed in Baroque style. The construction began in 1646 and was completed in 1870.

Église Saint-Sulpice, Paris

14. Fontaine Saint-Sulpice

The Fontaine Saint-Sulpice is located in Place Saint-Sulpice, Paris.

Fontaine Saint-Sulpice, Paris

15. Pantheon

Pantheon, Paris

16. Boulevard Saint Germain, Paris

Boulevard Saint Germain is a historic street famous for its many restaurants, bakeries, bars, and old cafés. Boulevard Saint Germain is located on the Left Bank of the River Seine. It’s a great place to walk and discover interesting restaurants, landmarks, and buildings.

Boulevard Saint Germain, Paris

17. Institut de France

Institut de France, Paris

18. Pont Neuf

With a total length of 232 meters and a width of 22 meters, Pont Neuf is the oldest standing bridge over the Seine River within Paris. The bridge was constructed between 1578 and 1607.

Pont Neuf – Bridge over the Seine, Paris

19. Pont Au Change

Pont Au Change connects The Place du Châtelet (a public square in Paris) on the right bank of the River Seine with The Île de la Cité (one of two remaining natural islands in the Seine within the city of Paris).

This bridge was built during the reign of Napoleon III and is marked with the letter “N” – his imperial insignia.

Pont Au Change- Bridge over the Seine, Paris

20. Pont d’Iéna

With a total length of 155 meters and a width of 35 meters, Pont d’Iéna connects the Eiffel Tower on the left bank of the Seine river with the Palais de Chaillot on the right bank.  The construction of the bridge was ordered by Napoleon I in 1807.  The bridge opened in 1814.

Pont d’Iéna – Bridge over the Seine River, Paris

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There are a total of 37 bridges crossing the Seine River within Paris. The riverbanks of the Seine are lined with some of the most iconic landmarks.  Discover the 5 Most Beautiful Bridges over the Seine River in Paris!

Pont Alexandre III Bridge, Paris – Nymphs of the Neva relief

The Seine River famously flows through Paris, under many beautiful bridges, and into the English Channel.  Activities related to the Seine River are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Paris. This includes the Seine River cruises, walking along the river banks, and crossing and admiring the river’s many bridges.

Louvre is seen from the Seine River, France

The riverbanks of the Seine River are lined with historical landmarks, such as the Louvre Museum, Musée d’Orsay, the Eiffel Tower, and Notre-Dame de Paris. There are 37 bridges crossing the Seine River as it flows through Paris. Many more bridges cross the Seine outside of the city. Discover the 5 Most Beautiful Bridges over the Seine River within Paris!

1. Pont Alexandre III

Pont Alexandre III is one of the most intricately designed bridges in Paris.   With a total length of 160 meters and a width of 40 meters, this bridge connects the Champs-Élysées with the Invalides buildings and the Eiffel Tower.   The bridge was named after Tsar Alexander III (the Emperor of Russia from 1881 until 1894).

Pont Alexandre III – Bridge over the Seine, France

2. Pont Neuf

With a total length of 232 meters and a width of 22 meters, Pont Neuf is the oldest standing bridge over the Seine River within Paris. The bridge was constructed between 1578 and 1607.

One part of the bridge connects the left bank of the Seine River to the Île de la Cité (one of two remaining natural islands in the Seine within the city of Paris). The second part of the bridge connects the island to the right bank of the river.

Pont Neuf, Paris

Pont Neuf – Bridge over the Seine, Paris

3. Pont Au Change

Pont Au Change connects The Place du Châtelet (a public square in Paris) on the right bank of the River Seine with The Île de la Cité (one of two remaining natural islands in the Seine within the city of Paris).

This bridge was built during the reign of Napoleon III and is marked with the letter “N” – his imperial insignia.

Pont Au Change- Bridge over the Seine, Paris

4. Pont d’Iéna

With a total length of 155 meters and a width of 35 meters, Pont d’Iéna connects the Eiffel Tower on the left bank of the Seine river with the Palais de Chaillot on the right bank.  The construction of the bridge was ordered by Napoleon I in 1807.  The bridge opened in 1814.  The bridge is named after Napoleon I’s victory at the Battle of Jena.

Pont d’Iéna – Bridge over the Seine River, Paris

5. Pont de la Concorde

With a total length of 153 meters and a width of 18 meters, Pont de la Concorde crosses the Seine River and connects The Quai d’Orsay on the left bank of the River Seine with The Place de la Concorde (the largest square in Paris) at the eastern end of the Champs-Élysées. The bridge was built between 1787 and 1791.

Pont de la Concorde – Bridge over the Seine, France

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Chateau Eza is a luxury boutique hotel on the French Riviera.   Situated high above the Mediterranean sea, in the medieval village of Eze, Chateau Eza offers breathtaking views of the Côte d’ Azur!

Chateau Eza, Eze Village, France

About Chateau Eza

• Location.  Chateau Eza is located in the stunning medieval Eze village in southeastern France.  It’s about 13 km away from Nice and only 9 km away from Monaco.  This boutique hotel is uniquely located high above the Mediterranean Sea, offering fantastic views of the French Riviera.
• History. Chateau Eza was built 400 years ago in the Eze village.  The chateau used to be the residence to a Swedish Prince.
• Rooms. This luxury boutique hotel has only 14 rooms and suites. That ensures a unique and personalized service. Some rooms and suites offer sea views and mountain views.
• Restaurant. Chateau Eza has a beautiful restaurant serving gourmet French and Mediterranean food. From the outdoor terrace, you can enjoy spectacular views of the French Riviera and the Mediterranean Sea.

Chateau Eza, Eze Village, France

Village Eze

Chateau Eza is located on the hilltop of the beautiful Eze Village. If you are not familiar with village Eze, keep in mind that you will have to walk up steep stairs from the foot of the village to get to the hotel. And, that’s the beauty of it. Chateau Eza is tucked away in a private and unique location.

Chateau Eza, Eze Village, France

How to get to Chateau Eza

Eze village is located about 13 km away from Nice and only 9 km away from Monaco.  The best way to get to Chateau Eza is by car.

First, you will arrive at the reception office at the bottom of the village.  From there, you will walk stone-paved paths and stairways to your room or suite.  The walk from the foot of the village to your room or suite should take about 5 to 10 minutes.

Eze Village, France

Warm Welcome

Once you reach the hotel, you are warmly greeted by friendly and professional staff and can enjoy a refreshing drink on an outdoor terrace with spectacular views.

Chateau Eza, Eze Village, France

Breathtaking Views

Chateau Eza is located on a rocky hilltop village on the Côte d’Azur.  It’s not surprising that the views from this hotel are amazing!

View of the Mediterranean Sea from Chateau Eza, Eze Village, France

View from Chateau Eza, Eze Village, France

View from Chateau Eza, Eze Village, France

Rooms

Rooms feature beautiful period decor and furnishings that will transport you back to medieval times with modern amenities.   Staying at Chateau Eza is like staying at the castle.

The rooms are located in various buildings, and it’s likely you will have your own staircase to access the room.  Because the hotel is located away from the city and car noise, you’ll get to enjoy peace and tranquility.

If you want to know what it’s like to stay at the castle high above the sea, Chateau Eza is a perfect place to choose.  Just take a look at the door to the room:

Door to the room, Chateau Eza, France

Bedroom at Chateau Eza

Bedroom at Chateau Eza

Bedroom at Chateau Eza

Bathroom

Bathrooms are modern and equipped with everything you might need!

Bathroom at Chateau Eza

Bathroom at Chateau Eza

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Bangkok is home to many stunning sights, including spectacular Buddhist temples, Hindu shrines, breathtaking skyline, and more.  Discover some of the best landmarks and attractions to see and experience in Bangkok!

Bangkok skyline at night

15 Best Things To Do in Bangkok

Bangkok’s most popular sights and landmarks include the Grand Palace, Wat Arun (a Buddhist temple on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River), Wat Pho (a Buddhist temple on the Rattanakosin Island), and Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha).

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand

Discover some of the best landmarks, attractions, things to do, to see and experience in Bangkok! The list below includes just a handful of sights, it’s by no means a complete list.  However, the list below provides a good snapshot of what Bangkok has to offer.

1. Wat Phra Kaew

Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is one of the most revered Buddhist temples in Bangkok. The statue of the Emerald Buddha is housed in the central phra ubosot of Wat Phra Kaew.

Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok

Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok

Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok

Kinnorn is a mythological bird-man figure at Wat Phra Kaew.

Kinnorn at Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok

Asurapaksi is a mythical being with the lower body of a bird.

Asurapaksi at Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok

Thepnorasingha at Wat Phra Kaew.

Thepnorasingha at Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok

2. Grand Palace

Grand Palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam for centuries.

The Phra Maha Montein Group at the Grand Palace
The Phra Maha Montein Group used to be the residential buildings of the kings.  The buildings include the public reception hall, ceremonial halls, and residential halls.

The Phra Maha Montein Group at the Grand Palace, Bangkok

Chakri Maha Prasat in the Grand Palace

Chakri Maha Prasat is the group of buildings in the Grand Palace, Bangkok.  These buildings feature the traditional Thai architecture combined with the 19th-century European style.  The state functions still take place in these buildings, and they are not open to the public.

Chakri Maha Prasat in the Grand Palace, Bangkok

3. Wat Arun

Wat Arun or Wat Arun Ratchawararam is a Buddhist Temple in Bangkok. This temple has existed for centuries and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Bangkok.

4. Statue of The Golden Buddha

The Golden Buddha statue is housed in Wat Traimit, a temple in Bangkok. The statue is 3 meters high.

5. Wat Saket

Wat Saket (Wat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan) is a beautiful Buddhist temple in Bangkok. It is also known as the Temple of the Golden Mountain.

6. Wat Pho

Wat Pho (Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan) is a spectacular temple dating back to the 16th century. Located on Rattanakosin Island in the city of Bangkok, it is also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

7. Wat Benchamabophit

Wat Benchamabophit is a temple famous for its marble pillars and a marble courtyard.  In fact, it is often referred to as The Marble Temple.

The construction started in 1899 and the temple was completed in 1911.

8. Asiatique The Riverfront

Asiatique The Riverfront is a huge open-air night marketplace in Bangkok.  The mall area has over 1,000 shops and numerous restaurants.  The mall has four districts: Chareonkrung District,  Factory District, Waterfront District, and Town Square District.  One of the most popular spots at Asiatique is the waterfront promenade.

Asiatique, The Riverfront in Bangkok

9. Town Square

Riverfront Town Square area is part of the Asiatique The Riverfront marketplace in Bangkok. Town Square is home to many restaurants and bars.

Town Square in Bangkok

10. Markets in Bangkok

Local markets in Bangkok are some of the most interesting markets in the world.   Many markets sell seafood, meat, fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, nuts, berries, etc.   Some markets sell clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry.  At others, you can find handicrafts, clothing, souvenirs, wooden furniture, wooden carvings, ceramics, silk, and many other types of merchandise.

If you are not in the shopping mood, it’s a great experience to wander through the markets in Bangkok.  It’s just fun to walk around and look at what is offered.   Visiting one or several local markets in Bangkok is a must!

Markets in Bangkok

11. Bangkok cityscape at daylight

Bangkok is a mesmerizing city that combines ancient temples and shrines with modern architecture.

Bangkok skyline during daylight

12. Bangkok Skyline at night

Bangkok is a beautiful city at night, with a stunning skyline.

Bangkok Skyline at night

13. Views from the Lebua at State Tower

Lebua at State Tower is an iconic hotel in Bangkok.  The hotel has a famous rooftop bar Sky Bar located on the 63rd floor with spectacular views of Bangkok.  Lebua at State Tower was the filming location of several movie scenes of The Hangover II movie.  The rooms of the hotel also offer breathtaking views of the city.

Bangkok skyline from Lebua at State Tower Hotel

14. Lumphini Park

Lumphini Park is a large park established in the 1920s by King Rama VI (the sixth monarch of Siam under the Chakri dynasty). The park is a popular spot for visitors, joggers, and people looking to enjoy open space with lots of trees and shade. There is an artificial lake in the park.

15. Boat Trip on the Chao Phraya River

The Chao Phraya River is the major river in Thailand, flowing through Bangkok and into the Gulf of Thailand. Take a boat trip along this scenic river when in Bangkok. There are many convenient boat options and sightseeing cruises. Many of the major city landmarks and sights are easily accessible from various points along this river in Bangkok.   Taking a boat trip is a great way to observe the scenery and the skyscrapers on the banks of the river.

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