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

The post Luxembourg Gardens – One Of The Most Stunning Areas of Paris appeared first on Julia's Album.

from Julia's Album https://ift.tt/2L0YY5D
via IFTTT

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

The post Pont Alexandre III – The Most Beautiful Bridge in Paris appeared first on Julia's Album.

from Julia's Album https://ift.tt/2U5hblh
via IFTTT

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

The post The 20 Most Famous and Beautiful Landmarks of Paris appeared first on Julia's Album.

from Julia's Album https://ift.tt/2PtTLHZ
via IFTTT

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

The post 5 Most Beautiful Bridges over the Seine River in Paris appeared first on Julia's Album.

from Julia's Album https://ift.tt/2zheVxJ
via IFTTT