Hotels near Jardin du Luxembourg

Jardin du Luxembourg covers 25 hectares behind the Palais du Luxembourg, laid out for Marie de Medici in 1612 and now run by the French Senate. It is the best park in central Paris for autumn colour because of the formal planting: rows of chestnuts and plane trees turning at the same rate, which produces whole avenues of yellow rather than scattered trees. The orchard in the southwest corner holds hundreds of heritage apple and pear varieties, harvested each autumn.

The green metal chairs are free and moveable, which is the point of the place. The Medici Fountain under its canopy of trees is the single best corner in October. The garden closes at dusk, so opening hours shrink through the month and the gates shut before 6.30pm by late October. Entry is free.

Pro Tip: Check the closing time posted at the gate when you arrive, not online. Staff blow whistles and clear the garden at dusk, and in late October that can be an hour earlier than you assumed when you sat down.