Crawl Notes | Heritage Days | Le Sénat in Paris
Heritage Fostered Through Open Doors
Le Sénat
One of my favorite places in Paris is the Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Gardens) on the left bank. The immense grounds creates a wonderful respite from the bustling streets encompassing it. But it can get a bit boisterous depending on the time of year and the weather. You'll often find people lounging in the lawns, playing tennis, chess, pétanque, or launching little sailboats in the fountain. But you can always find a little spot somewhere to enjoy some peace and quiet.
The name Luxembourg comes from the latin name of the hill that it sits on, Mons (hill) Lucotitius (slope). I was curious why it was named that way for a while and so this gave me an occasion to find out why. Today, it's also known as the Jardin du Sénat, (Senate Garden) because the palace that you undoubtedly have seen houses what is the French Senate.
And while it's closed off to those who have official business there it opens its doors to the public once a year for free. You don't even need a ticket. The only thing you'll need as Guns N' Roses once sang, "is just a little patience."
Heritage Days | JEP (Journées européennes du patrimoine)
European Heritage Days Flyer
Les Journées Européennes du Patrimoine or Heritage Days was created in 1984 by the Ministry of Culture. It was originally called "Journées Porte ouvertes des monuments historique." That mouthful comes out to something like days of open doors to historic monuments. I think. It's an open house essentially.
It was seen as a way to protect and promote the country's heritage by opening what are typically closed doors to the public, creating a bridge to offer a connection. The initiative proved to be a success, so much so that other European countries have followed suit and it is now know as European Heritage Days.
The event in Paris usually happens in late September which coincided with a trip there one year. That's how I was introduced to the event. Many popular attractions are open for free during the few days, but for me, it was the places that typically aren't open to the public that piqued my interest.
The most coveted one is the Élysee Palace which is the office and residence of the French President. For that one you'll need to secure a ticket to get in, which I was too late for. So I looked to Le Sénat since it would be the only time of year it would open its doors to the public.
Visiting Le Sénat
Whenever you combine free with limited time only, the result is usually what separates us from the rest of the animal kingdom, forming a healthy long line. And this one went on for a minute. Like 90 minutes at one point as a helpful sign informed us outside of the park.
So wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Hopefully the weather will be nice, it usually is this time of year. And budget a good half day for this one so you don't feel too rushed.
As you do the Luxembourg shuffle around the park you'll be treated to some nice views like the famed Medici Fountain, named after Marie de Médicis, the Queen of France, married to King Henry IV. She commissioned the palace after all.
Upon entering there are pamphlets and people helping guide you along. They were all so helpful and gracious with all the guests.
Luxembourg Palace
Luxembourg palace
Ground Floor (1st floor for U.S.)
Room 1 | Gallery of Questeurs
Room 2 | Room of the Golden Book
Room 3 | Offices of a Vice-President of the Senate
Room 4 | Modular Construction and the Court of Honour
Room 5 | René Monory Hall
First Floor (2nd floor for U.S.)
Room 6 | Library Annex
Room 7 | Victor Hugo Lounge
Room 8 | Conference Hall
Room 9 | Senate Chamber
Room 10 | Library
Room 11 | Questeur's Office
Room 12 | Departure Cabinet
Room 13 | Messengers of State Lounge
Room 14 | Queen's Bedroom
Room 15 | Main Staircase(or twist)
The tour of Luxembourg Palace takes you through two floors and starts on the east wing of the building before taking you outside to the Court of Honor.
As you come back inside you go up to the second floor where the biggest highlights were for me: the Conference Hall, Senate Chamber, Library Annex, Library, and Main Staircase.
Palais du Luxembourg Photo Gallery
Senate Chamber
Library
Petit Luxembourg | Residence of the President of the Senate
Petit Luxembourg
Left Wing (West)
Room A | Office of the Director of the Cabinet
Room B | Office of the President of the Senate
Room C | Queen's Chapel
Room D | Stairway by Boffrand
Right Wing (East)
Room E | Ushers' Lounge
Room F | Tapestries' Lounge
Room G | Grand Salon
Room H | Purple Lounge
Room I | Napoleon Lounge
Once you exit Luxembourg Palace you'll take a walk over to the next part of the tour, The Petit Luxembourg.
This was a separate mansion that was purchased and renamed to avoid any confusion with the larger palace. It is the residence of the President of the Senate.
While much smaller (it's only a mansion after all), there were a few standout moments for me. The stairway by Boffrand and the Napoleon Lounge where a giant marble tablet on the wall has an engraving of one of his letters to the senators.
Final Impressions
By the end of the tour I was feeling a bit fatigued in a lobster too buttery, steak too juicy sort of way. The history, the opulence, the architecture, I'm sure someone could make a semester long course about it all and you'd probably only scratch the surface.
The novelty of being able to visit such a place isn't lost and the concept behind this idea is fantastic and appropriate. The men and women who serve here represent their constituents and in essence it is a place for the people.
After my visit here I attended an art exhibition on the grounds at the Orangerie at the Jardin du Sénat, "So Paris." One of the artist, Alex Hillkurtz, is a friend of a friend so it made for a memorable day.
If you happen to be visiting during this time of year take a look into Heritage Days whether it's visiting the Le Sénat or one of the many other sites.
Crawl Notes
Le Sénat at Luxembourg Palace
Heritage Days
Address
Le Sénat
15 Rue de Vaugirard, 75006 Paris, France
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