Quartier Latin - Luxembourg park

 Quartier Latin - Luxembourg park

The Latin Quarter of Paris is located on the left bank of the Seine, around the Sorbonne.

Known for its student life, lively atmosphere and bistros, the Latin Quarter is the home to many higher education institutions, such as the Ecole Normale Superieure, the Ecole des Mines de Paris, the Schola Cantorum, and the university campus of Jussieu or the Ecole Polytechnique. The area takes its name from the Latin language, which was once widespread in and around the University since Latin was the international language of learning in the Middle Ages.

The Luxembourg park is a private garden open to the public created in 1612 at the request of Marie de Medicis to accompany the Luxembourg Palace. The Parisians affectionately call it the "Luco".

The garden surrounds the Palais du Luxembourg, where the Senate seats. Redesigned by André Le Nôtre, it is very pleasant to walk around; you will also find an orchard, several varieties of apples, an apiary and a greenhouse with orchid collection. There are 106 statues, a bronze reduction of the Statue of Liberty.

The Luxembourg park counts 3 fountains whose great central fountain. It hosts sports activities including championship of France of the tennis court. Some prefer to play chess, bridge, boat or remote to relax on the many chairs in the four corners of the garden. Photo exhibitions are frequently installed on the railings outside.