Luxembourg Palace & Senate

Located in the charming Saint-Germain des Près area, the sumptuous Luxembourg Palace and Gardens were built by Marie de Médicis, widow of Henry IV. The major part of the construction took about ten years and in 1625, Marie moved in the west wing and her son, the future Louis XIII occupied the opposite side.

During the French Revolution, the palace become a prison for wealthy aristocrats who could afford being imprisoned in luxury conditions. In a sense, it was a five star prison! Right after the reign of terror, the Palace became the siege of the Directory, which ruled for five years.

Finally, late 1799, Napoleon rose to power and created the first Senate. The Luxembourg Palace became the home of this new Institution which greatly evolved but also experienced a few “disruptions” caused by the Restoration of Monarchy, subsequent Revolutions and 2nd Empire. The Senate had to “be born again” several times. Yet today, it is still located in the Luxembourg Palace.