Paris is full of countless spots that feel custom-made for the hopeless romantics. From the bridges overlooking the Eiffel Tower to the balconies around Notre Dame, there is no shortage of places you can use as a backdrop for your Paris engagement pictures. If you are looking for a unique place that still captures the charm of the city, I think I have just the spot! As an English-speaking American photographer in France, I adore working with clients to help them pick out the perfect places for their pictures. Here’s why I always suggest Luxembourg Gardens in Paris!
About Luxembourg Gardens in Paris
Rue de Médicis – Rue de Vaugirard – 75006 Paris
As with most places in Paris, Luxembourg Gardens is a space that is positively rich in history. The roots date back to 1611 when Henry IV’s recent widow, Marie de Medici, decided she wanted to build a palace similar to Pitti Palace from her native city of Florence. Her first step was to purchase the Hotel du Luxembourg and commission the building of a new palace. She placed a fountain at the center before planting 2,000 elm trees throughout the ground. She also hired tons of gardeners to come in and fill the land with lush plants. In 1630, they extended the grounds to thirty hectares, and added even more gardens.
When Marie died, the gardens mostly stood abandoned, and Louis XVIII sold the eastern part in 1780 for real estate. The French Revolution wound up being the thing that saved it. Following the uprising, the leaders of the French Directory confiscated land from the nearby Carthusian monks and expanded the grounds to forty hectares. Over time, the park became home to a number of statues as well as outbuildings.
While much of the area has changed over the past several centuries, the fountain commissioned by Marie de Medici still stands. The Luxembourg Palace also remains, serving as the meeting place for the French Senate. Today, the grounds are more impressive than ever. It contains over 3,000 trees, 5,000 m² of flower beds, an orchard with more than 500 varieties of apple and pear trees, and 102 statues. It has been voted the most beautiful garden in all of Europe. Additionally, Luxembourg Gardens regularly sees over five million visitors each year. While you might have to deal with some tourists throughout your session, the end results will be worth it!
The Luxembourg Gardens Experience
Luxembourg Gardens currently offers 25 hectares that you can use throughout your photo session. Because the garden is in the heart of the city, you can easily duck away, spend an hour taking pictures around the grounds, and then head back into the more urban parts to continue your Paris photo session. For my photos, there are a number of spots I love incorporating.
First up is The Medicis Fountain located right at the center. The back of the fountain features a Grotto that was created in the image of Nymphaea, with Italian gardens surrounding it. While the fountain faced some damage during the French Revolution, several sculptors later restored it. They also added a small statue of Venus to the niche. When the fountain was moved in the 19th century, they added a fifty-meter-long basin in front, as well as some additional sculptures. It’s a peaceful spot, which is extremely popular with tourists and locals alike. Due to its popularity, people will stop by all day long to photograph the fountain. Additionally, people will sit along the reflecting pond and read books, enjoy a glass of wine, and catch up with friends.
While I have gotten the chance to photograph all sorts of magical moments here, my favorite was a surprise proposal in front of the basin with the grotto prominently in the backdrop. Surrounded by lush flowers and the serene structure behind us, it made for such an unforgettable moment!
After The Stunning Fountains
Once you are done with the fountain, the Luxembourg Gardens Orangery is worth a look! This building dates back to the 19th century, though Marie de Medicis commissioned a number of them throughout her life. This building is positively iconic with boxed citrus trees standing in front of the limestone arches. It’s said these trees date back over 250-300 years! During the warmer months, the hydrangeas are in full bloom, serving as a wonderfully colorful backdrop throughout your session.
I am personally a fan of The Davioud Pavillion. While this space currently hosts free horticulture classes, originally it served as a cafe with light blue accents added on top of the brick. The original Parisian bistro charm still stands, even if it no longer serves that purpose.
As we walk along the grounds, I tend to get some pictures beneath the trees. The garden is full of some pretty amazing varieties, some of which date back to the early 19th century. The garden has placed plaques in front so you can learn all about the varieties. While you might not want to read up during your session, I recommend stopping back here during your time in town so you can learn all about them. Trust me, these trees have seen a lot!
Lastly is The Medicis Aqueduct. This pumping station originally served in the 17th century for the Paris water supply. Pulling water from the Seine, it spent years providing water to the garden. It remains in service while adding lots of charm to the grounds. There are several cafe tables and chairs around the area where you can sit and share a quiet moment with your beloved.
The Palace
The Luxembourg Gardens Palace remains the crown jewel of the gardens. I love spending some time with my clients so we can get pictures with them standing in the backdrop. Throughout the warmer months, the area is full of bright red and pink flowers. There is a stone balcony that overlooks the area, putting the historic building prominently in the background while still letting you stay the star of the show. There are also staircases where you can stand with your partner and share a kiss.
Proposing at Luxembourg Gardens in Paris
The ideal time for a surprise proposal at Luxembourg Gardens is in the morning, no later than say, 9:00 am, depending on the season. In the gardens at that time, most people are jogging or walking for their daily exercise, and the fountain is generally really peaceful, perhaps with a few people enjoying their morning coffees, but much less busy than later in the day, and affords a lot more privacy.
Proposals at the Medici Fountain later in the day and early evening are possible too, but there are so many people at the fountain later in the day, that privacy is not to be expected and there will be quite a few people in the photos, as it’s unavoidable.
But how to get your loved one to the garden in the morning, also ensuring they’re “photo ready”? Some couples have a more casual style, so this isn’t as big a concern. If you want your loved one to look and feel their very best, you could indicate that you’re going to a nice breakfast or lunch, and that the attire for the day should be a bit more dressy. You’ll pass through the garden on your way somewhere else, and while there, get on one knee. It’s really quite a simple process, and with a little planning and my help as a Paris surprise proposal photographer, capture the moment to treasure forever.
A Real Proposal at Luxembourg Gardens in Paris
Paris has so many amazing locations, it can be difficult to choose a location for a Paris surprise proposal and engagement photoshoot. Most people prefer a view of the iconic Eiffel Tower, as this famous monument is what says “Paris” to them. However, there are couples who prefer another view of Paris, as the city has so much to offer. That’s why I was so enthused when Chapin, a young professional living in Brooklyn, New York City, reached out to me about his Paris surprise proposal. He wanted to propose to the love of his life, Star, on their trip to Paris, but he was looking for a location other than with an Eiffel Tower view.
After some discussion, it was decided that the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens in the 5th arrondissement or Paris, would make a lovely location. In summer especially, the gardens are bursting with color, and its romantic centerpiece, the Medici Fountain, is a perfect spot to get on one knee.
The Morning of the Proposal at Luxembourg Gardens
On the morning of their surprise proposal, Chapin and Star went on a walk in the gardens. Being early July, Star was dressed in a beautiful dress for the season. Chapin told her maybe they’d take some photos in the beautiful garden, so she’d brought along heels. I was waiting for them at the fountain. They did not know me, I was just there taking photos like a tourist. In the morning, it was peaceful, and at that moment, no one else was there.
Chapin quickly got on one knee and presented the ring to Star, who was so surprised and touched. It’s always a moving scene when a couple become engaged, and I love capturing these memories for them! Their proposal was followed by a champagne toast, with some delicious French champagne, and followed by a mini engagement session in the gardens. I took them to my favorite spots in the gardens, which of course, included one of the Statue of Liberty sculptures by French sculptor, Bartholdi. It seemed only fitting that this couple living in New York City should be photographed with the iconic symbol of their city.
You Will Not Believe The Photos We Capture Together At Luxembourg Gardens
With Luxembourg Gardens, you are going to have a dreamy space for your photo session. Featuring a diversity of backdrops as well as vintage Parisian charm, it’ll be the perfect spot to spend some time!
Are you still looking for your Paris photographer? Then I would love to connect! I am an English-speaking American photographer living in France, and I adore working with couples so they can have pictures that let them tell their love stories. If you think I might be the one for you, let’s chat! Send me a message today to find out more.
