headquarters during World War II, when air-raid shelters were built under the gardens. Symmetrically arranged around a courtyard which opens out through a triumphal entranceway topped by a dome, its east gallery houses the Musée du Luxembourg. The Orangerie, located in the private garden of the Petit Luxembourg, is the home of the President of the Senate.

Did You Know?

The Jardin du Luxembourg lies on a north-south axis with the Observatoire de Paris. This lines up with the meridian of Paris, which is slightly to the east of the garden’s central fountain, and is marked by a small plaque in the pavement where the low stone balustrade in front of the palace begins to curve.

Luxembourg

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