I realize answers will be subjective but is it worth visiting Luxembourg Gardens the first week of March? Will anything be blooming?
Strolled through and ate a baguette on a bench in the Tuileries in October and aside from the view of the Louvre pyramid it was pretty underwhelming IMO. Statues shrouded and not much in bloom.
Is Luxembourg more impressive?
Tuileries does nothing for me even in season. But Jardin du Luxembourg is one of my favorite spots in Paris. When I last visited Paris last May, it was fun to stay at a place almost across the street from the entrance, so I visited several times. (Of course, everything was blooming in May.) I haven't been in March, but I'd surely visit no matter what. It's not like you must devote half your day to it or anything. If you don't like it, move on to somewhere else.
Luxembourg Gardens is one of my all time relaxing places but I have learned that if it is before they move the plants out of the orangerie it’s not quite the same. Last year they came out in mid to late April. I’ve seen it in three seasons now but the first time was full bloom so I fell in love. March for a first time might come off underwhelming.
No gardens in Paris will be impressive the first week of March when it can still be bitter cold. However, if you're looking for the small stuff like snowdrops, crocuses, grape hyacinths and plum trees in bloom, early March can be very good if the weather is mild. Better still if you can get yourself to a place that has gardens sheltered from wintry weather by a hillslope like the Buttes Chaumont, Parc Belleville, Butte du Chapeau Rouge, Parc Montsouris, you'll find the bloom is a couple weeks ahead of Luxembourg.
Luxembourg Gardens is one of my favorite places to stroll or people watch. You will see locals walking or jogging the circuit or playing tennis or chess. Certainly the gardens will not be as pretty in March but the ambiance is still magnificent and, the myriad of statues are of interest. The cafe on the grounds is really quite good and reasonable really. There may be an exhibit of interest at the Luxembourg Museum which is small but typically has noteworthy exhibits. I’d suggest it’s worth a visit, especially as it’s a five minute walk from place St Sulpice and all the area has to offer. Ten minute walk from the Pantheon and Madame Curie Museum as well.
Nothing much will be blooming in the first week of March, except for some crocuses and primaveras.
The trees will not be leafed out, but the statues might be unwrapped, if it isn't below freezing.
French gardens are not primarily flower gardens although the Luxembourg gardens in mid to late April are filled with bulb flowers and a truly magnificent sight. Early March, there won't be any significant floral displays, but it is still a beautiful traditional garden. But then I like the Tuilleries -- sitting and reading by the fountain pool with the beautiful Haussmann buildings around the park and the Louvre chateau in front of you is stunning IMHO.
Have stayed opposite Luxembourg Gardens twice now, both times in March!
Nothing is blooming then, but the park is still well used, and is always full of people walking, running, walking dogs, kids playing.
The pond may have boat rentals for kids to sail (toy boats) if the sun is out and it warms up a bit; so that's fun to watch.
I think it's a weather question. If it's freezing out, there's no reason to stay outside and freeze. There are plenty of indoor options. If it's nice out, it's certainly worth a visit. Luxembourg is my favorite of the big outdoor gardens. Jardin des Plantes is a different look and feel but also a nice park; it might be colder, as I recall it offers more shade. I didn't particularly like Tuileries either, to me it feels like mobs of people passing through rather than a relaxing park.
If there is a hard wind - the Luxembourg Jardins and every other park will be closed, due to the possibility of falling limbs.
Just so you know, March winds are fierce.
My wife and I will also be in Paris the last week of March. I wish it would be a month later to enjoy more of the plants and florals. Any other suggestions for late March weather?
Depending on the weather previously, late March can be lovely with blooming fruit trees, red buds, daffodils, early tulips. I say "can be" because all depends upon how the weather late winter into spring has been. Like in most temperate climates, spring can come early, on time, or late. No guarantees.
Was there in April 2015. It’s relaxing and a nice place for people watching. As a park, other than the Medici fountain, I found nothing special about it. Doesn’t compare to Retiro Park in Madrid.
"Just so you know, March winds are fierce."
I agree, Chexbres.
I was walking through the Luxembourg Gardens one day, and there were signs being put up with a lovely cartoon of a person being blown away by the forecast winds; warning you to be careful.
Shortly thereafter, they closed the park.
