20 Queen Statues in the Luxembourg Garden, Paris - The series of Queens and Illustrious Women
Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Garden) is one of the most magical places in Paris and has something for everyone to enjoy. Have you seen the series of statues that encircle the Grand Bassin (the boating pond) in front of the Palais du Luxembourg? These 20 sculptures that are arranged on either side of the large flowerbeds are of French queens, saints and illustrious women who have marked the history of France.
The series of 20 intricate and delicately sculptured statues is called Serie des Reines et Femmes Illustres and they honour the historical women who through their lives and works left their mark on France. You can see some of the statues in the above photo erected around the Grand Bassin.
Luxembourg Garden Queen Statues
With the exception of one sculpture acquired in 1874 (Marguerite d'Anjou), these sculptures were commissioned between 1843 and 1846 at the initiative of the Ministry of the Interior responsible for Fine Arts and the Grand Referendum of the Chamber of peers. Come with me as we tour the Luxembourg Garden queen statues with photos, a brief history of each queen and what to look for in each statue. See if you spot the same details, and what I love on each sculpture, as we wander the garden together.
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The 20 Queen Statues in the Luxembourg Garden
The creation and installation of this series of sculptures was part of the major works to enlarge the Luxembourg Palace and re-organise the flowerbeds carried out in 1836 and 1841 by the architect Alphonse de Gisors.
A few notable queens standing guard in the garden include Anne of France who was once one of the most powerful women in the late fifteenth century and was called Madame la Grande (The Great Lady). Anne Marie Louise d'Orléans who was known as La Grande Mademoiselle. She wanted to marry for love. When her parents wouldn't approve she opted not to marry at all. What a story!
Though originally Joan of Arc was included in 1852, her statue was removed for preservation and replaced in 1877 by Margaret of Anjouleme.
Bertha of Burgundy also wanted to marry someone who wasn't pre-approved. In her case it was her cousin. They were too closely related for their marriage to be approved.
Anne of Brittany is honoured with her own statue in the garden and one of her calls to fame is that she joined Brittany to France. Brittany became part of France in 1532.
Margaret of Provence was the wife of Louis IX, and as well as her royal marriage, her sisters also married well. Her younger sisters became the Queen of England, Queen of Germany and Queen of Sicily.
Marie de Medici was the queen who created Jardin du Luxembourg so it is fitting she is also included in the 20 queens that stand tall and proud overlooking the pride of Paris, the Jardin du Luxembourg.
Below each of my photos taken of the 20 queen statues is a brief overview of why each woman is so important to France. I love standing in front of these intricate statues looking closely at the jewellery, clothing, facial expressions and crowns. It's easy to think they are all very similar, but on close inspection, each is very unique and tells the story of the woman it is honouring. Next time you visit the Luxembourg Garden take some time to study these beautiful and elegant statues who watch over everyone who visits 'their' garden.
Why are these women honoured?
These 20 famous women are honoured for their impact in different ways.
Political power & regency: Figures like Marie de Medici, Anne of France, Louise of Savoy, Blanche of Castille and Anne of Austria ruled or governed France during pivotal moments.
Spiritual leadership: Saints Clotilde, Bathilde and Geneviève played vital roles in early Christian history and Paris’s heritage.
Cultural patronage & literary influence: Marguerite of Navarre, Clémence Isaure and Laure de Noves fostered arts and literature.
Influence beyond France: Matilda, Margaret of Anjou and Mary Stuart impacted English history and dynastic politics.
Sainte Genevieve, Patron Saint of Paris
Luxembourg Garden Queen Statue #1 - Sainte Geneviève, Patron Saint of Paris 423-512
Saint Geneviève was the patron saint of Paris, credited with rallying Parisians during Attila’s siege through her prayers and leadership. Born in Nanterre as a peasant girl, she became revered and is honoured with a statue.
What I love most about this statue is Sainte Geneviève's delicately carved braids. Her long hair gracefully falls down her chest in her long braids.
Sainte Clotilde, Queen of France
Luxembourg Garden Queen Statue #2 - Sainte Clotilde, Queen of France 545
Saint Clotilde was a Burgundian princess who married Clovis I of the Franks and was instrumental in his conversion to Christianity. This is considered to be the foundation of France’s Christianisation. She is the patron of queens, widows and brides.
What I love most about Sainte Clotilde is how you can see her bent knee hidden under her gown as she rests her arm on an ornate pillar. Her bracelet is a beautiful delicate addition on her wrist.
Sainte Bathilde, Queen of France
Luxembourg Garden Queen Statue #3 - Sainte Bathilde, Queen of France 626-680
Sainte Balthilde (Saint Bathild) became Queen of Francia when she married Clovis II. The key points in her life include being enslaved in her youth, but later to become regent and a Christian convert who sponsored monastic foundations. Her three sons, Clotaire, Childeric and Theuderic all became kings.
What I love most about this statue is Sainte Geneviève's delicately carved braids. Her long hair gracefully falls down her chest in her long braids.
Luxembourg Garden Queen Statue #4 - Berthe ou Bertrade, Queen of France 720-783
Berthe ou Bertrade was Queen of the Franks by marriage to King Pippin and mother of Charlemagne. Queen Berthe is famed as the matriarch and influencer at the Carolingian court. With a strong fierce look on her face, in her hand she holds a small throne that her son Charlemagne sits on under the rustling trees on a perfect fall day.
The little throne of Charlemagne in this sculpture of Berthe ou Bertrade is my favourite thing of all the 20 sculptures. Ever since visiting Aachen, the capital of Charlemagne's empire, in Germany many years ago and spending lots of time in the exceptionally stunning cathedral, museum and historical city, I've had a particular interest in this incredible medieval emperor.
"Charlemagne was the first medieval emperor to rule from Western Europe. After the death of his father and brother, he became the sole ruler of the Franks. In the first decades of his reign, he concentrated on securing and expanding his empire.
In numerous campaigns he extended his empire’s borders ever further. He eventually ruled over a territory that, at the time of its greatest expansion, extended from Spain to Saxony and from Denmark to Central Italy." - Aachener Dom
Queen Mathilde, Duchesse de Normandie
Luxembourg Garden Queen Statue #5 - Queen Mathilde, Duchesse de Normandie 1031-1083
Matilda of Flanders was Queen of England and Duchess of Normandy by marriage to William the Conqueror, and regent of Normandy during his absences from the duchy. She was the mother of nine children who survived to adulthood, including two kings, William II and Henry I.
Look carefully and you'll see Queen Mathilde has been represented with soft garments made of panels and edged with lace. But don't let this softness fool you, she also stands tall and powerful amongst her finery and lace with sharp sword at the ready.
Blanche de Castille, Queen of France
Luxembourg Garden Queen Statue #6 - Blanche de Castille, Queen of France 1188-1252
Blanche of Castille was queen consort of Louis VIII and regent during the minority of Louis IX (“Saint Louis”). Well known for her strong leadership and moral authority, she also raised her children to love the arts and taught them both French and Latin.
Blanche of Castille could almost be walking in the castle flower filled garden as she carefully holds her longer gown up to her chest to protect it from the grass and flowers. How the fabric drapes is what I love most about this statue.
Luxembourg Garden Queen Statue #7 - Marguerite de Provence (Margaret of Provence), Queen of France 1219-1295
Marguerite de Provence (Margaret of Provence) was Queen consort of Louis IX (Saint Louis). She accompanied him on crusades and is associated with saintly piety and charity. Interestingly all of her sisters were also queens; Queen Eleanor of England, Queen Sanchia of Germany and Queen Beatrice of Sicily.
With a bodice that hugs tight to her chest and waist you can see the fasteners, maybe heavy jewels, on display in this statue. Of particular note is her prominent cross necklace.
Laure de Noves, Queen of France
Luxembourg Garden Queen Statue #8 - Laure de Noves, Queen of France 1307-1348
Laure de Noves was a Provençal noblewoman born in Avignon, the daughter of a knight. Remembered as Petrarch’s muse and who was an emblem of poetic inspiration rather than political influence.
With rather less pomp and display of power, Laure de Noves seems to be reflecting and looking down on the visitors that glance up at her. I think the reflective expression in her gentle face is beautiful.
Valentine de Milan, Duchess of Orleans
Luxembourg Garden Queen Statue #9 - Valentine de Milan, Duchess of Orleans 1370 - 1408
Valentine de Milan married Louis de Valois, Duke of Orléans and was politically influential in her marriage alliances and dynastic lineage in late medieval France. The Duke and Duchess had eight children, most notably Charles, Duke of Orleans, father of Louis VII.
I just stared and stared at the carefully sculpted tasselled cord and book that Velentine de Milan holds. Made of marble I kept reminding myself!
Marguerite d'Anjou, Queen of England and France
Luxembourg Garden Queen Statue #10 - Marguerite d'Anjou (Margaret of Anjou), Queen of England and France 1429-1482
Marguerite d'Anjour (Margaret of Anjou), was queen consort of England via marriage to Henry VI (Henry II in France). She is famous for her involvement in the Wars of the Roses. She ruled the kingdom when her husband struggled with insanity.
Strong and powerful in her stance, Margaret of Anjou, looks all Queen! Her dominating headdress is an impressive regal choice.
Anne de Beaujeu, Regent of France
Luxembourg Garden Queen Statue #11 - Anne de Beaujeu (Anne of France), Regent of France 1460-1522
Anne de Beaujeu (Anne of France) was the eldest daughter of Louis XI and as Charles VIII's sister she acted as de facto regent in his early reign. She exercised strong political power.
What I love most about Anne of France is her long cape that spills behind her and the second crown resting on the pedestal. I'm not sure what this additional crown represents though.
Louise de Savoie, Regent of France
Luxembourg Garden Queen Statue #12 - Louise de Savoie (Louise of Savoy), Regent of France 1476-1531
Louise de Savoie (Louise of Savoy) was the mother of King Francis I and served as regent. She skilfully governed France during his absences, securing his legacy. Born to Philippe II, the Duke of Savoy, Louise was a noblewomen before her marriage to Charles of Orléans.
The ruched sleeves and ruffled cuffs are quite different to the sleeves of many of the other statues and Louise of Savoy doesn't have additional items like many of the other queens. She appears to be mid-command displaying her might and power with a single action.
Luxembourg Garden - Anne de Bretagne, Queen of France 1477-1514
Luxembourg Garden Queen Statue #13 - Anne de Bretagne, Queen of France 1477-1514
Anne de Bretagne (Anne of Brittany) was queen of France through two marriages, Charles VIII and Louis XII. She sought to preserve Breton autonomy and is honoured as a significant cultural patron. You may know her for the beautiful châteaux she created, Château Blois and Château Amoise.
The queen of the region I live in Brittany, so how could I not love her? Looking a bit bemused I think, but that belies her incredible tenacity to rule as Queen of France through two marriages and fight for the independence of Bretagne (Brittany).
Marguerite d'Angouleme, Queen of Navarre
Luxembourg Garden Queen Statue #14 - Marguerite d'Angoulême, Queen of Navarre 1492-1549
Marguerite d’Angoulême (Margaret of Navarre) was the sister of Francis I and was married to Henry II of Navarre. She was a prolific writer of poems, plays and short stories, and was a patron of the arts and reformer. Marguerite of Navarre was known as “Mother of the French Renaissance”. Together with her brother Francis I, they created a more intellectual and cultural court life.
There's a lot to love about Margaret of Navarre. Her thoughtful gaze, fingers under her chin, flowers at her right hand and especially peeping out from under her skirt overlay, her 'golden' chain.
Luxembourg Garden Queen Statue #15 - Jeanne d'Albret (Jeanne III), Queen of Navarre 1528-1572
Jeanne d’Albret (Jeanne III of Navarre) was Queen of Navarre in her own right. She was mother of Henry IV of France and a Protestant leader in the Wars of Religion.
The stand out for me on Jeanne d'Albret's marble sculpture is the 'golden' chain that runs the full length from her waist to the edge of her inner skirt. It's hard to believe when you see the crispness of this carving to believe its stone.
Marie Stuart, Queen of France
Luxembourg Garden Queen Statue #16 - Marie Stuart (Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots), Queen of France 1542-1587
Marie Stuart, (Mary Stuart Queen of Scots) was born Queen of Scotland and was briefly Queen of France. In July 1559, Henri II unexpectedly died from an injury incurred at a royal tournament, and on 18 September 1559, the Dauphin François II became king of France and Mary became the queen consort. Mary was executed by Elizabeth I following political intrigue.
The art in recreating the delicate and intricate crown atop Mary Stuart's head and the impossibly high stiff ruffle is amazing. I wonder is she had a long neck or it's just the sculpture's artistic impression? Anyway, I love her neck, ruffle and especially her crown.
Marie de Médicis, Queen of France
Luxembourg Garden Queen Statue #17 - Marie de Médicis (Marie de Medici), Queen of France 1573-1642
Marie de Medici was Queen of France and Navarre, consort of Henry IV, and regent for Louis XIII. She was born into the wealthy and powerful House of Medici and commissioned the Luxembourg Palace and promoted arts in France. Famous for her political intrigues, we have her to thank for creating the Jardin du Luxembourg.
Looking resplendent and dominating over her subjects and all visitors to the garden is Marie de Medici. Her full regal dress is dramatic and her hair is piled high. To me, she'll always be the Queen of the Garden. I think it's a ring on her right hand. No smiles here, just strong powerful leadership. She may be my favourite queen statue.
Anne d'Autriche, Queen of France
Luxembourg Garden Queen Statue #18 - Anne d' Autriche (Anne of Austria), Queen of France 1601-1666
Anne of Austria was Queen of France as the spouse of Louis XIII and mother of Louis XIV. She served as regent and was central in the rise of Cardinal Mazarin and absolutism. Cardinal Mazarin built the impressive Collège des Quatre-Nations which is now the Institut de France and home and headquarters of five French intellectual academies. The most famous of which is l'Académie Française.
A heavily decorated, maybe with jewels or embroidery, top cape sits firmly on Anne of Austria's shoulders. Can you see the little bows that hold her sleeve sections together? I love these.
Anne Marie Louise d'Orleans, Duchess of Montpensier
Luxembourg Garden Queen Statue #19 - Anne Marie Louise d’Orléans, Duchess of Montpensier 1627-1693
Duchesse de Montpensier (Marie Louise d’Orléans) was born in the Louvre and referred to by the title the "Grande Mademoiselle” on account of her father, Gaston de France, the brother of King Louis XIII. Her father was known as the “Grand Monsieur”. She was a great wealthy princess who opposed Louis XIV and lived her final years in the Luxembourg Palace. Her memoirs are still considered a precious resource by historians.
Neck lace in bows, heavy corsetry and ringlets, this is a very feminine sculpture. I mostly love the underneath of her gown which looks to be of a softer material because being protected by the outer dress layers, the marble is whiter and less weathered. Maybe not as the sculptor would have deliberately intended, but I love how nature and weather has highlighted the amazing work of the artist who created this statue for us all to admire.
Clémence Isaure, Legendary patron
Luxembourg Garden Queen Statue #20 - Clémence Isaure - A French legend
Clémence Isaure is the legendary patron from Toulouse believed to have revived the Jeux Floraux, the Floral Games, which encouraged poetry and literature in Occitan tradition. In Toulouse she is also honoured with a sculpture, paintings and buildings dedicated to her.
With the inside of her cape embellished with leaves and flowers, it's a sweet reminder of what the patron Clémence is honoured for. I love how her waist and body movement has been captured in this statue.
When you're next in the beautiful Luxembourg Garden, maybe take a little time to wander and see a few of these magnificent marble sculptures and take a moment to appreciate the achievements of these 20 women during their lifetime and the lasting influence they had on France.
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