The Luxembourg Palace was first constructed for Marie de Medicis in 1627 and the designer was Salomon de Brosse. It was originally intended as a Florentine palace to suit the taste of Marie de Medicis. In addition to the impressive Florentine design, there are decorations and embellishments of such as Rubens paintings which can be found on the walls of the large art gallery there. The library also has masterpieces from Eugene Delacroix. The practical usage of the palace has changed many times. The Jardin du Luxembourg was a prison during the Revolution but it is now a building that is used to house the Senate. The gardens of Luxembourg are a majestic sight for any passerby and they completely surround the palace itself. This extremely large park has grand sprawling lawns and an abundance of colorful flowers to please the senses. The sight always amazes the visitors who walk around comfortably along the winding paths through the park. The exquisite beauty of the various flowers and the shadows under the cool trees is very pleasurable. Children can even rent small boats here, and sail in the pristine ponds while their grandparents relax on the benches. Jardin du Luxembourg is a wonderful place to visit.