Paris Park Chairs – The Story Behind Those Green Chairs!

Close your eyes. What is the first thing that pops into your head when someone says “Paris park?” Is it “those green Parisian chairs?” Or, “Luxembourg chairs?” Yes! Me too! If you visit any of the major parks in Paris, you will indeed find those iconic green chairs somewhere near a fountain or grouped together under trees (or, in the case of Palais Royale, with beautiful quotes carved into them).

Whatever you answered (“Luxembourg” or “green chairs”), it probably wasn't “Senat chairs” or something with the company name “Fermob” unless you have read up on your history, but that's okay because that's what I am here for!

The History Behind Paris's Green Park Chairs

Even though they're such an integral part of Parisian culture and park aesthetics, and they symbolize the whole of French design, many people aren't aware of the rich history surrounding these Paris park chairs. Before the 18th century, Paris parks had benches.

Parisians of a certain class used the parks for social gatherings to see and be seen; governesses and nannies took children to the parks; and betrothed couples could go on a “date” in public. The benches weren't very comfortable, and individual chairs started to appear.

Some enterprising Senators decided the park needed folding chairs for the Jardin du Luxembourg. The Jardin du Luxembourg and the Palais de Luxembourg are where the French Senate works, and they are managed directly by the French Senate, as they have been since 1853. They hired a company to rent out chairs for the park and the cafes surrounding it, where demand was high due to an ever-expanding café culture.

Of course, Parisians balked at paying high rates to sit on a chair, and in 1843, the Senate ordered 1,500 chairs to be rented at the set price of ten centimes. (People still had to pay to rent chairs in the Jardin du Luxembourg as late as 1974!

The chairs that we recognize today as SENAT chairs came into existence in 1923 and first showed up in the Jardin du Luxembourg (also why the chairs are often referred to as Luxembourg chairs, even though it isn't quite the same; more on that, keep reading!) and then started popping up in all the major parks throughout Paris. These chairs wear a signature muted green, a shade close to RAL 6013, that has been tied to Paris park furniture ever since.

Almost silently, they spread across the paths and near the ponds in the Jardin du Luxembourg. Whether the area was covered by beautiful trees or out in the glorious Parisian sun, the SENAT chairs were there, waiting to be lovingly used.

What is so interesting about these chairs is that their origin- who originally came up with the design and who manufactured them- is a mystery! I find that fascinating!

What we do know is that the original style was crafted in the Paris parks department, in the garden's ironworks shop, and was made of steel, so heavy, maybe making them less likely to disappear from parks… They also required regular maintenance and painting.

As you can imagine, these chairs got quite a bit of use; after all, Parisians love their park time. Then add in tourists, etc and by 1990, the chairs were looking a little worse for wear! The French Senate opened an RFP for new designs to replace the original chairs. Ultimately, Fermob was selected and produced 2,000 chairs for the 3 main gardens: Luxembourg, Tuileries, and Palais Royal. Fermob was already well known for its metal bistro chair, a design rooted in an 1889 French patent that became a fixture in Paris cafes.

Again in 2004, the chair went through an update. Fermob hired Frederic Sofia to do the redesign. He spent a year studying the chairs at every angle and in every park. His main focus was comfort. Sofia added armrests and updated the back with a slope and slats that didn’t cut into the leg (having sat on an “old” one pre-2000, I can tell you that was a very nice change!

He turned the rustic-looking chair meant for parks and gardens across Paris into a sleek, upmarket designer piece. And with that, the Luxembourg range was created.

Senat versus Luxembourg – what's the difference?

So here is where it gets a little confusing. Fermob manufactures furniture that the public can buy (see more below). And they do have a Luxembourg chair (and more) that they sell, but the Senat chairs are exclusively for the Parisian parks, including the specific green used.

The chair available for purchase is light aluminum and comes in many colors (including green, but NOT that green!) and is stackable. Fifty percent of Fermob's orders are shipped outside of France; everyone wants a piece of Paris in their garden! In fact, the exact park green is a proprietary blend you cannot buy off the shelf, and the chairs you see in the Tuileries are produced by Edmond & Fils rather than sold to the public.

The Luxembourg Collection

This line of furniture from Fermob was (and still is) characterized by its form and lines. Its light and resilient material combined with the curved back support and stackable frame continues to be the perfect combination of form and function. Practicality and aesthetically pleasing designs were the goals that Fermob and Frédéric Sofia had in mind for this collection. As you can tell, it's paid off.

Currently, the Luxembourg furniture line has a whopping 25 pieces in 24 colors. Each item is made from the lightweight aluminum Frédéric Sofia used in his original design. From today's collection, you can clearly see the original SENAT chair influence, which is comforting for those who loved the initial creation.

The only thing to do now is to find your favorite in the Luxembourg collection and save up your money! You can deck out your home with the emblem of French design and bring the spirit of the Jardin du Luxembourg to you.

Where to Buy Your Own

Ready to bring a little of Paris home? You cannot buy that exact park green, but the Fermob Luxembourg collection comes in a wide range of colors and ships worldwide. You can order directly from Fermob, or through retailers such as Finnish Design Shop, Connox, and Le Petit Jardin. Prices vary by retailer, size, and finish, so shop around for the color you love.

Where to Find the Green Chairs in Paris

You will spot these green chairs in almost every major Paris garden. Here are the best places to sink into one.

Jardin du Luxembourg

Where: 6th arrondissement

The most iconic setting of all. The chairs cluster around the Grand Bassin and the Medici Fountain, ideal for an afternoon with a book. For more, see my full Luxembourg Gardens guide.

Jardin des Tuileries

Where: 1st arrondissement

Between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, the Tuileries offer prime people watching by the fountains. Read my Tuileries Garden guide before you go.

Palais-Royal

Where: 1st arrondissement

A quiet courtyard garden where some of the chairs carry lovely engraved quotes, my personal favorite spot to sit. It is a peaceful break from the bustle of the 1st arrondissement.

Parc Monceau

Where: 8th arrondissement

An elegant, leafy park loved by locals, with green chairs dotted along its winding paths and around the little folly ruins. Read my Parc Monceau guide before you go.

Parc Montsouris

Where: 14th arrondissement

A relaxed park on the southern edge of the city, popular with students and families and blissfully free of crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

So there you have it. The history of Paris's green park chairs throughout the years. Where to find them in Paris and how to buy a Paris park chair for your home. Even if you don't want one chez vous, make sure to have a seat on one at least once on your next visit to Paris and just enjoy!

How about you? Have you seen the green park chairs in Paris? Have you ever wondered about their history? Have you ever wanted to take one home? Do tell!

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