The History of the Luxembourg Chair

The Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg) was commissioned by Marie de’ Medici in 1612 and has been a cherished public space in Paris ever since. By the 19th century, it had become a hub of relaxation and leisure, requiring practical yet stylish seating for visitors.

In 1923, the original steel garden chair—SENAT, later known as the Luxembourg chair—was created by the ateliers of Paris’s parks department. Its lightweight, stackable design made it easy to move around the gardens, while its curved slats provided ergonomic comfort.

These chairs became a quintessential feature of Parisian parks, offering both functionality and an iconic aesthetic that perfectly complemented the charm of the gardens.

In the 2000s, Fermob undertook the task of modernizing the Luxembourg chair while preserving its classic essence. This collaboration between Fermob and Paris’s Park authorities has ensured the design remains beloved and relevant.

Fermob invited French designer Frédéric Sofia to reinterpret the chair and its matching furniture in 2004. His design maintained the recognizable silhouette and charm of the original chair while introducing contemporary updates, such as the use of lightweight, durable aluminium instead of steel for easier handling and weather resistance.

Ergonomics were improved to enhance comfort, ensuring the chair remained practical for modern use and transforming the collection into a versatile, stylish option for both public spaces and private gardens. Fermob’s Luxembourg furniture is produced with sustainability in mind, using recycled aluminium and eco-friendly manufacturing processes.