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Landmark

Palais Royal

★ 4.6 (21,384)Free

Facing the Louvre, the Palais-Royal is a former royal residence set around a landscaped garden classified as a Jardin Remarquable. Arcaded galleries lined with shops surround the grounds, often described as a 'village within the city.' The site has long been linked to French political power and to theatre, and today hosts art installations, exhibitions and events amid its historic architecture.

✨ Reasons to go

  • 1The striped black-and-white columns in the main courtyard, Les Deux Plateaux, are a 1986 installation by artist Daniel Buren made of 260 octagonal columns and were highly controversial when unveiled.
  • 2The palace was built between 1633 and 1639 as the personal residence of Cardinal Richelieu, designed by architect Jacques Lemercier, before passing to the French royal family.
  • 3Its arcades once held around 145 boutiques and are home to Le Grand Véfour, regarded as one of Paris's oldest and most exclusive restaurants.

💡 Good to know

  • 1Free to enter and wander the courtyards, arcades, and gardens
  • 2visit near sunset for fewer crowds and great light on the striped columns.

⏱️ Typical visit

30 min

🕰️ Best time

morning, lunchtime, afternoon or early evening

🚶 Walking intensity

Moderate walking

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Address

75001 Paris, France · Palais RoyalGoogleApple
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Hours

  • Monday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM
  • Thursday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM
  • Friday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM
  • Saturday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM
  • Sunday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM
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Booking

Walk-in

What people say

"Entered the grounds to visit the gardens but amazed at the beauty of the structure that wandered through the many black and white stripped columns. The structure that surrounds the grounds is massive and very well maintained. The structure was created by Cardinal de Richelieu in 1633, the Palais Royal and its gardens, were home to the royal families until Versailles was built. The gardens are quite large and colorful with chairs and benches to sit and rest with some around the beautiful fountain. Beautiful structure and gardens."

— Jamie Wojciechowski

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