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Palais Royal

Name: Palais Royal
Rating: 4.6

4.6 ·

Explore the Palais-Royal, a former royal residence just across from the Louvre. Wander through the landscaped garden and arcaded galleries lined with shops, pausing to take in art installations set against the historic courtyards.

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Reasons to go

The 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.
The 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.
Its arcades once held around 145 boutiques and are home to Le Grand Véfour, regarded as one of Paris's oldest and most exclusive restaurants.

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Full description

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.

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Address

75001 Paris, France · Palais Royal

Website

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Hours

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Booking

Walk-in

Duration

30 min

Best time

morning, lunchtime, afternoon or early evening

Intensity

Moderate walking

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Good to know

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

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Reviews

What opulence the Cardinals had in the Monarchy at that period. Such grandeur structures with gardens attached makes today a sight for tourists. A sculpture has been placed in a forecourt, allowing people to stand on and take photos. It's well worth the visit

Adie Klein

3/5

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