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Ah, the Palais Royal in Paris, it’s a bit like that gem you come across without always taking the time to stop by. Built from 1624 on the orders of Cardinal de Richelieu, it has seen royalty, culture, and politics pass through, nestled right in the heart of Paris, just next to the Louvre. It’s crazy to think that such a place full of history is so welcoming today.
So, if you’ve never visited it, know that the Palais Royal is huge. A large classic building dating from 1825, which still houses major institutions like the Council of State or the Ministry of Culture. But the magic happens especially around the garden and the courtyard with black and white columns: an atmosphere that mixes contemporary art and tradition right in the capital.
What I love is that you can wander freely in the courtyard and garden, for free, from morning until late at night. Between the arcades, the small modern fountains, and especially the famous striped columns, created by Daniel Buren in 1986, it’s a true pause in Paris. A haven of peace shared with regulars and tourists.
And then there’s the Comédie-Française, that legendary theater nestled there for centuries, still active today with a lineup accessible online. Add to that a 5-star hotel with a rooftop terrace if you want to play the chic Parisians, and you’ll have an idea of the richness of this unique place. Honestly, it’s a bit like a Paris within Paris.
Palais Royal: a royal and cultural history at the heart of Paris
So, who is behind this name? The Palais Royal, or Palais-Cardinal, was built for Cardinal de Richelieu, an influential figure of the 17th century. After his death, it became the residence of the young Louis XIV, which gives it a distinctly royal air. It is located in the 1st arrondissement, just a stone’s throw from the Louvre, you get the picture.
What’s amazing is that even though it dates from the 17th century, most of the buildings we see today date back to 1825. The place blends classical architecture and bourgeois atmosphere. It’s not just a palace; it’s a center where politics and culture intersect, notably with the Constitutional Council and the Ministry of Culture headquartered there.
But that’s not all: under the arcades, you’ll also find the Comédie-Française, one of the most prestigious theaters in France. Ring a bell? Yes, that historical-mythical theater which saw Molière and his peers pass through. Even today, the troupe breathes life into the place with performances that make Paris vibrate.
This square is also famous for its Buren columns, a contemporary work that stands out here. In black and white, they look like a game of deceptive scales that change the perception of space, especially when lit green at night. It’s surprising, a dialogue between old and new, and frankly, you can’t miss it if you have a coffee in one of the galleries.
An exceptional journey before the modern fame of Palais Royal
What’s fascinating is that the Palais Royal has never been just a place frozen in time. From its construction beginning in 1624, it was a living place. You find traces of Cardinal de Richelieu, then of Louis XIV who spent his youth there, before the French Revolution transformed the palace into public property.
In the 18th century, it became a true Parisian social center. Imagine cafés, salons, and shopping arcades packed with high society! It was a bustling Paris in this enclosed space. On the downside, the famous gambling salons closed in 1836, to calm things down a bit.
Then, the Comédie-Française settled permanently in the palace wing, confirming its cultural vocation. Every stone of this place is therefore charged with stories alternating power, art, and society. Today, even though a large part of the building is reserved for institutions, the public can still enjoy this setting by strolling in the garden or visiting the galleries.
Besides its historical richness, the Palais Royal is also a strategic point in Paris. Just next door, there is the Tuileries Garden and the Louvre gallery, making it a must-stop for anyone interested in the capital. If you want to learn more about its fascinating history, I recommend a little tour here on the Wikipedia page of Palais Royal.
The cultural and artistic treasures of Palais Royal in Paris
So, let’s talk a bit about what makes this place vibrant today. The Palace isn’t limited to its grand facades and government offices. No, there’s this lush garden, totally protected from the city, inviting you to a real nature break in the center. A well-kept secret among Parisians.
This is where the famous modern artworks by Daniel Buren come in, notably this impressive series of striped columns, which almost gives the illusion of being on a film set. Plus, at night, it’s a show in its own right with green lights dancing on the columns. Magical, I tell you!
You also can’t miss the peristyle, this covered passage with its modern artistic fountains, a really cozy spot combining calm and light. All around, 180 elegant arcades open onto the garden, creating a setting both historic and very lively.
Also, if you feel like extending the experience, know that there is a 5-star hotel right inside, with a superb rooftop terrace overlooking all of Paris. If your budget is tighter, no worries, several nice hotels like Hôtel Louvre Bons Enfants or Hôtel Montpensier are just steps away.
How to visit Palais Royal and its surroundings without stress
Getting to Palais Royal is child’s play, honestly. You have several metro stations nearby, notably Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre on lines 1 and 7. The Pyramides station is very close too, if you prefer lines 7 or 14.
On the bus side, you have a bunch of options, like lines 21, 27, 39, 69, and even 95 to easily reach major spots in Paris. The place at the famous columns is open 24/7 and free, so why miss out?
A nice tip: Palais Royal is open seasonally but generally from early morning until late at night, between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. depending on the months. Ideal for a morning walk or a little evening stroll in soft light. More practical info is available on the RATP website.
And to prepare your visit even better, consider checking out the official site of the Domaine National du Palais Royal. You’ll find tips for exploring the place, theater schedules, and even tickets for the Comédie-Française if you want to mix culture and a walk.
You can’t talk about Palais Royal without mentioning the lively atmosphere there, between curious visitors, actors, and people who stop for a moment. If you love history, architecture, or are simply looking for a nice spot in Paris, it’s really a place not to miss.
The events and cultural animation of Palais Royal in 2025
Palais Royal never remains frozen, far from it. Right now, the Comédie-Française is programming a wide selection of classical and modern plays, which is always a pleasure. Tickets are easily bought online, and the atmosphere around the theater remains particularly lively.
Since 2025, there has also been a series of artistic collaborations mixing classical works and contemporary creations. The modern fountains and installations in the garden attract even more artists wanting to engage with this sumptuous setting.
It is also a place of power, with political decisions made daily between the Council of State and the Ministry of Culture. This gives the place a particular charm, a balance between history, politics, and creation.
For those who want to dive into this unique mix, several themed guided tours are available, often complemented by cultural events. You can follow these news on specialized sites like Secret de Paris or My Paris Pass.
- 🌳 Walks in the secret garden surrounded by arcades
- 🎭 Shows at the Comédie-Française
- 🖼️ Discovery of the Buren columns and modern fountains
- 🏛️ Visits of major institutions (from afar)
- ☕ Breaks in cafes under the galleries
