This monumental complex, comprising a palace, a garden, a theatre and numerous galleries boasts an exceptional location right at the heart of Paris and opposite the famous Louvre museum. The Palais Royal is also a major focal point of the history of France and Parisian life.
Palais Royal in Paris, major focal point of the history of France
Built by Cardinal Richelieu in 1628, it was originally called the Palais Cardinal before changing hands and names several times. It was notably the residence of the young Louis XIV when France was in the grip of the Fronde civil war, then of his brother Philippe of Orléans. But it was in 1780 that its configuration was significantly redesigned, on the initiative of the future Louis Philippe II with the construction of arcades and uniform structures around the garden.
L’endroit accueille alors cafés, restaurants et salons, et attire les libertins, qui en profiteront jusqu’à la fermeture des maisons de jeu ordonnée en 1836.
The site was occupied by cafés, restaurants and salons and frequented by libertines, who made the most of the entertainment on offer until the gambling casinos were closed down in 1836. From 1871 the buildings were used to house various administrative departments of the Republic, which are still there today. The Buren Columns have stood proudly in the palace’s forecourt since 1986, when their contemporary style raised a few eyebrows among the more conservative public!
Domaine National du Palais Royal :
- Jardin du Palais-Royal – 6 rue de Montpensier – 75001 Paris
- Metro : Pyramide Station, lines 7 et 14 – Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre Station, lines 1 et 7
- Further information: Palais Royal Paris.
Hotel d’Aubusson Paris, a 4 star hotel in the heart of Saint-Germain des Prés