The Palais Royal is a complex comprising gardens, galleries, a theater, and, of course, the palace itself. Its classical architecture blends perfectly with the Parisian landscape and the richness of its history. Built nearly 400 years ago by Richelieu, a French statesman, the mere list of its occupants over the years would serve as a testament to much of the history of France and Paris.
Today, this palace is home to the Ministry of Culture and other government agencies. Located in the heart of the capital’s 1st arrondissement, it stands next to the world-famous Louvre Museum and its pyramids, the prestigious Comédie Française, and the vast Tuileries Garden.
Fun facts and interesting tidbits about the Palais Royal
1. The Opera at the Palais Royal
The Palais Royal Opera House was the gathering place for all of high society. Unfortunately, in 1763, a terrible fire broke out and the flames damaged part of the palace. It was the Duke of Orléans who pressured the king until he ordered its reconstruction on the same site. In 1770, the new opera house was inaugurated, only to burn down again on June 8, 1781. This marked the end of the Opera’s presence at the Palais-Royal.
2. Louis XIV’s childhood home
In 1636, Richelieu decided to give his Palais Cardinal to the king. There was only one condition in the contract: it was to be used exclusively by the king and his successors, and no one else. Anne of Austria, wife of King Louis XIII of France, moved into the palace after his death. Her son, Louis XIV, would grow up there from the age of 5 to 12; since he was too young to reign, she had to assume the role of regent until he came of age. The Palais Cardinal then became the Palais Royal.
3. A garden steeped in history
In 1781, new galleries housed cafés, theaters, and shops, breathing new life into the garden. Louis-Philippe Joseph d’Orléans, then the owner of the property, offered writers and thinkers a refuge where they could express themselves freely (far from the royal guards). There, one might encounter Jean-Paul Marat or Camille Desmoulins, whose pamphlets sparked the popular uprising that led to the storming of the Bastille. The Palais Royal garden continued to inspire numerous writers, such as Jean Cocteau and Colette, well into the 20th century.
What can you do at the Palais Royal?
Today, the Palais Royal complex is open to the public, and you can visit its gardens and galleries completely free of charge. From October 1 through March 31, it is open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and from April 1 through September 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. You can also stroll through its gardens and enjoy a sunny afternoon playing a lively game of pétanque, bring a book to lose yourself in, or simply take a leisurely walk.
By metro: Lines 1, 7, and 14
By bus: Lines 21, 27, 39, 48, 69, 72, 81, 95
For several years now in the capital, Candlelight has been selecting the most sumptuous venues in Paris to showcase the greatest musical works of all time and offer a unique sensory experience. The Palais Royal is one of the capital’s most beautiful monuments, a symbol of royalty and Parisian opulence, and has hosted many of these magical concerts.
Concerts last 60 minutes, and doors open 30 minutes before the show begins.