Palais-Royal – History & Gardens In The Heart Of Paris

It's odd that the Palais-Royal, while situated right in the center of historic Paris, is so often missed by visitors. One reason, perhaps, is that Palais Royal is easy to bypass, surrounded as it is by other famous buildings and the busy life of Paris. Or maybe it's because it's right across from the Louvre and visitors are distracted by the fame and beauty of that museum.

But, hidden from the casual passer-by are the wonderful gardens. We love to spend time strolling through the galleries that border the garden, walking the flowery paths, and sitting by one of the most pleasant fountains in Paris. It's a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle that surrounds the Louvre. One of our favourite times to be there is during those first warms days of March, with the flowers starting to bloom and the trees budding and the park birds flitting.

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The Highest-Rated Paris Activities

Cheese & Wine Tasting in a Paris Cellar
In the cheese-aging cellar of a Paris fromagerie you discover 7 classic French cheeses and the wines that pair with them. Lots of sampling!
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VIP Dinner Cruise with Bateaux Parisiens
This romantic, VIP dinner cruise is the #1 nighttime activity. Be sure to choose the Service Privilege option for the best seating, the most champagne, and the ultimate experience.
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VIP Dinner Cruise with Bateaux Parisiens
This romantic, VIP dinner cruise is the #1 nighttime activity. Be sure to choose the Service Privilege option for the best seating, the most champagne, and the ultimate experience.
Reserve your table…

History of the Palais-Royal in Paris

Palais Royal The gardens at Palais Royal are a wonderful place to take a break

Back in the 1630s, Cardinal Richelieu, at the height of his powers as Louis XIII's Chief Minister, commissioned a mansion for himself, to be built on land just across the street from the royal palace of the Louvre. The mansion was named after him, Palais-Cardinal, but he was only able to enjoy it for three years before he died in 1642. Richelieu bequeathed his house to Louis XIII and over the next 150 years it passed through the hands of various members of the French royalty,

Over the decades the Palais housed many notable royals, including the wife and daughter of Charles I of England after that king was deposed and executed in 1649. Henrietta Anne, his daughter, married Louis XIV's brother and it was she who created the famed gardens of the Palais Royal. During her lifetime the Palace was famous throughout France for its grand parties and royal affairs.

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Romantic Dinner Cruises In Paris

VIP Dinner Cruise with Bateaux Parisiens
This romantic dinner cruise includes champagne, wine & a classic meal. Choose the Service Privilege option for the best seating, best meal, and the ultimate experience.
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Dinner Cruise by Maxim's of Paris
The legendary Parisian restaurant takes you on a dinner cruise complete with champagne and wine. Choose the 2-hour cruise for a stellar evening in Paris.
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VIP Dinner Cruise with Bateaux Parisiens
This romantic dinner cruise includes champagne, wine & a classic meal. Choose the Service Privilege option for the best seating, best meal, and the ultimate experience.
Reserve your table…

Drama After Drama – Theaters & Revolution

Palais Royal Pathways at Palais Royal, photo by Mark Craft

Just before the French Revolution, Palais Royal passed to Louis-Philippe, Duke of Orléans, a man famous for both womanizing and being short of cash. Thinking he could add to the gardens some rent-paying properties, he built uniform blocks of apartments around three sides of the garden, with arcades and shops at ground level. He also opened the gardens to the public.

Duke Louis' other work included building a new Paris Opera to replace the previous theatre that had been destroyed by fire. After that replacement opera, too, was razed by fire, it in turn was replaced by what became the two most important French theaters of that and subsequent eras — Théâtre du Palais-Royal and Comédie Français, which is still there today.

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Skip-the-Line at the Louvre Museum

The Louvre's Greatest Masterpieces
Skip the lines make the most of your time in Paris with a whirlwind tour of the must-see works of art in the Louvre on this professionally-guided tour. The top choice.
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Louvre Skip-the-Line Tour
Head straight to the front of the line, then journey through art history on a 3-hour private Louvre visit. On this complete tour, an expert guide reveals subtle details about the artwork.
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The Louvre's Greatest Masterpieces
Skip the lines make the most of your time in Paris with a whirlwind tour of the must-see works of art in the Louvre on this professionally-guided tour. The top choice.
Check Availability…

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Palais Royal garden & fountain The central fountain in the gardens, photo by Mark Craft

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During the French Revolution Palais Royal was temporarily renamed Palais de l'Égalité, Palace of Equality. After the Revolution the palace regained its place in the centre of Paris social life and the most popular cafés were to be found around it.

Today it's the home of France's Constitutional Council and of the Ministry of Culture. The gardens remain open to the public and are a great place to spend a perfect spring day. It's located across from the northwest wing of the Louvre, on Rue Saint-Honoré.

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Find Hotel Deals for Your Dates in Paris

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Paris Hotel Deals
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Find Hotel Deals for Your Dates in Paris

Save on hotels in every arrondissement of Paris – the Latin Quarter, Saint Germain, the Right Bank, the Marais, near the Eiffel Tower. Save 10%, 20%… or even more!
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Palais-Royal Resources

Palais-Royal Palais Royal gardens & galerie, photo Palais Royal

  • PALAIS-ROYAL
    8 rue Montpensier
    Enter the gardens from Rue de Valois on the east, Rue de Montpensier on the west, or Rue de Beaujolais on the north.
    Palais Royal Website
  • LE GRAND VÉFOUR
    This historic restaurant today holds two Michelin stars under the spatula of Chef Guy Martin. It's found in the arcade on the north end of the gardens.

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