An essential destination for those who discover the capital, the Palais Royal is a group of buildings and green spaces located in the 1st district of Paris, north of the Louvre Palace. It includes a palace, a garden, theaters, and a part of the historic buildings are occupied by institutions (including the State Council).
The Royal Palace originates from a mansion bought by Cardinal Richelieu which he transforms into a sumptuous palace in 1634, which is occupied by Louis XIV during the troubles of the Fronde.
In 1780, the future Duke of Orleans became the owner and began work to accommodate businesses (galleries). The architect Victor Louis leads the site. In 1786 began the construction of the current Comédie Française, another theater, the future theater of the Palais Royal, having already been built at the north end of the Montpensier gallery.
Place of culture, commerce and promenade, the Royal Palace becomes a sulfurous site in the nineteenth century, where have multiplied bars and places of prostitution, despite the closure of gaming houses as early as 1836.
Having recovered some nobility, the site always appreciated by Parisians as visitors houses from 1871 the Council of State, the Constitutional Council and offices of the Ministry of Culture.
In 1986, the installation of contemporary works of art by Daniel Buren (columns) and Pol Bury (fountains) in the main courtyard provoked a controversy but accentuated the influx of tourists. The renown of the Palais Royal is finally completed by the famous restaurant Le Grand Véfour, with a listed historical monument.
Part of the site is open to the boardwalk, and some of the buildings are accessible to visitors (some offices or "sensitive" premises are however prohibited, except for specific events such as Heritage Days).
Open every day. Free admission. Free visit or guided tour by reservation. Information on +33 1 44 54 19 30.