Domaine National du Palais-Royal
Domaine National du Palais-Royal
4.5
Historic SitesPoints of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural Buildings
7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
About
This royal palace, first home to Cardinal Richelieu and later a childhood home of Louis XIV, is longer open to the public, although its exquisite gardens can still be enjoyed.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Louvre / Palais-Royal
From the majestic Louvre to the regal Palais-Royal, this neighborhood oozes luxury. The grand arches along Rue de Rivoli are shadowed by mosaics in front of decorated vitrines and hotels. Place Vendôme is lined with the world’s best jewelers and their glittering window displays. Every other establishment has someone to open the door for you or park your car. You can spend hours gazing at its haute couture shops or lingering over a meal at any of its chic eateries. After all that indulgence, the Tuileries gardens provide stately respite, while theaters compete for your applause. It's a neighborhood that draws admirers from around the world, all attracted to the luxe life in Paris.
How to get there
- Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre • 2 min walk
- Pyramides • 4 min walk
Reach out directly
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Restaurants
10,000 within 3 miles
Attractions
4,913 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
591 reviews
Excellent
293
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241
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52
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4
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BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia20,003 contributions
Dec 2019
This royal palace just 5 min from Louvre was built by Cardinal Richelieu and later inhabited by Louis XIV.
In any other city this would be a prime attraction, but with such an abundance of Paris' palaces this one didn't left an impression on me. Specially I didn't like the black & white striped columns in the courtyard, they seem so odd contrary to the classic architecture.
Far more relaxing I found the gardens behind.
In any other city this would be a prime attraction, but with such an abundance of Paris' palaces this one didn't left an impression on me. Specially I didn't like the black & white striped columns in the courtyard, they seem so odd contrary to the classic architecture.
Far more relaxing I found the gardens behind.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yana
787 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
The Royal Palace of Paris (Palais-Royal) was originally built in 1636 by Cardinal Richelieu - so it is not surprising that at that time it was called the Cardinal's Palace (Palais-Cardinal). Richelieu gave the palace to the king in his will, so it became royal in 1642. In the following decades it became the meeting center of the royal court.
The Palais-Royal and its associated gardens are located near the Louvre and on the road leading to the Opera. Although you can see this beautiful place quite quickly, the quiet break from the crowds and free entry make the Palais Royal a very worthwhile attraction in Paris. They love to do photo shoots here. The yard is divided into two separate sections. The first large square, surrounded by stone columns, is called the Cour d'Honneur. Here is a rather controversial piece of art by D. Buren, who placed black and white striped columns in neat rows throughout the courtyard, where everyone takes selfies. Just behind the columns are large fountains with many large shiny balls. Beyond this first square is a large second courtyard where you can see the gardens of the Palais Royal, also surrounded by buildings, most of which are now small shops. The gardens were once larger, but have been reduced over time. The surrounding buildings were erected in 1780 by the Duke of Orleans in an attempt to make money, mainly from cafes and brothels (and, according to rumors, quite successfully). The gardens of the Palais Royal are quite beautiful, with many flower beds and a large pond in the middle. This is a great place to take a break from the crowds of tourists.
The Palais-Royal and its associated gardens are located near the Louvre and on the road leading to the Opera. Although you can see this beautiful place quite quickly, the quiet break from the crowds and free entry make the Palais Royal a very worthwhile attraction in Paris. They love to do photo shoots here. The yard is divided into two separate sections. The first large square, surrounded by stone columns, is called the Cour d'Honneur. Here is a rather controversial piece of art by D. Buren, who placed black and white striped columns in neat rows throughout the courtyard, where everyone takes selfies. Just behind the columns are large fountains with many large shiny balls. Beyond this first square is a large second courtyard where you can see the gardens of the Palais Royal, also surrounded by buildings, most of which are now small shops. The gardens were once larger, but have been reduced over time. The surrounding buildings were erected in 1780 by the Duke of Orleans in an attempt to make money, mainly from cafes and brothels (and, according to rumors, quite successfully). The gardens of the Palais Royal are quite beautiful, with many flower beds and a large pond in the middle. This is a great place to take a break from the crowds of tourists.
Written August 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rumples
Tucson, AZ11,770 contributions
Jun 2014 • Solo
I would never put the Palais Royal on a "must see" list nor would I go out of my way to visit. But if you're in the neighborhood admiring works in the Louvre or walking along Rue de Rivoli, then by all means, drop by for a stroll through the inner courtyard's calm gardens.
If you are interested in architecture, the building's grand facade certainly warrants a close look. Its history spans four centuries and includes a period when used as Cardinal Richelieu's residence. Today, it is a modern administrative center and the home for the Comedie-Francaise. There are also dozens of apartments within the complex.
Arcades flank the gardens and beckon with shops and restaurants. I especially like the small shop that features music boxes -- brand new and antique. When a few people are in there listening to the music, it is magical. And the prices start at less than 20 E so you may find the perfect gift for someone back home. Eateries range from an ice cream shop to the ultra expensive Le Grand Vefour.
But it is usually the quiet ambiance that draws me in when I'm in the area. There is always space on many benches to sit and to daydream or to watch the few passersby. It is a true oasis in the center of busy Paris. And in summer, colorful flowers enliven the space and a large fountain provides an evaporative cooling effect on hot days.
If you are interested in architecture, the building's grand facade certainly warrants a close look. Its history spans four centuries and includes a period when used as Cardinal Richelieu's residence. Today, it is a modern administrative center and the home for the Comedie-Francaise. There are also dozens of apartments within the complex.
Arcades flank the gardens and beckon with shops and restaurants. I especially like the small shop that features music boxes -- brand new and antique. When a few people are in there listening to the music, it is magical. And the prices start at less than 20 E so you may find the perfect gift for someone back home. Eateries range from an ice cream shop to the ultra expensive Le Grand Vefour.
But it is usually the quiet ambiance that draws me in when I'm in the area. There is always space on many benches to sit and to daydream or to watch the few passersby. It is a true oasis in the center of busy Paris. And in summer, colorful flowers enliven the space and a large fountain provides an evaporative cooling effect on hot days.
Written July 1, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emilie C
Slidell, LA2 contributions
Jun 2014 • Couples
As a student of French History with a family interest in the subject, the hook that drew us to City Wonders (tour) of the Palais Royal was the promise of a well designed wine tasting at the end. Once there with our charming and knowledgeable guide, Avi, whose words, historical repartee, and pure interest in this most interesting adventure of one of the original entrepreneurial undertakings in French history, became our focus. Never a dull moment with Avi. If you want to know about France and French culture, this is the tour and Avi is the guide. Add to that an incredible wine tasting in a charming French wine bar (sommelier included) and this was what we came to Paris to enjoy. The only thing that could have been better - had we not already visited the Louvre and would have had time for a revisit with Avi as our guide. Hopefully, next time!
Written June 17, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suziti
St. Petersburg, FL79 contributions
May 2014 • Solo
Totally missed the Palais Royal on the previous visits, never will again. You could shop for shoes, clothes, watches, have a meal, people watch, but the best is just to decompress in the tree lined arcade and enjoy the surroundings.
Written May 28, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brjc96
Savannah, GA29 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
We really enjoyed the City Wonders tour of the Royal Palace followed by the wine tasting. Our guide, Avi, did a great job of explaining the history of the Palace and the key roles in French history that it's inhabitants played. The tour included the grounds and gardens and then a walking tour through some of the historic parts of the city. We arrived at a great wine bar that had a private room reserved where we enjoyed learning about (and tasting) French wines. Our somalier was truly a wine expert and very good at teaching the basics while helping us to sample some great wines.
Written May 10, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jtmbin
Houston, TX30 contributions
Jan 2013
The courtyards of the Palais Royal are one of the best places in Paris to sneak away from the noise and crowds of the areas around the Lourve for a nice lunch or just a stroll. The renovations and cleaning of the stone facades continue resulting in buildings that look brand new. The current temporary location of the Comedie Francaise in the center is a brilliant piece of architecture all by itself. The many shops, and restaurants are some of the best in Paris.
Written February 7, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marlu17
Santa Monica, CA14 contributions
Jul 2014 • Solo
streets around are linked by very discreet arched passageways that are worth seeking out. It is lovely with many places to have coffee and drinks and indulge the senses.
Written July 20, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tsumetaikaze
Melbourne, Australia55 contributions
Apr 2014 • Business
A former royal palace, this is a beautiful location... the gardens and buildings provide some wonderful photographic opportunities. Yet for me, I will cherish memories of this place forever as I walked through the same columns and trees as more famous figures such as the Duc D'Orléans (later Phillipe Egalité!), Charlotte Corday, and of course, Camille Desmoulins. My students and I assembled under the trees where Desmoulins famously rallied the people of Paris, 'To arms, to arms!'; later ending in the Storming of the Bastille. Like the vainquers de Bastille, we broke off leaves from the trees, wearing them as revolutionary cockades, leapt up onto a park bench and had one of those magical experiences that transports you back into the past. Such moments are priceless, I could never bring the revolution to life in this way back in my Australian classroom, and for this, the Palais Royal will hold a special place in my heart, forever.
Written May 3, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
murali8121
Kochi (Cochin), India800 contributions
Apr 2013 • Couples
Make sure you reach by 9.00 to beat the rush. You will not be able to keep your eyes away from the ceilings within. The entire place is full of wonderful works of art. At the end of the tour inside, rest a while in Angelina tea room. Wonderful pastries and hot chocolate.
Written May 23, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anyone know if the courtyard is open to access on May 1?
Written April 13, 2019
Yes, it's free. It's a park for the surrounding buildings but open to the public, at least every time I've been there. Retail shops are along the arcade in the first floor of the buildings.
Written March 29, 2017
Is there a fee to visit here? I leave next week and would love to take a photo on the black and white spheres. Thank you
Written September 29, 2016
A Tripadvisor member
Beaulieu, United Kingdom
It's all free. The spheres are cool !
Written November 1, 2016
O que significa aquelas colunas de tamanhos diferentes em frente ao Palais Royal
?
De
Written August 13, 2016
Rut S, as colunas são instalações artisticas permanentes, obras de arte criadas por Daniel Buren. Como costuma ocorrer em Paris quando o novo encontra o antigo (a exemplo das pirâmides do Louvre), a instalação provoca os ânimos: alguns amam e outros odeiam.
Particularmente, eu e minha mulher, gostamos muito do conjunto.
Written August 13, 2016
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