Palais Royal

Overview

Hidden in plain sight directly across from the Louvre, the Palais Royal offers a pristine, impossibly elegant retreat from the city crowds. The former royal palace features a stunning enclosed courtyard and perfectly manicured, tree-lined gardens.

Highlights

• Les Colonnes de Buren: The highly controversial, highly photogenic modern art installation comprising 260 black-and-white striped columns of varying heights in the main courtyard.
• The Gardens: Exquisitely quiet, symmetrical gardens lined by a double row of precisely pruned linden trees and a central fountain.
• The Arcades: The perimeter arcades house some of the city's most exclusive boutique perfumeries, vintage haute couture shops, and Michelin-starred restaurants.

History

Built in 1628 by Cardinal Richelieu (who gifted it to the King), it became the seat of the immensely powerful Orléans family. In the years before the French Revolution, the Duke of Orléans opened the gardens to the public, turning the arcades into a massive, heavily rowdy complex of cafes, gambling dens, and brothels.

Visitor Tips

• Photography: The striped columns are one of the most popular fashion shoot locations in Paris. Arrive early for an empty shot.
• Coffee: Grab an exceptional matcha or espresso from the ultra-trendy Café Kitsuné located in the arcades.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.