Palais-Royal

The Palais-Royal is a beautiful palace located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris. Although it was never home to any members of the royal family, it is still a big part of Paris architecture and a popular tourist attraction. The palace is known for its beautiful architecture, charming gardens, and arcades. The building was completed in 1639 by Jacques Lemercier, a popular and influential French architect. During that time, King Henry the IV was trying to rebuild Paris as a “tasteful ordered city”. This led him to gather a team of influential people to help with the rebuilding. The team was led by Cardinal Richelieu, who not only hired Lemercier to build the Palais-Royal, but was the first resident there. This explains the original name of the château, Palais-Cardinal.

Though no royal official ever resided in the palace, it was owned at different times by King Louis XIII, and Louis XIV. One of Paris’ first restaurants, Cafe de Chartres opened in one of the shopping arcades in 1784. It was quite popular in Paris and had famous diners such as Napoleon and Victor Hugo. The palace has been the site of extravagant parties and gatherings hosted by the House of Orleans and others.

Today, the Palais-Royal houses some government councils and the National Library of France. The government officials that are housed there include The Council of State, The Constitutional Council, and The Ministry of Culture. Since it is owned by the government, the interior is not open to the public. People are permitted to visit the courtyard known as the Cour d'Honneur, and the beautiful gardens which surround the central fountain. Buildings that circle the palace house restaurants, delis and galleries. These establishments are all open to the public.