Grand Palais (Grand Palace), Paris
The Great Palace of the Champs-Élysées, or more commonly the Grand Palace, is a historic Parisian site, recognized as a monument by the French Ministry of Culture. Built between 1897 and 1900 for the Universal Exposition, it replaced the Palace of Industry demolished shortly before that. Its creation coincided with the construction of the Small Palace, another key attraction of the 1900 World Fair.
Designed to celebrate French art, the Grand Palace showcases a unique blend of Classical and Art Nouveau architecture. Creating its iconic 8-ton glass roof — the largest in Europe — reportedly took more steel than the entire Eiffel Tower! The Beaux-Arts façade, intricate stonework, and cutting-edge use of iron, light steel, and reinforced concrete together reflect the architectural ambitions of the era.
Four architects collaborated on the palace's design, creating a glass-and-iron pavilion ideal for art exhibitions, featuring paintings and sculptures. Over time, the structure also hosted innovative shows on aviation and automotive technology.
The palace has a storied past. Having served as a military hospital in World War I, it then housed Nazi forces and later the French resistance during World War II, which ultimately resulted in fire damage. While postwar plans envisioned replacing it with a modern museum, the Grand Palace was saved and declared a historic monument in 1975.
The building comprises three main areas: the Main Hall, the National Galleries, and the science-focused Palace of Discovery. Seasonal attractions include a cinema, restaurant, and even a skating rink. Curiously enough, the facility also suits for and, in fact, regularly hosts... horse shows!
At night, when brightly illuminated, the Grand Palace becomes a stunning sight, showcasing its architectural beauty in a play of lights and shadows.
Tip:
Should you decide to visit, don't miss the Small Palace too, just across the street, while you're there!
Designed to celebrate French art, the Grand Palace showcases a unique blend of Classical and Art Nouveau architecture. Creating its iconic 8-ton glass roof — the largest in Europe — reportedly took more steel than the entire Eiffel Tower! The Beaux-Arts façade, intricate stonework, and cutting-edge use of iron, light steel, and reinforced concrete together reflect the architectural ambitions of the era.
Four architects collaborated on the palace's design, creating a glass-and-iron pavilion ideal for art exhibitions, featuring paintings and sculptures. Over time, the structure also hosted innovative shows on aviation and automotive technology.
The palace has a storied past. Having served as a military hospital in World War I, it then housed Nazi forces and later the French resistance during World War II, which ultimately resulted in fire damage. While postwar plans envisioned replacing it with a modern museum, the Grand Palace was saved and declared a historic monument in 1975.
The building comprises three main areas: the Main Hall, the National Galleries, and the science-focused Palace of Discovery. Seasonal attractions include a cinema, restaurant, and even a skating rink. Curiously enough, the facility also suits for and, in fact, regularly hosts... horse shows!
At night, when brightly illuminated, the Grand Palace becomes a stunning sight, showcasing its architectural beauty in a play of lights and shadows.
Tip:
Should you decide to visit, don't miss the Small Palace too, just across the street, while you're there!
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Paris. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The GPSmyCity App
Grand Palais (Grand Palace) on Map
Sight Name: Grand Palais (Grand Palace)
Sight Location: Paris, France (See walking tours in Paris)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Paris, France (See walking tours in Paris)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Paris, France
Create Your Own Walk in Paris
Creating your own self-guided walk in Paris is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Paris Introduction Walking Tour II
As you continue your acquaintance with Paris driven by its timeless allure, the city's heart reveals itself with an array of places capturing its profound history and artistic legacy. The evolution of Paris is visible on the banks of the river Seine, the linking thread winding its way through the capital as if keeping a watchful eye on its architectural marvels.
The second part of our... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
The second part of our... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
The French Revolution Landmarks Walking Tour
The French Revolution had a huge impact on France's history as it gave rise to a radical democratic republic and resulted in quite a bit of violence during the infamous "Reign of Terror". Even though many of Paris’ buildings were damaged in the course of the bloody conflicts, the sites they occupied – which you can find on this self-guided tour – are of a great historical... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 7.3 Km or 4.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 7.3 Km or 4.5 Miles
Le Marais Walking Tour
Once a bourgeois area and still a major center of the Paris Jewish community, the Le Marais district is one of the hippest neighborhoods in the city. Boasting a wealth of narrow medieval streets, unique boutiques, and quirky establishments, it represents an eclectic blend of historical sites and the bustling energy of today.
Start your acquaintance with the area at Paris's City Hall – a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Start your acquaintance with the area at Paris's City Hall – a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
St-Germain-des-Pres Walking Tour
This self-guided walk takes you to explore the 6th arrondissement, covering the quarter of St-Germain-des-Prés, the riverside districts and the areas nearby the Luxembourg Garden. It is one of the most expensive districts of Paris, home to posh boutiques, eateries and iconic cafes once favored by philosophers and legendary writers, the likes of Hemingway and Camus. The area is likewise renowned... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Latin Quarter Walking Tour
The Latin Quarter of Paris, nestled on the Left Bank of the Seine, is a district steeped in academic history and artistic fervor, resonating with the echoes of scholarly discourse and bohemian lifestyle. This venerable area derives its name from the early use of Latin as the lingua franca in the universities, a tradition spearheaded by the Sorbonne University. This institution has shaped... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Montmartre Walking Tour
Originally known as "Mons Martis" or the "Mount of Mars," Montmartre is a renowned Parisian neighborhood, celebrated for its historical and cultural significance. This picturesque district is a canvas of landmarks, each narrating a unique story.
Apart from its iconic sites, the area's charm lies in the atmosphere that embodies the Parisian spirit. Historically,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Apart from its iconic sites, the area's charm lies in the atmosphere that embodies the Parisian spirit. Historically,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
10 Unusual Things to Do in Paris, France
If you've visited Paris, you've probably seen the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and Versailles. You probably whizzed through some world-class art, ate delicious food in restaurants with English menus, and bought crepes from a street cart. However, Paris has a lot of things to do that...
18 Must-Visit Cafes in Paris, France
Paris is home to thousands of cafes; there is a café on practically every street corner you turn, in every square you stumble across, on every boulevard you stroll along. The age-old Parisian tradition of sitting around at rickety tables and shooting back espressos is a fundamental part of everyday...
Top 16 Vegetarian Restaurants in Paris
The French have great respect for the fresh, organic produce yet France isn’t famous for its vegetarian cooking. Hence it’s a good idea for vegetarian visitors to Paris to come prepared in advance. This guide shows you places around the city which serve vegetarian food, complete with the...
9 Must Try Cafes in Paris
Discovering the best coffee and cafes in Paris can be difficult. The city is filled to the brim with brasseries and cafes, but very few offer the Anglophone standard of a good cup of coffee. This is a guide to inform tourists and Parisians alike of the new and somewhat established cafes in Paris...
15 Places for Tasting Best French Desserts in Paris
If you have a sweet tooth and it wishes to "eat your way" through Paris, this guide will show you how! Featured here are some of the most famous and prominent dessert spots in the French capital, where you can grab something sweet to enjoy. With 20 listed recommendations, you should be...
8 Best Food Markets in Paris for Authentic French Produce
The image of Parisians that you may have in your head as strolling through a colourful market with a basket on their arm, chatting to vendors and picking up fresh produce, is quite accurate. Most Parisians do visit local markets at least once a week to stock up on the freshest fruit, vegetables,...