Palais-Royal (Royal Palace), Paris

Palais-Royal, originally named Palais-Cardinal, was constructed by Richelieu in 1628 and later inherited by King Louis XIII after his death. Although Louis XIV briefly lived here as a child, he found the experience traumatizing due to a late-night escape from potential revolters, which may have been one of the reasons why he chose to reside outside of Paris, in Versailles, later in life.

On 12 July 1789, a journalist and politician of the time named Camille Desmoulins gave a speech on a table in the garden of Palais-Royal. Fearing that King Louis would take action against the Third Estate after dismissing finance minister Jacques Necker, Desmoulins called for a popular uprising, which led to the storming of the Bastille two days later.

During the 19th century, the notorious King Louis-Philippe transformed the palace into a shopping and entertainment destination. Despite the dirty surrounding streets, visitors could clean their muddy shoes before entering the complex to shop, browse, and socialize. As the property was privately owned, police intervention was not permitted, leading to the emergence of gambling and prostitution at night.

The square today is adorned with the playful addition of black and white striped columns by Daniel Buren. Constructed in 1985 and made of white and black Pyrenees marble, these columns were met with mixed feelings from the public, both loved and hated. Despite their different heights, they are set in straight lines at even spaces, maintaining a sense of uniformity.

Why You Should Visit:
A little seclusion in a busy part of town that really transports you to a different place and time – imagining what court life must have been like. Ideal for a day/night walk (much more beautiful by night).

Tip:
Consider visiting to the charming rose garden (8am-8:30pm) located to the left of the palace, by the courtyard. Designed in 1633, it was transformed into a popular and remarkable floral haven in 1992. There are benches to sit on and admire the flowers, as well as a statue of a snake charmer by Adolphe Martial Thabard (1875). During lunchtime, workers often come here to relax and enjoy mini-picnics with pastries and takeaway coffees. Visitors can pull up one of the scattered metal chairs by the central fountain, bring a book, and unwind.