Private shuttle from Palais Royal to Orly aorport

Exploring the history and grandeur of the Palais Royal in Paris

Located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris on the Place du Palais Royal, the Royal Palace occupies a grand expanse of 405 meters long and 123 meters wide. The regal establishment includes the palace itself, a vast garden, numerous galleries, and a theater. Constructed under the directive of Richelieu, this impressive structure was completed in 1628.

The Royal Palace was initially a Cardinal’s palace before it was handed over to the king and transformed into the residence of Louis XIV. In 1780, Philippe Egalite revamped the palace into a popular entertainment hub. This change was executed by architect Victor Louis, and for half a century, the palace served as a location for coffee shops, gaming rooms, and a restaurant. Montansier theater, situated within the palace, is recognized as the birthplace of modern French comedy.

Since 1871, it has housed several key organizations of the Republic, and currently, it serves as the headquarters of the Constitutional Council, the Council of State, and the Ministry of Culture. This multi-faceted history is part of what makes the Palais Royal a significant point of interest in Paris.

The Royal Palace is distinguished by its courtyard, a magnificent garden teeming with lush greenery, adorned with statues, and flanked by a gallery studded with columns on both sides. This gallery serves as a link between the two main buildings of the palace.

The ground floor of the main building is marked by Doric columns, while the first floor is beautified with Ionic columns. The sides of the palace are adorned with arcades crowned by sculptures, contributing to its majestic appearance.

The main entrance of the palace comprises three portals, each embellished with paired Doric columns. It features three arches leading to an anteroom. The interior of the palace is a feast for the eyes, richly decorated with tapestries, paintings, and statues, embodying the opulence and artistic sophistication of the French nobility.