- Description Royal Palace
- History of the Royal Palace
- The events marking the Royal Palace
- Visit the Royal Palace
- Transfer from the Royal Palace to Paris airports
The Royal Palace, situated in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, is located a few meters from the Louvre Museum and the Avenue de l’Opera. Currently, the Royal Palace is a building housing the Council of State, the Constitutional Council, and the Ministry of Culture.
Description Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is a vast complex encompassing a garden, galleries, and a theater. It features a large main building with a dining room and a ceremonial hall. Additionally, the palace contains several smaller apartments, including those for the governor and the Duchess of Orleans. The garden is adorned with 180 lamps, separated by Corinthian pilasters and illuminated by 188 arcades. The southwest corner of the palace is home to the “Comédie Française.” An arched passageway links the courtyard to Place Colette, and the palace also includes the peristyle and the Montpensier and Valois wings.
History of the Royal Palace
The Royal Palace, a remarkable building, was constructed by Richelieu in 1628 on the site of the former Hotel Rambouillet, which Richelieu had purchased and demolished to make way for the palace. The project was undertaken by architect Jacques Lemercier. Originally named the Cardinal’s Palace, it was later renamed the Royal Palace under the regency of Anne of Austria. During the Regency, the palace housed a remarkable collection of over five hundred prestigious artworks. In 1763, a significant part of the building was destroyed by fire and looting, prompting a reconstruction that was completed in 1777, only to be damaged again by fire in 1781. In 1814, the palace came under the control of the Orleans family and was later used by King Jerome during the Second Empire. From 1871, the palace served various state embassies. Between 1780 and 1830, the Royal Palace was a hub of Parisian entertainment, offering shows, restaurants, cafes, shops, and gaming establishments.
The events marking the Royal Palace
The Royal Palace became known as the Palace of Orleans when it was donated in 1692 to Monsieur Philippe d’Orléans. In 1780, the future Philippe Égalité commissioned a major renovation, designed by the architect Victor Louis. These changes transformed the palace into a popular leisure spot for wealthy Parisians, including playrooms, catering facilities, and more. However, by the end of 1836, these activities ceased. The Royal Palace also plays a pivotal role in the revolutionary history of the Comédie-Française, which began with the establishment of the Royal Opera House in the palace by Lully in 1799. A significant event was the installation of Daniel Buren’s two plates in the courtyard in 1986. The Royal Palace has been a filming location for many movies, with the most recent being “Alias Caracalla” by Alain Tasma in 2013.
Visit the Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is a landmark of French history and Parisian culture. It offers visitors an exhibition of modern art, including the renowned 260 Buren columns, known as the two trays. Visitors can also enjoy a stroll under the arcades, exploring major fashion boutiques for a pleasant visit.
To visit the Royal Palace, you can utilize our specialized transfer service. We provide transfers to the palace and to Paris airports, with a choice of three car categories: collective shuttle, private car, and VIP luxury car. A professional and friendly driver will be at your disposal for your discovery journey.
Transfer from the Royal Palace to Paris airports
For a luxurious transfer to the Royal Palace from Roissy CDG airport, you can rely on our team specializing in luxury car rentals. Book a luxury car transfer with us for a comfortable journey. The Royal Palace is located 20.6 miles (33.1 km) from Orly Airport, 86.9 miles (139.8 km) from Beauvais Tille Airport, and 26.5 km (16.5 miles) from Charles de Gaulle Airport.