Exploring Paris's Elegant Palais Royal
The Palais Royal District, also known as the district of the Royal Palace or quartier du Palais-Royal, is the 3rd administrative district of Paris. It is located in the heart of the 1st arrondissement along the right bank of the Seine River. The district owes its name to the Palais Royal, a royal palace that was built in the early 17th century.
A Brief History of The Palais Royal
The Palais Royal, originally known as Palais Cardinal, was the personal residence of Cardinal Richelieu. It was designed by architect Jacques Lemercier, one of the most influential French architects. The construction of the palace commenced in 1633 and was completed in 1639.
The palace was bequeathed to King Louis XIII after Richelieu's death in 1642. After the death of the king in 1643, the property became the home of Mother Anne of Austria, her sons (Philippe, duc d'Anjou and Louis XIV ) and her adviser Cardinal Mazarin.
Two centuries later, the Palais Royal was remodelled adding new buildings to the structure and transforming the ground-floor space into shopping arcades. Today, the palace hosts the Ministry of Culture, the Constitutional Council, the Council of State and the Bank of France. It also houses a number of museums, theatres, boutiques, cafes, book shops, and restaurants.
Things to See in The Palais Royal District
The district of the Royal Palace maintains a low-key atmosphere amid its legal surrounding making it a perfect retreat from the bustling 1st arrondissement.
Here are some of the best places to visit in the district.
1. The Royal Palace Garden
This beautiful garden is a must-visit during your stay in Paris. It sprawls across 5 acres and is home to about 500 trees including four double rows of lime trees and red horse-chestnuts. It also has beautiful flower beds and elegant fountains.
2. Cour d'Honneur
Cour d'Honneur is the inner courtyard of the Palace. It features an art installation created by Daniel Buren, a French conceptual artist. The installation, which is known as Les Deux Plateaux, consists of 280 black and white candy-striped columns of varying heights.
While the installation not popular with everyone, it adds a sense of modernity to the palace and its environs.
3. French Comedy Theatre
The French Comedy Theatre is one of the few state theatres in France and one of the oldest continuously operating theatres in the world. It hosts a wide range of performances including both classical and contemporary plays and musicals. It is highly recommended you book your ticket online before visiting the theatre.
Other places you may want to check out when visiting Paris include the Louvre museum, the Palais-Royal theatre, and Saint-Roch Church.
Where to Eat
The district hosts a few good restaurants, most of which have outdoor seating. Some of the most popular restaurants include Le Grand Véfour, Takara, Pierre au Palais Royal, and Restaurant du Palais Royal.
Where to Shop
The district of the Royal Palace is also home to some of Paris’s top shopping arcades. You can choose to shop at designer boutiques such as Didier Ludot, Stella McCartney, and Rick Owens or at tiny stores.
Where to Stay in The Palais Royal District
There are different types of Palais Royal apartments rentals to suit every taste and budget. To make your property search easy, consider using a real estate agency. Winston & Léon agency can help you find an apartment that fits your vacation style. The agency offers fully furnished Palais Royal apartments rentals that are within walking distance of most attractions.
