The Palais-Royal is a former royal palace built for Cardinal Richelieu in 1633, set just north of the Louvre in the 1st arrondissement and now a French 'Domaine national' (national estate). Its buildings house major state institutions — the Conseil d'État, the Constitutional Council and the Ministry of Culture — along with the Comédie-Française theatre, so the interiors are closed to the public, but the courtyard and garden are free and open to all. The main draw is 'Les Deux Plateaux' (1986), Daniel Buren's field of black-and-white striped columns, which caused a national controversy at unveiling and is now one of the most photographed spots in Paris. It makes an ideal quiet garden retreat right beside the crowded Louvre.
Les Colonnes de Buren (Les Deux Plateaux) — 260 black-and-white striped octagonal columns filling the Cour d'Honneur; an iconic Paris photo spot.
The Pol Bury fountains — two contemporary fountains with polished metal spheres that rotate and reflect on the water.
The Palais-Royal garden — a classified 'Jardin remarquable' lined with lime trees, with benches and paths around a central fountain.
Valois, Montpensier and Beaujolais galleries — arcades built in 1784 housing historic boutiques, cafés, and antique and perfume shops.
Le Grand Véfour and Colette's legacy — a historic restaurant descended from an 18th-century café and traces of writer Colette, who lived here.
Good to know
SafetyThe Louvre / Palais-Royal area sees frequent pickpocketing. Keep bags in front and watch your phone and wallet in the metro and the busy courtyard.
CautionWatch for the petition-signing distraction, the friendship-bracelet tie-on that demands money, and the 'found gold ring' scam — all common nearby. Do not engage; keep walking.
RulesThe palace interiors (Conseil d'État, Constitutional Council, etc.) are normally closed to the public and generally open only on the September Heritage Days. Only the courtyard and garden are freely visitable.
MannersThe Buren columns are an artwork. Many people climb onto them for photos, but never deface them, and be careful as the marble is slippery when wet.
SeasonThe garden and courtyard close at night and hours change by season (extended in summer, shorter in winter). Check the day's hours before you go.
MannersThe arcade restaurants and boutiques are largely upscale. Resting on garden benches is fine, but avoid eating on the lawns and keep noise down.
Practical info
It sits right by the Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre metro station (lines 1 and 7), at 8 rue de Montpensier, 75001 Paris. Entry to the courtyard and garden is free; hours are broadly summer (Apr–Sep) 8:00–22:30 and winter (Oct–Mar) 8:00–20:30, but they vary by season and events, so confirm the latest times on the official site before visiting.
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