The National Domain of the Palais‑Royal, situated opposite the Louvre and Tuileries Garden, is a “village within the city” where French history, classical architecture and contemporary art meet. Built for Cardinal Richelieu between 1633 and 1639 as the Palais‑Cardinal, it became the Palais‑Royal when later passed to the royal family. It served as a royal residence before Versailles. The site today houses the Council of State, Constitutional Council and part of the Ministry of Culture, with public access provided through elegant arcades, cafés and boutiques.

The Versailles‑style garden, listed as a “remarkable garden”, covers over 20,000 m² with lush lawns, fountains, flowerbeds and sculptures. It is a green haven much loved by Parisians and visitors alike. At its heart stands Daniel Buren’s iconic artwork “Les Deux Plateaux”, or Buren’s Columns – 260 octagonal black-and-white marble columns of varied heights (8.7 to 62 cm), some emerging from a subtle water basin. Installed in 1986 within a former parking area, what was initially controversial is now a beloved symbol of the Palais‑Royal.

Nearby is Pol Bury’s spherical fountain installation, offering another modern art experience. The domain regularly hosts outdoor exhibitions, such as the “400 Years of Palais‑Royal” display that ran through March 2025, chronicling four centuries of history.

Free admission daily: from 8:00 to 20:30 in winter (Oct–Mar), and until 22:30 in summer (Apr–Sept). Group guided tours (2 hours) are offered by reservation in French, English or Spanish for approximately €105–140.

Fun fact: in 1785 a solar cannon was installed along the Paris meridian at the Palais‑Royal—it fired at noon each sunny day via a lens, helping Parisians set their clocks. It was a scientific landmark of its time.

The atmosphere combines elegant serenity – arcades full of design shops, art galleries and refined cafés (notably the historic Grand Véfour) – with tranquil green spaces. Green chairs invite visitors to relax, read or enjoy the scenery. Ideal visitors: art and history lovers, couples, families, urban influencers, or anyone seeking a peaceful pause in central Paris.