A serene haven adored by locals, the Jardin du Palais Royal (domaine-palais-royal.fr) is tucked between the Louvre and the bustling av de l'Opéra. It is one of those historical places in Paris where tourists and Parisians seamlessly merge, both enjoying the magnificence of centuries-old architecture in their own way. It is true that there’s something mesmerizing about strolling beneath its impeccably trimmed trees and long arcaded galleries – their depth and symmetry creating an illusion of infinity.
Built in 1624 by Cardinal de Richelieu, King Louis XIII’s Prime Minister, Palais Royal has long been at the heart of Paris’ political and cultural life. However, its characteristic galleries date back to the late 18th century, initiated by Louis-Philippe d’Orléans. By then, they had become home to shops, cabarets and residences.
Some landmarks have endured the test of time. Beneath the Galerie de Beaujolais for instance, a 200-year-old iconic restaurant still stands: it is said that Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife Joséphine used to lunch at Le Grand Véfour, as did artists such as Victor Hugo.
The building also houses the Conseil Constitutionnel and part of the Ministry of Culture’s offices, but it is best known as the home of the Comédie-Française, France’s National Theatre (entrance located on Pl Colette), and most notably, for the contemporary artworks displayed in the southern part of the garden – like an open-air museum.
