10 Palaces In Paris You Should Visit For A Historical Tour!

Historic Palace in Paris

While the city is predominantly known for its vast array of museums and galleries, along with other iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, you can also find several spectacular Palace in Paris. In addition to being quite historically significant, these French châteaux also boast of magnificent architecture, as well as extensive collections of artefacts and other interesting objects.

Some of the top palais à paris include the Palace of Versailles, a former royal residence known predominantly for its architectural grandeur and rich political history. Others include the opulent Luxembourg Palace, a royal residence that now serves as the seat of the Senate of the Fifth Republic of France, and is a top palace to visit in paris. Witness the attraction of Paris and it's old political history with our Europe travel packages.

Exuding grandeur and opulence, the palaces in Paris are also among the more offbeat places to visit and explore in the city. However, they offer some of the most interesting insights into the country’s history, politics and society, in addition to its culture and royal traditions.

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Palaces In Paris

01

Palace Of Versailles

When exploring the city, head over to the Palace of Versailles, which is the most popular palace to visit in paris.

It is a royal château located in Versailles, a few kilometres southwest of Paris, and served as the royal residence of King Louis XIV

When exploring the palace, pay a visit to some of the most famous attractions here, like the majestic halls of the King’s Apartments as well as the Hall of Mirrors

You can also visit the world-famous gardens here, to enjoy a fountain show complete with serene melodies

Location: Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles, France

Opening Hours: 09:00 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. (Closed on Mondays)

Entry Fees: 40€ per person

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02

Luxembourg Palace

Head over to the Luxembourg Palace, ranked as the best palace in paris and dating back to the early 1600s.

A place perfect for history buffs, the palace is located between the English and French Luxembourg gardens and offers you amazing insights into the rich French classical history and architecture.

The palace used to be the residence of the royal family and was then converted into a prison during the French Revolution, and now serves as a legislative building and the official seat of the French Senate.

Location: 15 Rue de Vaugirard, 75291 Paris, France

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 02:30 p.m.

Entry Fees: Free

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03

Tuileries Palace

Amongst the top palais à paris was the Tuileries Palace, or whatever is left of the erstwhile imperial home of the French monarchs till the year 1871.

The palace used to stand on the right bank of the Seine river, and was the royal residence of all the kings from Henry IV to Napoleon III.

Built in 1564, the Tuileries Palace was set on fire by the Paris Commune in March of 1871, and was subsequently demolished.

Location: Paris, France

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04

Domaine National Du Palais

With history dating back to the year 1633, the Domaine national du Palais or the Palais Royal is another one of the top Palace in Paris.

Located just a short walk from The Louvre, this palace was the home of the royal families until the Palace of Versailles was built, and is known for its futuristic architecture, complete with sculptures made by Buren and Bury.

The Domaine national du Palais is also home to 260 black and white striped octagonal columns, which are considered to be amongst the major symbols of Paris.

As of today, the palace serves as the seat of the Ministry of Culture, the Constitutional Council and the Conseil d'État.

Location: 8 Rue de Montpensier, 75001 Paris, France

Opening Hours: 08:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Entry Fees: Free

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05

Palais Bourbon

Ranked amongst the most famous palais à paris is the Palais Bourbon, located on the left banks of the Seine River, across from the Place De La Concorde and other important buildings in Paris

The palace was originally built for the daughter of Louis XIV and Françoise-Athénaïs, marquise de Montespan, and was completed in the year 1728

Known for its beautiful façade, the Bourbon Palace also boasts of Corinthian columns and pediment, in addition to a design that resembles the Madeleine Church in the city

Location: 126 Rue de l'Université, 75007 Paris, France

Opening Hours: 09:30 a.m. to 03:00 p.m.

Entry Fees: 150€ per person

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06

Louvre Palace

Tucked between the Tuileries Gardens and the Church of Saint Germain l’Auxerrois, the Louvre Palace is one of the best former royal Palace in Paris.

Dating back to the medieval period, all the way to the early 16th century, the palace was also the actual seat of power in the country till the year 1682.

Ever since 1789, the Louvre Palace has been home to the famous Louvre Museum or Musee du Louvre, which consists of some of the largest collections of artworks in the whole world.

Location: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France

Opening Hours: 09:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. (Closed on Tuesdays)

Entry Fees: 17€ per person

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07

Petit Palais

One of the best palace in Paris is the Petit Palais, which is home to the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts and was built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle.

The palace is known for its amazing exhibits and displays, including a collection of Roman and Greek artefacts, Medieval and Renaissance paintings and sculptures, as well as 19th century artworks of famed artists like Courbet, Monet and Rodin.

You can also find a stunning garden here, which is great for taking a relaxing stroll or simply unwinding whilst soaking in the serene views all around.

Location: Av. Winston Churchill, 75008 Paris, France

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. (Closed on Mondays)

Entry Fees: Free

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08

Grand Palais

Another top Palace in Paris is the Grand Palais, which today serves as an exhibition and museum complex on the Champs-Élysées

The palace was originally built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, and gained a lot of fame for its glass barrel-vaulted roof

Throughout history, the Grand Palais has been used as a hospital for WWI, a truck depot for the Nazis during the occupation of Paris as well as a venue to stage propaganda exhibitions

It is also home to the Palais de la Découverte, a museum that is dedicated to scientific discoveries, as well as a planetarium

Location: 3 Av. du Général Eisenhower, 75008 Paris, France

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 08:00 p.m.

Entry Fees: 13€ per person

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09

Élysée Palace

When looking to explore palais à paris, head over to the Élysée Palace, which is the official seat of the President of France.

It was completed in the year 1722, and is located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris.

The palace has served as the home of Madame de Pompadour, Nicolas Beaujon, Bathilde d’Orleans as well as the Duke of Berry.

The palace also contains the office and residence of the French President, and is also used as the meeting place of the Council of Ministers for their weekly meetings.

Location: 55 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris, France

Opening Hours: Can only be visited during European Heritage Days on the third weekend of September

Entry Fees: Free

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10

Château De Rambouillet

One of the most beautiful Palace in Paris is the Château de Rambouillet, a 14th century fortified castle that has provided shelter to many famed personalities over the years.

It is known for its French formal garden which contains many canals as well as 6 islands, along with an English landscaped garden.

The Château de Rambouillet is currently maintained by the Monuments Historiques, and is also the official country residence of the President of France.

Location: 78120 Rambouillet, France

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; 2:00 p.m. to 05:00 p.m. (Closed on Tuesdays)

Entry Fees: 7€ per person

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