Palais-Royal Garden: a peaceful break in the heart of the 1st
By Rédaction My Sweet Paris · Published 2 November 2026
Between the Louvre and the Bourse, the Palais-Royal Garden is one of the calmest breaks in Paris: rows of clipped trees, arcaded galleries and the courtyard of striped columns. Entry is free. From Hôtel Concortel, line 14 takes you there in one stop.
What is the Palais-Royal?
Built for Cardinal Richelieu in the 17th century as the Palais-Cardinal, it became “royal” after his death, when it was bequeathed to the king. Today the Domaine national du Palais-Royal houses, among others, the Ministry of Culture, and its garden is open to all.
What is there to see?
- The garden, its neatly clipped tree-lined paths and central pond surrounded by chairs.
- The arcaded galleries framing it, with shops, bookshops and cafés.
- The main courtyard and Daniel Buren’s striped columns, which children love to climb.
- At the south exit, the Comédie-Française and Place Colette.
When to go and how to get there?
Entry is free. From October to March the garden usually opens from 7.30 am to 8.30 pm according to L’Officiel des spectacles; hours may vary, so check on site. From the Concortel, take line 14 at Madeleine to Pyramides (one stop), then walk a few minutes; on foot, allow about 25 minutes via rue Saint-Honoré (estimate).
Find the Palais-Royal on our illustrated map, carry on to the Louvre just opposite, and more ideas in Discover Paris.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Palais-Royal Garden free?
Yes, the garden, the galleries and the courtyard with Buren’s columns are free to visit.
What are the garden’s winter opening hours?
From October to March it usually opens from 7.30 am to 8.30 pm according to L’Officiel des spectacles; hours may vary.
Who built the Palais-Royal?
Cardinal Richelieu, in the 17th century. The palace became “royal” after it was bequeathed to the king.
How do I get there from the Madeleine?
Line 14 to Pyramides, one stop, then a few minutes on foot; or about 25 minutes’ walk (estimate).
Practical information
- Palais-Royal Garden, Paris 1st — entrances on Place Colette, rue de Valois and rue de Montpensier.
- Free entry; October to March, usually 7.30 am – 8.30 pm according to L’Offi (indicative hours).
- Line 14 from Madeleine to Pyramides (one stop), or lines 1 and 7 to Palais-Royal–Musée du Louvre.
- On foot from the hotel: about 25 minutes via rue Saint-Honoré (estimate).
Read next
Sources
- L’Officiel des spectacles — Jardin du Palais-Royal — 2 November 2026
- Paris je t’aime — Domaine national du Palais-Royal — 2 November 2026
- Visit Paris Region — Jardin du Palais-Royal — 2 November 2026