Palais Royal
The Palais Royal in Paris sits facing the Louvre, it contains a former royal palace which now plays host to a number of administrative departments including the Ministry of Culture, plus a garden, galleries and a theatre. It often overlooked by tourists due to its proximity to its grand neighbour.
8 Rue de Montpensier
75001 PARIS Located in 1st arrondissement Official website: http://www.domaine-palais-royal.fr/ 
Nearest metro stations to Eiffel Tower are:
Palais Royal - Musee du Louvre
4 mins walk 
You can check out the relavent metro lines by clicking line numbers below - will open in new window.
Originally known as the 'Cardinal Palace' as Cardinal Richelieu had, in the 17th century, acquired a series of buildings near to the Louvre Palace (he wanted to be close) and put his architect Jacques Lemercier to work in modifying them to form his new palace.In 1636 Richelieu ceded the palace to King Louis XIII and in 1642 his widow, Queen Anne of Austria moved her family there including the young King Louis XIV after which it became known as the Royal Palace.It continued to house royal families up until the Palace of Versailles was built.
Considering it is just a short walk from the Louvre,once you *enter through its screened entrance and through the arched galleries lined with shops you will be surprised as to how quiet it can be out of high season.The main courtyard houses the interesting columns of Daniel Buren and the fountains of Pol Bury.
*Enter the gardens from Rue de Valois on the east, Rue de Montpensier on the west, or Rue de Beaujolais 
The gardens are a favourite spot for tourists,those who know it and locals alike to come and stroll plus tihe Comédie-Française theatre and the Grand-Véfour restaurant, with its listed interior décor, are also very popular visits.
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Other transport options:
Bus Nos 21.27,39,68,72,74
Nearest Velib docking point is number 1015
Place André Malraux |
