Formerly the home of Cardinal Richelieu, Palais Royal was built back in 1629. After the death of the Cardinal, King Louis XIV inherited the palace. It was during the French Revolution that Louis-Philippe d’Orleans, Louis cousin, took over the palace. He then transformed the arcades throughout the palace into café’s and boutiques.

Today, Palais Royal is not open to the public, but it’s well worth a visit to see the arcades that today are exclusives cafes and designer boutiques. Le Grand Vefour is a very well known up market restaurant, which is located here.

It can boast its fantastic interior décor and exquisite cuisine, however back in the early 1800’s prostitutes and gamblers were often spotted throughout the arcades with a lot a of dodgy sales merchants and market banter taking place here also.

Located close to the great boulevards and also Place de l’Opera , evening time may be the best time to go along and view the lighting from the hanging lanterns, the fountains and the fantastic little gardens that surrounds the galleries.