There are so many beautiful things to see in Paris, there are almost too many to count. From the world-famous monuments to the cobblestone streets and hidden corners, the French capital is undoubtedly a feast for the eyes. You shouldn't miss its most magnificent palaces either! Though there are many
châteaus near Paris, the grand palaces in the city are not to be ignored. There's Palais Royale, Hôtel de Ville, Hôtel des Invalides, the Grand Palais, and more. They all add to the opulence and grandeur that the French capital is known for.
The most famous palace in Paris is one that you likely didn't wouldn't have guessed despite how well-known it is: the Louvre. Located in the
1st arrondissement, it's now the most prominent museum in the world. People from all around the world would travel all the way to Paris just to visit the museum. But before it became the art gallery that it is today, the Louvre Palace served as a military facility all those centuries ago. Not to mention as a royal residence between the 14th and 18th centuries too. The history of the Louvre is just as fascinating as its artworks.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Palais Royale
Speaking of royal residences, there's also the Palais Royale on Rue Saint-Honoré. Located
near the Louvre, it also served as the residence of various members of French nobility back in the day. It was originally built as the home of Cardinal Richelieu, himself a Duke of Richelieu. Upon his death in 1642, the palace became the property of King Louis XIII. From then on, it became the home of Queen Anne of Austria, her son Louis XIV, and eventually his younger brother, the Duke of Orleans. The palace would remain the residence of the succeeding Dukes of Orleans up until the monarchy was abolished following the French Revolution.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Palais de la Cité
On the
Île de la Cité district, you'll find Palais de la Cité, the former residence of the Kings of France. From the 6th to the 14th century, the country's rulers lived and ruled over the country from here. It wasn't until Louis XIV ventured beyond Paris and had the Palaces of Versailles built that Palais de la Cité became Palais de Justice a judicial center and courthouse. To this day, Palais de la Cité still serves as an important institution in the French capital. And its Medieval design has barely changed at all.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ xiquinhosilva
Hôtel de Ville
If you ever wondered where the Paris town hall was, just go to the
4th arrondissement. Here, you'll find the beautiful Hôtel de Ville, another of the many grand palaces in Paris. Constructed by François I from 1535 to 1551, other French kinds would help add and renovate the palace until it became what it is today. And since 1977, the palace has served as the official office of the Mayor of Paris. It's here where the local municipal government works, not to mention where residents of the French capital can deal with their own various issues regarding the city.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Hôtel des Invalides
The palatial Hôtel des Invalides in the
7th arrondissement isn't technically a palace. It's actually a building complex that houses museums, galleries, and at one point in time, even operated as a military hospital. Most notably, Louis XIV ordered Les Invalides to operate as a healthcare facility to help tend to wounded soldiers. Afterward, in 1815, over 5,000 survivors of the Great Army were listed there following Napoleon's abdication and surrender. And speaking of Napoleon, his tomb actually located in Hôtel des Invalides too. It's become one of the most famous landmarks in the city.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Petit Palais
On Avenue Winston Churchill, you'll find Petit Palais, home of the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts. Though it's not as massive and as famous as the Louvre, it's still one of the most eye-catching palaces in Paris. With startling symmetry, curved lines, and imposing domes, it's one of the finest examples of Belle Époque architecture in the French capital. And its art collection can almost rival that of the Louvre and other
museums in Paris too. Long story short, Petit Palais is a feast for the eyes!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Calips
Beyond the world-famous monuments and charming cafes in Paris, the city also has a treasure trove of beautiful palaces. They all stand as a reminder of the French capital's grandeur, history, and unmistakable beauty!
