Heritage Days 2024: exceptional tours and events at the Domaine du Palais-Royal

Published by Cécile de Sortiraparis, Laurent de Sortiraparis · Photos by Rizhlaine de Sortiraparis · Published on August 22, 2024 at 03:46 p.m.
The Palais-Royal is opening its doors to us for the Journées du Patrimoine, on September 21 and 22, 2024, with a range of tours and events for all lovers of history and heritage. The program includes an exceptional opening by the Ministry of Culture and a parade by the Garde Républicaine horse band to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Palais-Royal.

A monument at the heart of French history, located in the center of the capital, the Palais-Royal estate awaits you on September 21 and 22, 2024, to reveal all its secrets. On the occasion of the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days), several free tours will be organized to help you discover this Parisian jewel.

Built at Richelieu' s instigation in 1628, the Palais-Royal has played host to many a crowned head over the centuries. During her stay at the Palais-Royal, the regent Anne of Austria transformed the decor of the east wing, commissioning the large forged balcony at 6 rue de Valois.

Réouverture des jardins du Palais-Royal à ParisRéouverture des jardins du Palais-Royal à ParisRéouverture des jardins du Palais-Royal à ParisRéouverture des jardins du Palais-Royal à Paris The Palais-Royal gardens in Paris, a Parisian favorite
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Remarkable for its H-shape, the monument never ceases to fascinate. It has undergone a number of transformations over the years, under the impetus of the Orléans family, who called on such prestigious architects as Hardouin-Mansart and Cartaud, and then of the government, which invited Daniel Buren, who caused controversy in 1985 with his work Les Deux Plateaux, located in the Courtyard.

After the fall of the Second Empire, the Palais-Royal became home to a number of administrative bodies: the Cour des Comptes, the Institut International de Coopération Intellectuelle (the forerunner of UNESCO), the Conseil Economique (now the Conseil Economique, Social et Environnement), before the Conseil d'Etat moved in in 1875, followed by the Conseil Constitutionnel in 1958 and the Ministry of Culture!

During this 41st edition of the Journées du Patrimoine, visitors are invited to discover this Palais with its rich history, a jewel of architecture but also a major place of power in the capital!

The 2024 Heritage Days program at the Domaine du Palais Royal :

  • Visit to the Ministry of Culture
    September 21 and 22

    For the European Heritage Days, the Ministry of Culture is opening its doors!
    Come and discover the minister's office, the reception rooms and the contemporary works of art on display in these historic premises. A treasure hunt is available for children to accompany their visit.
    No reservation required.
    Entrance via Place Colette and the gardens of the Domaine national du Palais Royal.



  • Cultivating our Future" workshops at the Ministry of Culture
    September 21 and 22

    To mark the European Heritage Days, the Ministry of Culture and 2Tonnes are teaming up to offer workshops to raise awareness of ecological issues.
    These workshops, consisting of 45-minute interactive quizzes in groups, will raise awareness of the most effective ways to reduce one's carbon footprint, and inspire people to take action at their own level and with their own means.
    Duration approx. 45 minutes, free access, outdoors.
    Entrance via Place Colette and the gardens of the Domaine national du Palais Royal.



  • Meet the Dukes of Orléans at the Palais-Royal
    September 21 and 22

    In 1692, Louis XIV presented the Palais-Royal to his brother Philippe d'Orléans. The estate remained in the hands of the Orléans family until the 19th century. They undertook major embellishment work, making their estate one of the most beautiful in the capital. Visitors can discover all the secrets of the estate during guided tours.



  • Cardinal de Richelieu's cats
    September 21 and 22

    The Cardinal de Richelieu, minister to King Louis XIII, loved cats. A room in his palace was reserved for his fourteen companions.
    During the European Heritage Days, come and make a cardboard cat figurine and choose which of the Cardinal's cats you'd like to take home... Lucifer, Félimare, Perruque, Mimi-Paillasson, Serpolet...



  • Richelieu and the Palais-Cardinal
    September 21 and 22

    In 1624, Cardinal de Richelieu, who had just been appointed head of King Louis XIII's Council, acquired the Hôtel de Rambouillet, near the Louvre where the King resided, in order to build one of the capital's most beautiful palaces. Guided tours will give visitors the opportunity to discover this place!



  • Cardinal de Richelieu's red guard
    September 21 and 22

    Fencing workshop - (5/13 yrs)
    Come and cross swords with Cardinal de Richelieu's Musketeers, charged with protecting him!
    "The fine dress of these soldiers was admired, as they were the most skilled and brave in the kingdom".



  • Parade of the Garde Républicaine horse band
    Saturday, September 21, 3:00 pm

    Come and watch the parade of the Garde Républicaine mounted brass band to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Palais-Royal.



Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
From September 21, 2024 to September 22, 2024

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.

    Location

    2 place Colette
    75001 Paris 1

    Route planner

    Prices
    Free

    Official website
    www.domaine-palais-royal.fr

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