A landmark at the heart of France’s history, nestled in the city center, the Palais-Royal estate awaits you on September 19 and 20, 2026, ready to reveal all its secrets. In honor of the Heritage Days, several free tours are organized to.showcase 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.
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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 43rd edition of Heritage Days, visitors are invited to explore this palace with a rich history, a jewel of architecture, and also a seat of power in the capital!
The Palais-Royal during the Revolution
The Palais-Royal, owned by the Duke of Orléans and aligned with liberal ideas, stands as one of the hottest spots of the French Revolution. A place for free speech, it gathers everyone at the heart of the revolutionary moment. After Necker’s dismissal on July 12, 1789, Camille Desmoulins urged Parisians to take up arms. History is in motion.
Participation conditions: 30 places available - Free | Reservation required - 01 47 03 92 16
Schedule: Friday, September 18, 2026 — 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Self-guided tour of the Ministry of Culture
The Ministry of Culture throws open its doors to visitors, offering a tour of the minister’s office, the reception rooms, and the contemporary artworks housed in these storied spaces.
A treasure hunt is laid on for children to accompany their visit.
Self-guided, free admission, no booking required.
Access via Place Colette and the gardens of the Domaine national du Palais Royal
Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (last entry at 6:30 p.m.).
Participation requirements: Open and free to the public, no reservation needed. - Free | No reservation
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 09:00 to 19:00 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 09:00 to 19:00
[Ministry] Willy Ronis photography exhibition at the Ministry of Culture
On the occasion of European Heritage Days 2026, the Ministry of Culture presents for the first time at the Palais-Royal estate an exhibition devoted to Willy Ronis (1910-2009), one of the leading figures of French humanist photography.
Through a selection of iconic works, the show shines a light on the photographer’s deeply humanist gaze at society and its era.
Produced as part of Grand Angle, a free-exhibition project presented by GrandPalaisRmn and the Médiathèque du patrimoine et de la photographie, with support from the Ministry of Culture, the Willy Ronis exhibition also features in the programming for the Bicentennial of Photography (2026-2027).
Participation requirements: Free of charge | No reservation required
Hours : Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 9:00 AM ⤏ 7:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 9:00 AM ⤏ 7:00 PM
The History of the Palais-Royal's Cour d'Honneur and Its Sculptures
We invite you to discover the Courtyard of Honor and its sculptures through a guided tour that will trace 400 years of history, from the Palais-Cardinal to the National Domain of the Palais-Royal.
Participation conditions: Free | Booking required - 01 47 03 92 16
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 11:00–12:30, 15:00–16:30 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 11:00–12:30, 15:00–16:30
Meridian Cannon Fire
The Palais-Royal’s meridian cannon will thunder at noon sharp to mark the 43rd edition of the European Heritage Days.
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 - 12:00 ⤏ 12:30 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 - 12:00 ⤏ 12:30
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Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Palais Royal Garden
2 place Colette
75001 Paris 1
Route planner
Prices
Free
Official website
www.domaine-palais-royal.fr
The gardens of the Palais-Royal in Paris, a favorite of Parisians
