Domaine National Du Palais Royal

The gardens of the Palais Royal are considered to be among the finest in France. They were redesigned in 1677 by André Le Nôtre. Visitors can stroll through the elegant landscaped gardens, relax on the lawns, or take a seat in one of the many cafés and restaurants that line the garden path.

The patio of the castle is enriched with the extraordinary sculptures made by famous craftsman Daniel Buren. "Les Deux Plateaux'' also known as "Les Colonnes de Buren" is his art installation which was put up for public appreciation on the plea of Minister of Culture, Jack Lang, in the palace. It is an example of contemporary work comprising 260 black and white striped sections, which has turned into a quintessential piece of the Parisian landscape today.

When you visit Domaine National Du Palais Royal, the small bronze cannon is one of the many items on display that you should not miss. The small bronze cannon in this large complex of buildings and gardens from the 16th to the 18th centuries is a replica of an age-old French cannon which was stolen.

After the flames that destroyed the first theatre, Duke Louis-Philippe d'Orléans had it replaced by another one in the southwest corner to house. Known as the House of Molière, this is the oldest art theatre on the planet. Another theatre, the Théâtre des Beaujolais, was created by the same architect in the northwest corner at 38 Rue de Montpensier.

Another eminent yet downplayed work of art that quietly rejuvenates the Palais Royal’s Cour d’Orléans, is the duo-fountains called "Sphérades". This design by Belgian craftsmen for the Palais-Royal consists of 10 stainless steel spheres. These gradually revolve on their axis under the energy of the water flowing over them. The water rotating the spheres comes from a small waterfall at the back of each fountain and then flows out through a stainless steel grate at the tail.