Palais Royal

The Palais Royal was originally known as the Palais Cardinal, for it was the residence of Cardinal Richelieu, Louis XIII's prime minister. Richelieu had it built, and after his death it was inherited by the king, who died soon after. Louis XIV spent part of his childhood here with his mother, Anne of Austria, but later resided at the Louvre and Versailles. The palace was later owned by the duc de Chartres et Orléans, who encouraged the opening of cafes, gambling dens, and other public entertainment. Though government offices occupy the Palais Royal and are not open to the public, do visit the Jardin du Palais Royal, an enclosure bordered by arcades. Don't miss the main courtyard, with the controversial 1986 Buren sculpture -- 280 prison-striped columns, oddly placed.