The Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre is a Metro station in the 1st arrondissement in Paris. From here, you can walk to nearby landmarks including the Arc de Triomphe and the Jardin des Tuileries, which is located right next to the River Seine. The station also provides direct access to the Musée du Louvre, which is a historic icon of the French capital and one of the world’s largest art museums.

Located in the heart of the city and surrounded by theatres, historic landmarks, shopping malls and a diverse restaurant scene, the Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre Metro station is busy with history buffs, architecture enthusiasts and foodies. Be prepared to jostle with commuters during rush hours.

This station can be busy throughout the day due to its proximity to some of the top-rated attractions in Paris. However, many nearby landmarks, including the Louvre, can usually only be visited during the day.

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What are the highlights of Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre?

The Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre provides direct access to the world-famous attractions of the Palais Royal and the Musée du Louvre that lend the station its name. The Palais-Royal is located directly above the station. Here, you can explore the arcades that house upscale fashion boutiques as well as the majestic gardens and courtyards, which are open to the public daily.

Also accessible from the Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre is the Louvre Palace, where you can marvel at the Mona Lisa in addition to around 38,000 objects and works of art. Collections include Islamic art, paintings and sculptures as well as Roman, Greek and Egyptian antiquities. Most years, the Louvre wins the title of "world’s most-visited museum".

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A brief history of Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre

First constructed in 1900, the Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre is 1 of the 8 original Metro stations opened on Line 1 of the Paris Metro. Until it was extended in 1926, it was the southern terminus of its line, and it remains the closest station to the Palais Royal and the Musée du Louvre, 2 historic icons of the French capital.

The Louvre Museum’s history spans nearly 900 years. It was originally built as a castle for King Philip II. You can still see remnants of the former fortress in the museum’s basement. After being extended to form the Louvre Palace during the 15th and 16th centuries, it was finally opened as a museum in 1793, when it housed under 550 paintings. Now, there are nearly 40,000 works of art on display, though more than 380,000 objects belong to the museum.

The Palais-Royal was constructed during the 17th century in the classical architectural style. While it was a former royal residence, it now serves as the seat for various governmental departments. But you can still explore the courtyards, gardens and arcades that surround it.

Good to know about Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre Metro Station

The Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre is served by Metro Lines 1 and 7 and has 5 exits. Exit 1 takes you into the Carrousel du Louvre, a large underground shopping mall. From here, you can gain admission to the Louvre Museum. Head to exit 2 if you want to see the magnificent Palais Royal. Before you leave the station, don’t forget to check out the Guimard entrances in the Art Nouveau style, which have been designated as historical monuments.

Besides the Palais Royal and Louvre Museum, popular attractions near the Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre Metro station include Comédie-Française, which is home to the world’s oldest theatre company. There's also Place Collete, a famous square surrounded by architectural gems, restaurants and shops.

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Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre Metro Station

Locatie: 75001 Paris, France

Openingstijden: Sunday–Thursday from 5.30 am to 1.15 am, Friday and Saturday from 5.30 am to 2.15 am

Telefoonnummer: +33 890 17 75 98

Joshua Saunders | Schrijver