9Domaine National du Palais Royal Originally the property of Richelieu, then the d’Orléans family, the Palais Royal opened for business in 1780. At this time, the palace was synonymous with prostitution, gambling and scandal. Its past now forgotten, the Palais Royal today houses the French Ministry of Cul- ture, several exclusive boutiques, a Michelin- starred restaurant, a delightful and peaceful French formal garden, and the famous black and white columns by Daniel Buren. Place Colette (1st). M Palais Royal –o Musée du Louvre. 01 47 03 92 16. www.domaine-palais-royal.fr 10Les Caves du Louvre Palais These prestigious vaulted 18th-century winecellars used to house the wine served at the Garnier court of the king of France! Redeveloped opéranationaldeparis into an interactive museum, they now wel- come the public to discover the world of The show begins with the facade of the Palais wine via a dedicated app or a guided tour. As Garnier, one of the city’s most iconic buildings. is fitting, the visit finishes with a wine tasting. Polychrome arcades, marble columns, gran- 52 rue de l’Arbre Sec (1st). M Louvre – Rivoli.o diose statues, gildings … This symbol of Sec- 01 40 28 13 11. Daily: 2pm-6pm (Sun: 5pm), ond Empire architecture, designed by Charles except 1 Jan, 1 May and 25 Dec. ‘Discovery’ Garnier and indissociable from the Haussma- package (accessto wine cellars and temporary nian style, has inspired countless film direc- exhibition): free. ‘Classic’ package (guided tour tors and authors, including Gaston Leroux for in French or English and tasting of 3 wines)/full his famous novel The Phantom of the Opera. rate: €32. www.cavesdulouvre.com By day, the opera house is open for tours. The Rotonde des abonnés (Members’ Rotunda) plus… and the main staircase — ‘a monument within the monument’ — are an essential Carrousel du Louvre part of any visit. However, the highlight is Visitors can enjoy shopping and culture at the auditorium itself! Under a ceiling painted the Carrousel du Louvre, which boasts doz- by Chagall (1963) and a crystal chandelier ens of boutiques, direct access to the Lou- weighing eight tons, purple velvet chairs frame the impressive 1,200 m stage. At night,2 vre Museum and to the inverted Pyramid, the venue returns to its primary vocation as 14th-century chateau walls … Information a stage for operas, ballets and concerts. Any- and concierge services at reception. one with a sweet tooth should call in at the 99 rue de Rivoli (1st). M Palais Royal –o gift shop and buy some of the honey culti- Musée du Louvre. 01 43 16 47 10. vated in beehives on the roofs of the opera www.carrouseldulouvre.com house or take a seat at one of the tables of Comédie-Française – Salle Richelieu the ultra-stylish and modern Opéra Restau- The Comédie-Française was formed out of rant, designed by architect Odile Decq. the unification of the troupes of Molière and Place de l’Opéra (9th). M Opéra.o the Hôtel de Bourgogne in 1680. The prestig- 0 892 89 90 90 (€0.35/min). Daily: 10am- ious ‘Troupe des Comédiens-Français’ per- 5pm (10am-1pm/2pm on performance days forms works from a repertoire of 3,000 plays in the afternoon and 10am-7pm from mid-July at this mythical venue. to early Sept), except 1 Jan, 1 May, performance Place Colette (1st). M Palais Royal –o days in the morning and exceptional events. Musée du Louvre. 01 44 58 15 15. Full rate: €12/€14 (outside/during exhibition www.comedie-francaise.fr period). www.operadeparis.fr/visites 20 HISTORIC HEART