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 welcome the public to discover the world of wine via a The show begins with the facade of the Palais dedicated app or a guided tour. As is fitting, Garnier, one of the city’s most iconic build- the visit finishes with a wine tasting. ings. Polychrome arcades, marble columns, 52 rue de l’Arbre Sec (1st). M Louvre – Rivoli.o grandiose statues, gildings … This symbol of 01 40 28 13 11. Daily: 2pm-6pm (Sun: 5pm), Second Empire architecture, designed by except 1 Jan, 1 May and 25 Dec. ‘Discovery’ Charles Garnier and indissociable from the package (access to wine cellars and temporary Haussmanian style, has inspired countless exhibition): free. ‘Classic’ package (guided tour film directors and authors, including Gaston in French or English and tasting of 3 wines)/full Leroux for his famous novel The Phantom of rate: €32. www.cavesdulouvre.com the Opera. By day, the opera house is open for tours. The Rotonde des abonnés (Members’ plus… Rotunda) and the main staircase — ‘a monu- ment within the monument’ — are an essen- Carrousel du Louvre tial 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- This theatre company, originating from the rant, designed by architect Odile Decq. union of Molière’s troupe with that of the Place de l’Opéra (9th). M Opéra.o Hôtel de Bourgogne in 1680, has been per- 0 892 89 90 90 (€0.35/min). Daily: 10am- forming plays from the French repertory at 5pm (10am-1pm/2pm on performance days this landmark theatre since the end of the in the afternoon and 10am-6pm from mid-July 18th century. 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: €11/€12 (outside/during exhibition www.comedie-francaise.fr period). www.operadeparis.fr/visites 20 HISTORIC HEART