Shooting Around the Palais Royal, Paris

by - April 10, 2016


I love hanging out in Paris, but I always end up in the same places. When you have habits it's hard to get away from them, but after my hundredth afternoon break with a friend in the Jardin des Tuileries a few weeks ago, I decided it was a bit stupid to stick to the same areas all the time and that I should explore new surroundings. All this took me to the hidden gardens of the Palais Royal, in the 1st arrondissement. This area of Paris is super touristy because the Louvre and the neverending Rue de Rivoli (aka the ultimate shopper's dream) are nearby, and so are tourists who know about the Jardins du Palais Royal. Most people have already seen pictures of  the black and white striped Columns of Buren (there are 260 of them, see photo above), and this is the most famous feature of this area I think. I'd never seen them in real life before I went to take these photos, and surprisingly I find that the columns look really nice in the whole 'solemn buildings' landscape and add a touch of modern art without destroying the beauty of the place.

This blog post is going to be all about the surroundings of the Palais Royal; what you can see there if you're visiting Paris. I loved walking around to snap these shots, it is a super posh area so literally every little thing is more beautiful than everywhere else haha. Just see for yourself:

The Jardin du Palais Royal


'The sea is your mirror, you are contemplating your soul.'
First, I have to say a few words about the gardens themselves. They are hidden behind the beautiful Palais Royal, a baroque building dating to the 17th century. While the palace itself is used for instances of the government and not opened to visitors, the gardens are open every day and anybody can go there for a walk, to read a book sitting in one of the typical green chairs or lie on a bench to enjoy the rays of sunshine. Because the gardens are smaller than the usual Parisian park like the Tuileries or the Luxembourg, fewer people go there so these gardens are more peaceful and quiet.

The Galerie Vivienne


If you're wondering, yes, these photos were taken in the 21st century. Hard to believe it when you see this beautiful, old-fashioned setting! The Galerie Vivienne is one of those spots in Paris where it seems time has stopped. Galeries were very fashionable in the 19th century, full of little shops and a perfect shelter from the Parisian rain. Today, art galleries and fashion boutiques have replaced wine merchants, tailors and shoemakers. The most impressive shop in there is the old bookshop and its amazing display. I'd love to get myself a few of these books, if you've seen my Room Tour post you'll know that I love collecting these old volumes. 
The inside of the Galerie is just a wonder, with beautiful mosaics covering the ground and embossed sculptures on the arcades and the walls. The decor was inspired by Pompeian ornamentation, which was quite fashionable in the 19th century - you can see it from the carvings depicting women in togas, with wreath in their hands as if celebrating the gods and floating on the yellow stone beneath the dome.

If you want to see more of Parisian passages and galleries, be sure to check out this previous post featuring a few photos of these beautiful places. The Galerie Vivienne is by far the most beautiful I've seen, and I would recommend you to go there if you're around the Louvre area. Just a quick visit, but this is definitely something you won't see every day!


What do you think of this area of Paris? Have you ever visited it?

Lots of love,
Julia x

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22 commentaires

  1. I've never visited this area of Paris but the Galerie Vivienne looks so pretty :) xx

    Eleanorclaudie.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. It's indeed a very pretty Galerie, but few people know about it unfortunately! xx

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  2. I'd love to visit Paris someday! Great photos :)

    www.nomoretulips.blogspot.com

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  3. Such a gorgeous city, I so desperately want to visit again! I think you've picked out the best of it here xx

    Rags Of Love - Alternative Fashion and Lifestyle Blog

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    1. It's actually so hard to pick the best of Paris, because there are so many amazing things there :P xx

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  4. Love this!


    Check out my blog? wildvagabondss.blogspot.com
    Love, Jess xx

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  5. Beautiful photos! I've been to Paris a few times but never actually went to Palais Royal, have to put that on my list for next time. xx

    http://shakespeareandsparkle.com/

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    1. Yes, you should totally put it on your list! xx

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  6. The photographs make it look like this place belongs in a fairy tale- it's all so perfect. I really like the quote printed on the chair too. lovely post and lovely pictures, Julia xx

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    1. Thank you Georgia. When you look at it a certain way, it does feel like some kind of fairytale setting! xx

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  7. I've never been to Paris period, let alone this beautiful area, but I definitely want to go. It looks amazing. And your photos are very pretty.
    Much love,
    Mona

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    1. I hope I'll be in town the day you come to visit then! :D xx

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  8. Your photos are stunning! I've never been to Paris, but it's on my list, isn't it on everybody's? Lol

    RachelShuchatMakeup

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    1. Haha that's true, Paris is on everybody's bucket list - who can resist Notre Dame, bread and wine? ;) xx

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  9. Wow your photos are so lovely! I visited Paris a long time ago, when I was about 11 I think and I absolutely loved it. There's something really romantic about Paris - I can never really pin my finger on it x

    vvnightingale.com

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    1. I'm sure you'd love it even more if you came back now that you're older! :) xx

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  10. This makes me want to visit Paris even more ! Amazing pictures xx

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    1. Thank you Sophie, glad you like them! xx

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  11. Thanks Julia! (I always find it a bit funny to write that haha) xx

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  12. It's so pretty, I really need to go some day! I think your blog is lovely by the way, let me know if you would like to follow each other!

    adelelydia.blogspot.com

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  13. Your pictures are stunning! Makes me want to go to Paris :) xx
    www.chasingbelle23.blogspot.co.uk

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