Palais Royal

A key political meeting place during the upheaval.

The Palais Royal was a former royal residence located in Paris, which became a center for political activity during the early stages of the French Revolution. It housed various salons and was frequented by political activists, writers, and revolutionaries. The gardens and surrounding areas provided a space for public meetings and demonstrations, where ideas of reform and opposition to the monarchy were shared. This location played a significant role in mobilizing support for revolutionary activities, contributing to the broader social and political transformations of the era.

The Palais Royal (French: Royal Palace) in Paris played a significant role in the events leading up to and during the French Revolution. Originally constructed in 1629 as a royal residence for Cardinal Richelieu, it later became a center for intellectual and political activities. By the late 18th century, the Palais Royal was under the ownership of Louis Philippe II, Duke of Orléans. He transformed the palace grounds into a public commercial space, installing shops, restaurants, and theaters, drawing an eclectic mix of Parisians.

The gardens and arcades of the Palais Royal served as a vital forum for political discourse. In the period leading up to the Revolution, it became a gathering place for journalists, pamphleteers, and political agitators. The liberal atmosphere allowed for the free exchange of ideas, which included discussions critical of the monarchy and the existing social order. Consequently, the Palais Royal was often referred to as a hotbed of revolutionary sentiment.

One of the most notable events associated with the Palais Royal occurred on 12 July 1789. A young lawyer named Camille Desmoulins climbed onto a table in the gardens and delivered a passionate speech, urging the crowd to take up arms against the king’s troops. This impromptu rallying cry resonated with the assembled Parisians, who subsequently invaded the Hôtel des Invalides to acquire weapons, an act which led to the storming of the Bastille two days later (14 July 1789).

In addition to its role in fomenting revolutionary activity, the Palais Royal was also associated with radical publications. Radical newspapers such as 'L'Ami du peuple' by Jean-Paul Marat were printed and distributed from establishments within the Palais Royal. These publications were pivotal in shaping public opinion and rallying citizens to the revolutionary cause.

During the Revolution, the Palais Royal saw multiple changes in its usage and ownership. It was nationalized, and the commercial enterprises within its arcades continued to thrive, reflecting the social and economic transformation of the time. The palace itself, with its rich history and central location, remained a fixture in Revolutionary Paris, enduring through the changing times from monarchy to republic.

Overall, the Palais Royal's significance during the French Revolution is underscored by its role as a meeting place for revolutionaries, a site of impassioned oratory, and a venue for the proliferation of radical ideas.

Did you know?

Originally built as a residence for Cardinal Richelieu in the 1630s, the Palais Royal became a significant political hub during the French Revolution.
The gardens of the Palais Royal were the epicenter of revolutionary activities, where pamphleteers and speakers would gather, igniting passionate discussions among citizens.
Home to the famous Café de la Régence, the Palais Royal was frequented by influential figures, including philosophers like Diderot and Rousseau, who debated revolutionary ideas long before the Revolution's outbreak.
The Palais Royal was the site of the first public protests against the monarchy, with crowds gathering there to voice their discontent against King Louis XVI long before the storming of the Bastille.
During the revolutionary period, the Palais Royal's grand arcades transformed into shops and clubs, becoming a vibrant marketplace for ideas, food, and radical literature.