Place de Valois: A Secret Courtyard in the 1st Arrondissement
Last Updated on 29th April 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
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Regal and imposing, the Place de Valois is tucked around in a little-known corner of the 1st arrondissement of Paris somewhere between the Colonnes de Buren and the Murano glass metro station entrance of Palais-Royal. Here’s how to visit, a brief history, as well as things to know before you go.
A brief history of Place de Valois
Situated steps away from the interior courtyards of Palais-Royal, Place de Valois is a sumptuous square which is seldom visited, even by Parisians themselves. Where the courtyard is now located was once the site for the former offices of the Palais-Royal.
In times gone by, the courtyard was named ‘Cour des Fontaines’ thanks to the presence of fountains in the square. The new name, Place de Valois, is taken from the courtyard’s position close to rue de Valois (which in turn is named for Duke of Valois, the man who would one day become Louis-Philippe I).
Today, the courtyard is car free and open plan, meaning that you can enjoy the fresh air easily. The main highlights of the Parisian square are Bistrot Valois and Galerie Patrick Fourtin. Those interested in seeing the artwork for sale can check out Galerie Patrick Fourtin’s website.
How to visit Place de Valois
If you’re looking to enjoy a chic drink surrounded by the walls of the courtyard, then you might want to stop and order a drink at one of the upmarket (with high prices to match) bistros to be found in the courtyard.
There’s Bistrot Valois, as well as the slightly better rated Le Lulli, which serves a variety of traditional French dishes.
In recent times, Square Valois has been used as the backdrop for several films and TV shows, including Emily in Paris, where the exterior of a property in the corner stands in as Emily’s work, i.e. the Savoir headquarters.
Nearby, one of the most beautiful metro stations in Paris can be found in the form of Palais-Royal. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you spot the stunning modern Murano Glass (from Italy) installation which forms an archway over the entrance to the metro.
Of course, being situated in the 1st arrondissement, there are plenty of other places of note nearby. Perhaps the most famous landmark and attraction in the 1er is that of the Louvre Museum, which of course, boasts the likes of the Winged Victory of Samothrace and the Mona Lisa.
The Jardin des Tuileries is also to be found in the 1st arrondissement, and is so-called thanks tot he fact that it’s situated on the site of a former tile factory. Between the Louvre and the Jardin des Tuileries, you’ll be able to spy the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, one of four triumphal arches in the city.
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