Grand Palais

The Basics

Situated just steps from the Champs-Élysées, the Grand Palais has been a major artistic and cultural destination for more than a century. A classified Historic Monument since 2000, the building is renowned for its opulent appeal; like the neighboring Petit Palais and Pont Alexandre III, it was originally created for the 1900 World’s Fair. In World War I, it was used as a hospital; though occupied by the Nazis in World War II, it also became a headquarters for the French Resistance. Following a lengthy period of renovation in the 1990s, the palace is now one of the city’s top cultural venues, and attracts upwards of 2 million visitors annually.

The Grand Palais is a popular and centrally located stop on hop-on hop-off bus tours, bike tours, and walking tours of the area, and its unique glass roof can also be glimpsed during Seine River cruises. Its two museums—the Galeries Nationales du Grand Palais (home to blockbuster art exhibitions) and the Palais de la Découverte (a family-friendly science museum)—are also worth discovering.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Avoid bringing luggage or large bags during your visit, as they are prohibited by the venue, even in the cloakroom area.

• The Grand Palais has several main entrances; visitors with reduced mobility should use the entrances at the Avenue du Général Eisenhower or at the Avenue Winston-Churchill.

• The Grand Palais is set to close for extensive renovations from 2020–2024, during which time a temporary venue will open on the Champ de Mars.

How to Get There

The Champs-Élysées - Clemenceau Métro station, which is served by lines 1 and 13, is mere steps away. Just across the Seine, the Invalides station (which is served by lines 8 and 13, as well as the RER C) is another option. The 28, 42, 52, 63, 72, 73, 80, 83, and 93 buses all stop nearby. As with most central Paris landmarks, it’s also reachable on foot, by taxi, or by Vélib’.

When to Get There

Opening hours at the Grand Palais vary among events, exhibitions, and museums, though the venue is most often closed on Tuesdays. Be sure to research specific opening times (and book tickets) in advance.

The 2024 Paris Olympics

The Grand Palais is slated to be host fencing, taekwondo, and other sporting events during the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Ways to explore

Situated steps from the Champs-Élysées, the Grand Palais is one of Paris’ top cultural venues, attracting millions of visitors annually. You don’t need a reservation to explore its mosaic-covered rotunda or light-filled nave, though activities such as art shows and historical tours are ticketed. Families, especially, enjoy the venue’s play areas, bookstore, and interactive exhibits.

If you’d like to combine your Grand Palais visit with additional sightseeing, it’s a popular stop on hop-on hop-off bus tours, Segway and bike tours, and walking tours of central Paris. Its eye-catching glass roof can also be glimpsed during Seine River cruises.

Accessibility

The Grand Palais is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, with accessible entrances and elevators to each floor. Wheelchairs and strollers are available for rent—contact the staff ahead of your visit to make arrangements.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Water bottle, camera, city guide

What to wear

Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes to navigate Paris’ highly walkable historic center.

Not allowed

Bulky bags and objects, outside food, tripods

Amenities

Restrooms, dining options, baby-changing stations, cloakroom, bookstore

Address

Located between the Seine and Champs-Élysées in Paris’ 8th arrondissement, the Grand Palais is a short walk from attractions such as the Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde. It’s also reachable by bike share, car, and public transportation.

Driving

Driving around central Paris can be stressful for visitors, so take a taxi or use a rideshare app to the Grand Palais instead; it’s within a 25-minute drive of most major Paris attractions.

Public transportation

Two Métro stations—Champs-Élysées-Clemenceau (lines 1 and 13) and Franklin D. Roosevelt (lines 1 and 9)—are mere steps away. Just across the Seine, the Invalides station (which serves lines 8 and 13, as well as the RER C) is another option.

Best times to visit

Unless you’re attending a ticketed event with a designated time slot, visit the Grand Palais midday to tour the venue and have lunch on-site.

Best days to visit

Timetables vary among events, exhibitions, and museums, though the Grand Palais is closed on Mondays. Plan your visit (and book tickets) in advance.

Best months to visit

December and early January are a fun time to visit the Grand Palais, as the nave is decked out with an ice-skating rink and holiday decorations.

Special events

The Grand Palais is known for its ever-changing events program, with annual highlights including the Taste of Paris in May and Art Paris in April.