Palais Bourbon

The Basics

Designed by a series of celebrated architects (including Giardini, Aubert, and Gabriel) and inspired by Versailles’ Grand Trianon, the Palais Bourbon was initially created as an opulent royal residence. Seized during the French Revolution and declared a “palace of the people” in 1781, it has hosted French legislative bodies, from the Council of 500 to the National Assembly (Assemblée Nationale), for centuries. In 1806, the building’s recognizable, classical colonnade was added under Napoleon’s orders, while celebrated painter Eugène Delacroix contributed murals to several rooms.

Today, the French National Assembly features on historical Paris tours and can also be viewed from the water’s edge during Seine river cruises.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The French National Assembly is host to various contemporary art installations, including theSphere of Human Rights by sculptor Walter de Maria.

• While its colonnade is the Palais Bourbon’s most recognizable feature, its elegant Court of Honor (Cour d’Honneur) is its main entrance and features numerous sculptures.

• In addition to its main government rooms, the French National Assembly boasts a number of highly decorative salons, as well as an ornate library.

How to Get There

Located as it is in central Paris, the French National Assembly can be reached via multiple forms of transit. Take Metro line 12 to Assemblée Nationale station, take the RER C to Invalides, or use bus line 24, 63, 73, 83, 84, 93, or 94. The landmark can also be reached on foot, by car, or by Vélib’ bike.

When to Get There

The Palais Bourbon is open Monday–Saturday. It is, however, currently closed to individual visitors. Groups wishing to visit must be invited by a National Assembly delegate. Given its proximity to other major landmarks, including Invalides, the Place de la Concorde, and the Tuileries Garden, it is still worth stopping by to admire its opulent exterior.

The Hôtel de Lassay

Though it is less well known than the neighboring Palais Bourbon, the Hôtel de Lassay—part of the same palace complex and designed contemporaneously—is another landmark worth discovering. Home to the President of the National Assembly, the building was initially built for the Marquis de Lassay: the Duchesse de Bourbon’s lover.

Ways to explore

You can book a free guided tour of the National Assembly directly through its website. When the National Assembly is not in session, tours visit the entire Palais Bourbon, including the Festival Gallery, salons, hemicycle (debating chamber), and library. When the Assembly is sitting, you can attend a debate and tour the entrance halls and library.

If you don’t manage to book a tour, you can still see the Palais Bourbon’s exterior on a River Seine cruise or when on sightseeing tours on foot, by bike, or by golf cart.

Accessibility

The Palais Bourbon is wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

Tours may not be suitable for very young children; tours designed for children aged 8-13 are available on Saturdays and when the Assembly is not in session.

What to pack

Your ticket (printed or digital), proof of identity (it must match the name on the reservation)

What to wear

Dress smartly for a visit to the Palais Bourbon: scruffy visitors may be turned away.

Not allowed

Late arrival, groups of more than five people per registration

Amenities

Accessible restroom, bookstore

Address

The Palais Bourbon is in the well-heeled 7th arrondissement of Paris, close to the Pont de la Concorde bridge. It’s easy to reach by metro or bus.

Driving

From central Paris, take Boulevard Périphérique, exit onto Quai d’Orsay, then turn onto Rue de l’Université. Paid parking is available at Parking Invalides on Rue de Constantine.

Public transportation

Assemblée Nationale station, served by metro line 2, is a 2-minute walk from the Palais Bourbon. Bus routes 63, 73, and 83 also stop nearby.

Best times to visit

Mornings are typically most bustling.

Best days to visit

Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, when the Assembly is in session

Best months to visit

Any month except August, when lawmakers are away on summer vacation.

Special events

The Palais Bourbon participates in the European Heritage Days (Journées du Patrimoine), held annually in mid-September, and offers free tours of the Palais Bourbon and the Hôtel de Lassay, the official residence of the President of the National Assembly.