Palais Bourbon, Parliament building in 7th arrondissement, France.
Description
Palais Bourbon is a parliament building in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, standing on the left bank of the Seine and displaying a grand neoclassical colonnade with twelve columns along its northern facade. Inside, conference rooms, administrative offices and the central assembly chamber spread across the complex, while several interior courtyards bring natural light into the corridors.
History
Construction began in 1722 under commission by Louise-Françoise de Bourbon, with Pierre Cailleteau, Lorenzo Giardini and Robert de Cotte working on the design. After the Revolution the building became the seat of the National Assembly, and architects later added the colonnade facade to align the structure with the Madeleine church across the river.
Culture
The name recalls the noble Bourbon family whose member commissioned the building, though today the assembly chamber serves as the center of French democracy. Representatives sit in semicircular rows that encourage dialogue across political groups, and visitors watching from the gallery can see how the seating arrangement shapes debate.
Practical
Guided tours through the building are available on days when no sessions take place, and advance booking through the National Assembly website is recommended. Visitors should bring valid identification and allow time for security checks at the entrance before entering the public areas.
Did you know?
The library holds volumes and manuscripts seized from aristocratic collections during the French Revolution. Some of the original interior decoration dates from the 18th century and displays paintings showing mythological and allegorical scenes.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (7th arrondissement of Paris).
Hôtel de Lassay
108 m
Bibliothèque de l'Assemblée Nationale
15 m
Institut Néerlandais
114 m
Mirabeau répondant à Dreux-Brézé
16 m
Sphere of Human Rights
65 m
Henri François d'Aguesseau
46 m
Hôtel Turgot
112 m
Jean-Baptiste Colbert
52 m
Law
172 m
Michel de L'Hospital
43 m
Athena
33 m
Minerva
37 m
Sully
48 m
4 place du Palais-Bourbon, Paris
165 m
8 place du Palais-Bourbon, Paris
203 m
6-6bis place du Palais-Bourbon, Paris
185 m
9-11 place du Palais-Bourbon, Paris
198 m
7-7bis place du Palais-Bourbon, Paris
187 m
5 place du Palais-Bourbon, Paris
169 m
2 place du Palais-Bourbon, Paris
168 m
1-3 place du Palais-Bourbon, Paris
163 mThémis
37 mPromesse de Bonheur
34 mLe Suffrage Universel
48 mL'ordre public
48 mMontesquieu
73 m
PA_1450
41 mArmelle C.
86 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes