MONUMENT

Assemblée Nationale - Palais Bourbon

126 rue de l'Université - 75007 Paris Musée d'Orsay - Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Tour Eiffel - Invalides

The centre of parliamentary life, the Assemblée Nationale seats 577 members of parliament who represent the French people. It legislates and controls the actions of the government, adopting some 100 laws per year. The Palais Bourbon, finished in 1728, was built for the Duchess of Bourbon by architects Giardini, Aubert, and Gabriel. The structure therefore evokes that of the Grand Trianon de Versailles. It was then updated by the Prince of Condé between 1765 and 1789. Declared as ‘property of the people’ in 1791, the Palais Bourbon had many different uses and had a national representation from 1795 with the Council of Five Hundred. The colonnade on the façade dates back to the Napoleonic era. The building’s transformation continued throughout the 19th century, particularly with the help of painter, Delacroix. Today, the Palais also displays numerous works of contemporary art.

Did you know?
Many sports personalities who have gone into politics have walked the aisles of the Palais Bourbon: Laura Flessel (double Olympic epee champion in 1996, then Minister for Sport), Guy Drut (Olympic 110m hurdles champion in 1976, then IOC member, minister and MP) and David Douillet (double Olympic judo champion in 1996 and 2000, then minister and MP). The National Assembly is where France's main legislative and Olympic acts are passed, the most recent being the adoption of the Olympic Law for the Paris 2024 Games.

Opening times and prices

More info about group visits:

The Palais-Bourbon is open to groups invited by a deputy. 50 people maximum. Free. Duration: 1 hr 30. Contact the Visits Department: [email protected]