Intricate carvings adorn the Pavillon du Roi. This building whispers tales of French royalty. It stands as a testament to centuries of history. The Pavillon du Roi was once the heart of the French monarchy. It formed part of the Louvre Palace. This tower-like structure was built in the mid-16th century. It served as the King’s primary apartment.
Pierre Lescot designed the Pavillon du Roi. His design was understated yet elegant. It echoed the Palazzo Farnese in Rome. The building’s arched windows became iconic. Generations of architects copied Lescot’s design. These windows are a hallmark of French classical architecture.
The ground floor housed the Royal Council chambers. In 1672 the Académie Française moved here. A small spiral staircase still exists. It connects the upper floors. Unfortunately it is inaccessible to the public.
The first floor held the King’s apartment. This included his bedroom and a grand ceremonial chamber. The King held court here. He received ambassadors in this special room. A renovation in 2021 restored access to these chambers. They were previously separated by a narrow corridor. To the east lay the King’s smaller cabinet. The Queen’s apartment was nearby. A corridor connected to the Petite Galerie and the Grande Galerie.
The second floor housed an apartment. Powerful relatives or officials used this. They included prominent figures like Cardinal Mazarin and Jean-Baptiste Colbert. The third floor was a belvedere. It offered stunning views. It was sometimes called the Grand Cabinet.
The 19th century brought significant changes. Pierre Fontaine redesigned the Pavillon du Roi. He removed the upper levels. This harmonized the building with the Louvre Colonnade. The interiors were entirely remodeled. The panelling and woodwork were moved. They now reside in the Colonnade Wing. They are part of the Department of Egyptian Antiquities. A large room now centers on the Venus de Milo. The salle des sept-cheminées is another remaining feature. Its decoration was completed in 1849-1851. The delicate colors were revealed after recent cleaning. The Pavillon du Roi remains largely unchanged since then. It stands as a powerful reminder of the French monarchy’s past glory. Its history echoes through its stones. The stories of kings and queens still linger within its walls.