Palais des Tuileries

Famed for its gardens, the Tuileries Palace began as a medieval tile kiln before being transformed into a royal residence by Catherine de' Medici in the 16th century. Built between 1564 and 1572, it was originally intended as a private retreat for the queen. The palace was later expanded and refurbished, becoming a prominent royal residence during the reigns of Henry IV and Louis XIII. In the 17th century, Louis XIV relocated his court to the Palace of Versailles, relegating the Tuileries to a secondary residence.