Palace of Valence (Long Live The Republic)

The Palace of Valence, formerly known as the Imperial Palace of Valence, is a museum and palace in Paris, France. Built and designed by Céline de Valence, the palace was the residence of French imperial family and seat of the court for nearly 300 years. Construction of the building started in 1502, when Céline was still Countess of Paris and France had not been reunited yet and was completed in 1529.

After the fall of the monarchy and establishment of the First French Republic, the Palace was renamed Palace of the Republic and became the seat of the government, meeting place of the Parliament and residence of the the Consuls. After the restoration of the monarchy in 1836, it became the seat of the Imperial government again. In 1849, after the monarchy was abolished for a second time, the Palace became the residence of the President of France and again the meeting place of the French Parliament. In 1912, it was deciced the Palace would be turned into a museum and the Palace regained its old name. The palace opened in 1915 as a museum after the completion of the Presidential Palace and the new Palace of the Republic.

Recognized as one the masterpieces of French architecture, the Palace is one of the most visited tourist attractions in France and the world and was designated a World Heritage Site in 1989.